Jake Steve, an eighth-grade science teacher at Olympia Middle School in Olympia CUSD 16, has received a $1,000 grant through WGU’s “Fund My Classroom” initiative. The funds will be used to purchase materials for his students to engineer their own model cars and use them to test out different variables that make a car speed up and slow down. Steve learned he was selected for the grant on May 11 when WGU staff surprised him with a check presentation at his school.

Steve believes that engaging in hands-on science activities will help students understand how scientific knowledge develops, with such direct involvement giving them an appreciation of the wide range of approaches used to investigate, model and explain the world. The grant money received from WGU will allow Steve to obtain the materials needed for his students to engineer their own model cars to further examine force and velocity – two concepts they are taught as part of the course curriculum. He hopes the project will not only pique students’ curiosity and capture their interest, but also motivate their continued study and help them recognize that the work of scientists and engineers is a creative process.

The innovative classroom project is one of 27 across Illinois chosen by WGU to receive funding. The nonprofit, fully online university issued a call in March for K-12 teachers across the state to nominate proposed classroom projects by April 17 for the opportunity to receive full or partial funding through its “Fund My Classroom” initiative. Steve’s proposal is one of more than 80 nominations received statewide. Most grants were awarded during Teacher Appreciation Week, which ran from May 2-6. 

“We received nominations for some amazing classroom projects, and we are happy to bring so many to life through this year’s ‘Fund My Classroom’ initiative,” said Dr. Terrance Hopson, Regional Director of Western Governors University. “When it comes to expanding classroom curriculum and employing innovative techniques to engage and challenge students, teachers are often limited by costs. This initiative is an opportunity for WGU to give back to teachers, who go above and beyond to educate our students, by providing them with funding they can use to further enhance learning both in and out of the classroom.” 

To learn more about the “Fund My Classroom” initiative and the work WGU is doing to help teachers advance their careers, visit wgu.edu.