APPLY FOR ACLASSROOM MINI-GRANT
Now Seeking Sponsors for Our2nd Annual Event
Applications for our second annual Huddle Up for Teachers initiative will be open from Monday, Nov. 10, through Wednesday, Dec. 10. The initiative awards $250 mini-grants to help Waco ISD’s Dean Highland, JH Hines, Provident Heights, and West Avenue elementary school teachers purchase classroom supplies. A total of 40 mini-grants will be awarded to 10 teachers from each school.
During our first-ever award cycle in January, 37 teachers received $250 mini-grants, totaling $9,250, to help purchase essential classroom supplies—needs that teachers often cover out of their own pockets. These grants directly support educators who go above and beyond to create engaging, well-equipped learning environments for their students. We are looking forward to awarding more teachers in January 2026!
Who can apply for these grants?
Elementary school classroom teachers at Dean Highland, JH Hines, Provident Heights, and West Avenue elementary schools are eligible to receive a mini-grant. A total of 40 mini-grants will be awarded to 10 teachers at each school.
How much are the grants?
Mini-Grants are $250 for each teacher to purchase classroom supplies.
Grant Application and Award Period
Teachers from eligible schools can apply between Monday, Nov. 10, and Wednesday, Dec. 10. Grants will be awarded to the winners in January 2026 to help replenish classroom supplies for the new semester.
How can the money be used?
Teachers can spend the money on classroom supplies and materials they need to help students and enrich learning such as on consumable supplies, educational aids, and student needed items (hygiene, supplies, etc).
Helping TeachersFill the Gap
Helping TeachersFill the Gap
Studies show that 93% of teachers nationwide spend their own money on classroom supplies, averaging more than $900 each year to ensure their students have what they need to thrive. In Texas, the situation is even more challenging—teachers here spend an average of $1,396 each year from their personal budgets to fill resource gaps.
Our goal is to alleviate some of this financial burden and help replenish school supplies by awarding these mini-grants mid-year. Teachers aren’t just spending at the beginning of the year, and by covering expenses for instructional materials, art supplies, books, and more, these grants will enable teachers to create an engaging and well-resourced learning environment year-round.
Huddle Up for Teachers reflects our commitment to filling a vital need in classrooms, recognizing the tremendous dedication of teachers, and empowering students with resources that can inspire them to reach their full potential.
Did You Know
$1,396
is the average annual amount
Texas teachers spend of their own
money on classroom supplies
%
of teachers said their primary source for back-to-school supplies was out-of-pocket spending
%
of teachers in 2024 felt guilty about not being able to allocate more funds for classroom supplies
%
of teachers spend their own money on supplies for students and classrooms
%
of teachers said their classroom learning environment would suffer if they stopped spending their own money on supplies
SPONSOR CLASSROOM MINI-GRANTS
Why sponsor?
Sponsoring teacher mini-grants is a powerful way to directly impact education and invest in the future. By supporting these grants, sponsors help equip teachers with essential resources that enhance classroom experiences and support student success. Teachers often spend their own money on supplies, and your sponsorship will relieve that financial burden. This contribution doesn’t just help teachers—it boosts student motivation, enriches learning outcomes, and strengthens our communities by investing in young minds.
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2025 Huddle Up for Teachers Photos
