After the first round of applications for the Bartlesville Public Schools Foundation’s teacher grant program, teachers across seven of the nine schools have received almost $25,000 in funds! To date, the grants have included numerous Classroom and Science grants, a performing arts grant, and two Experts in Residence Grants.
The Foundation’s teacher grant program, “Bruin Bright Ideas,” is designed to empower educators, engage students, and enrich learning opportunities within Bartlesville Public Schools.
This fall, the Foundation provided support for sixteen innovative classroom projects spanning the areas of art, science, physical education, early childhood development and language arts. Bruin Bright ideas range from puppets to a glow lab, to CO2 sensors. We’re supporting student-led initiatives like a gaga court at Central Middle School and a 9th grade anthology assignment.
The Foundation also funded two Experts in Residence grants this fall. One covered the costs for advanced art students to spend the day at Woolaroc with artist Sonya Terpening, and one to bring Miss Oklahoma to Wilson Elementary to speak with 4th and 5th graders about the importance of empathy and friendship.
Through the Foundation’s Dora Randolph Performing Arts Grant, the Foundation is supporting the BPS choir, band, and orchestra students as well as anyone who uses the Fine Arts Center at BHS by funding a significant microphone upgrade at the facility. 
Thanks to local individual donations and grants, including a partnership with the Northern Oklahoma American Chemical Society to fund science grants, the Foundation was able to increase its budget for Bruin Bright Ideas this year to meet the recent rise in demand. Several grant cycles are still open and will remain open for the remainder of the school year, including the Professional Growth Grants and Experts Grants.
For more stories about how Foundation grants empower teachers, engage students, and enrich learning across the District, including complete lists of funded grants, and for information on how you can support these programs, contact BPSF executive director, Blair Ellis at 918-336-8600 ext 3523 or visit the BPSF’s website at bpsfoundation.org.