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Donate to Educator Innovation Grants

Turning Educator Ideas Into Student Opportunities

The best learning experiences often begin with an educator who sees a new opportunity for students to explore, create, and grow.

Through KSDEF Educator Grants, teachers and staff receive funding to implement innovative ideas and deliver engaging learning experiences in Kearney School District classrooms. These grants support projects that extend beyond traditional resources, providing students with unique opportunities in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), Literacy, Social Studies, and countless other areas of learning.

Each year, KSD educators apply for grants to bring their creative concepts to life. From hands-on projects and new classroom tools to experiences that inspire curiosity and collaboration, these opportunities help teachers provide meaningful learning experiences for students.

Since its creation, KSDEF Educator Grants have supported classrooms across Kearney School District by helping educators introduce new resources, innovative teaching strategies, and memorable experiences that positively impact students, teachers, and families.

These opportunities are made possible because of generous donors who believe in investing in our educators and students. When you support KSDEF, you help turn “we wish we could” into “we can” and make new possibilities available for Kearney students.

Support Educator Grants and help bring the next great classroom idea to life.

Congratulations to our 2026-27 Educator Innovation Grants Recipients!  

Angela Paul - Kearney Elementary - "Project-Based Learning"

Xandria Obico - Dogwood Elementary - "Morning Melodies: Build Your Own Ukulele"

Dani Kiely - Dogwood Elementary - "Social Emotional Learning"

Katy Foster - Hawthorne Elementary - "From Ideas to Impact: 3D Printing for Hands-On Learning"

Eric Todd - Kearney Academy - "Science and Sensory through Horticulture"

Kristen Campbell - Kearney Elementary - "Pickleball for All: Equipment for Elementary Physical Education"

Jennifer Marker - Kearney Elementary - "IMSE Decodables"

Clarissa Bosky - Kearney Elementary - "Empowering Children Through Independent Play: Let Grow Club"

Shannan Ashcroft - Kearney Elementary - "3rd Grade Wax Museum"

Kelsey Colwell - Kearney High School - "PLTW and Anatomy/Physiology Phlebotomy Arms"

Kassidy Robertson - Kearney High School FACS Department - "Kitchen Gadget Improvements"

Cory Hanavan - Kearney High School - "From Screen to Shop: Integrating 3D Printing into Woodworking"

Amy Roberts - Kearney High School RISE Program - "Cooking with a Flat-Top Electric Stove"

Rebecca Shaheen & Jamie Luppes - Southview Elementary - "From Box to Brilliance: Cardboard Cutters for Creation"

Julie Overmeyer-  Southview Elementary - "How Do Plants Grow? Evidence-Based Investigations Using Hydroponic Systems"

Elizabeth Harrahill - Southview Elementary - "Early Word Builders: A Hands-On Literacy Initiative"