Educator Grants
The GEF Innovation Grant funds impacted both my students and me tremendously. It deepened my understanding of how to design a project that would increase the participation, engagement and learning of my students. For my students, it deepened their understanding of the engineering process and the collaboration it requires when designing a project.
The Goleta Education Foundation believes that every child should have the chance to excel in school and build character. To that end, GEF pursues resources with equity of opportunity in mind, taking into account the unique needs of the Goleta Valley education community. We promote ancillary programs that enhance the opportunity for enrichment experiences that contribute to academic and personal success.
Innovation Grants
GEF is proud to support Goleta Union School District (GUSD) educators who are pioneers in the field of education. By submitting an innovative idea, teachers have an opportunity to receive support for their impact on students’ learning. In alignment with our mission and values, GEF awards Innovation Grants up to $2500 to GUSD educators. Grants cover a wide range of areas, including but not limited to: Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM), social-emotional development, and character education.
Professional Development Scholarships
GUSD educators are experts in their fields. We encourage and support educators who seek to pursue ongoing learning opportunities beyond school site and district level professional development. We recognize that differences bring strength to GUSD.
GEF funds meaningful professional development to enrich the education of GUSD students. We look for thoughtful proposals that include tangible ways to share new learning with GUSD colleagues and to incorporate new learnings into teaching practices.
As an educator, I was reminded to think outside of the box when tried and true solutions were not effective. In my role as a school psychologist I work with students with varying degrees of need. Thanks in part to my administrators who allowed me the flexibility to intensify this intervention to meet the needs of the students, and the receipt of this grant that allowed me to purchase the tools that were necessary for teaching, I have learned that I have many options to address student issues that impact learning.
I am immensely grateful for this grant, for the impact that it is having, and for the lessons I am learning along the way. Thank you GEF for funding this project and supporting my idea! It is undoubtedly having a positive impact on Goleta students.
Thank you to our 2023-2024 Educator Grant sponsors!
Summer and Fall 2024 Educator Grants
Goleta educators continue to go above and beyond to support students! Two teachers, Chad Smith and Iain Garcia, will be teaching ukulele to their classes. With grant funds to purchase class sets of ukuleles, sheet music, tuners, and more, these two are bringing...
The Science of Sound
All nine STEAM teachers received funds for books, storage tubs, beakers, jingle bells, drum sticks, and the supplies for making drums and kazoos.
Spring 2024 Educator Grant Recipients
This spring, Goleta Union School District educators showed their passion for professional development.
