SPIE CAREER EDUCATION GRANT
$500 - $2500 Grants are available! 
2023-2024 APPLICATION CYCLE: 
August 1st - September 15th
*SCROLL DOWN TO APPLY*

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"This grant was wonderful. It allowed us to bring more
​dynamic and impactful career assemblies to our school."
-Amber Rogers/Keyes Elementary - Past SPIE Grant Recipient

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Career Education Grant Overview

SPIE’s Career Education Grant offers funding opportunities to our Stanislaus County K-12 educational partners who create innovative and impactful programs that promote vocational awareness (grades K-6) and career exploration opportunities (grades 7-12) for their students. The intention of this award is to help equip young scholars with the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to make informed decisions about future potential career pathways. SPIE’s goal is to support proposals that go beyond traditional classroom instruction; incorporating experiential, hands-on, and interactive learning approaches. Classroom Teachers, Career Navigators, CTE Instructors, School Administrators, Librarians, Guidance Counselors, Coaches & PE Teachers, Fine Arts Instructors, and STEM Teachers are all encouraged to apply.

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Career Education Grant Guidelines

• ​Grant proposals may be written for any amount from $500 - $2,500 and can be submitted by Stanislaus County K-12th grade educators.
• Individual applicants may submit only one grant proposal.
• The deadline for proposal submission is September 15, 2023. 
• Grant winners will be notified by the beginning of October.
• Grantees are required to review and sign a Commitment Form outlining the terms and conditions of the award. Grant checks will not be issued until this form is completed and submitted to SPIE.
• Grantees are to ensure that all activities and expenditures funded by the grant align with the career-focused learning program as stated in the grant proposal.
• Grantees must manage their grant funds responsibly, adhering to the approved budget outlined in the grant proposal.
• Grantees should collaborate with other community organizations and businesses to enhance the program's impact.
• Grantees should design appropriate evaluation methods to measure the effectiveness of the career-focused learning program.
• Upon completion of the grant-funded program, but no later than April 26, 2024, Grantees must provide 2-5 digital photos, a detail itemized budget, and a one-page Grant Summary Report explaining the outcomes, challenges faced, lessons learned, and overall impact of the grant. 
• Noncompliance Clause: In the unlikely event the Grantee fails to utilize the grant funding as outlined in their grant proposal or fulfill all the requirements of their grant, SPIE reserves the right to invoke the following noncompliance provisions:
  • ​Grant Fund Repayment: The Grantee shall be liable to repay the grant funds received in their entirety.
  • Suspension of Future Funding: SPIE may suspend any future funding opportunities for the grantee.
  • Reconsideration and Appeal: The Grantee may request reconsideration or appeal of the non-compliance determination. Reconsideration requests must be received no later that two weeks after the first notification from SPIE of noncompliance. The grantor's decision on the appeal will be final and binding.

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"My students were extremely engaged, challenged and had so much fun. Thank you very much for this opportunity. Without the SPIE grant, my students would not have learned so much about STEM opportunities and engineering."
-Brittany Joachim/Salida Middle School - Past SPIE Grant Recipient

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​Career Focused Education by Grade Level

Primary School Focus is Career Awareness. Career Awareness education for grades K-6 is an approach that introduces young students to the world of work and helps them develop essential skills, interests, and knowledge related to various careers. While the primary focus during these early years of education is on holistic development and foundational skills, integrating career awareness can be beneficial in fostering curiosity, exploration, and a sense of purpose. It's important to note that while career-focused education in grades K-6 can introduce students to different careers, it should not prematurely push them towards making career choices. The primary goal is to inspire curiosity, provide exposure, and cultivate a foundation for lifelong learning and career exploration.

​Middle and High School Focus is Exploration of Career Pathways. Exploration of Career Pathways for students in grades 7-12 is crucial as they start considering their future educational and career choices. During this period, career exploration should be more focused and comprehensive, providing students with opportunities to explore different industries, gain practical experience, and make informed decisions. By providing comprehensive career exploration opportunities and support during grades 7-12, students can gain a deeper understanding of their interests, strengths, and aspirations. This exploration helps them make informed decisions about their educational pathways and prepares them for successful transitions into postsecondary education, career training, or the workforce.

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Ready To Apply?

The following downloads are provided to assist you with
achieving a more successful Career Ed Grant application outcome.

CEG Scoring Criteria

CEG Application Guide

Please click below for the SPIE Career Education Grant online application:

APPLY HERE

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Questions regarding the grant application process may be directed to 
SPIE's Grant Coordinator, Courtney Ringsted, at CourtneyR.SPIE@gmail.com.

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"We greatly appreciate your support! Thank you so much for the opportunities SPIE makes possible for our students!"
-Brad Cornwell/Enochs High School - Past SPIE Grant Recipient

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Congratulations to the 2022-2023 SPIE Career Ed Grant Recipients!

View list here: 
​ 2022-2023

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