Application Guidelines:
Application Period: September 2, 2025 – September 30, 2025
Grant Amounts: $200 – $2,000
Eligibility: Open to all Avery County teachers and school counselors
Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025

Grant recipients will be announced during the Avery County Board of Education meeting on October 14, 2025. Following the announcement, funds will be dispersed promptly to ensure projects can move forward without delay.

Program Overview

The Avery County Young Professionals (ACYP) are committed to supporting educators in their efforts to create innovative, impactful, and effective learning environments. Through our Avery County Educator Grants, we provide funding to teachers and school counselors who are shaping the future of our community by investing in our students. These grants aim to empower educators, inspire creativity, and support impactful projects that improve learning outcomes across Avery County Schools.

Program Goals

• Empower Educators: Provide teachers and counselors with financial support to enhance classrooms and create exceptional learning opportunities.
• Encourage Innovation: Foster creative and impactful teaching methods that go beyond traditional instruction.
• Invest in the Future: Support the development of students and future leaders by strengthening the local education system.

Grant Details

Funding Range: $200 – $2,000 per approved grant

• Eligible Applicants: Teachers and school counselors within the Avery County School System
• Principal Approval: All applications require principal sign-off before submission
• Allowable Expenses: Classroom enhancements, educational tools, specialized training, equipment, technology, field trips, curriculum materials, and innovative learning initiatives
• Ineligible Expenses: Grants cannot be used to pay staff wages, salaries, or stipends
• Implementation Timeline: Funded projects must include actionable items that are completed before the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Application Requirements

To be considered for funding, applicants must:

• Complete the application form in full
• Obtain principal approval prior to submission
• Submit a detailed budget outlining expenses
• Provide a clear explanation of project goals, expected outcomes, and how funds will be used
• Agree to submit a testimonial (written, video, or in-person) after the project concludes
• Provide outcome data to measure project success

Outcome & Accountability Requirements

ACYP places a strong emphasis on measurable impact and transparency. Approved applicants are required to provide the following:

1. Testimonial Requirement
   1. A video testimonial, written statement, or in-person testimonial showcasing project outcomes.
2. Outcome Data, options include the following:
   1. Student attendance improvements
   2. Test score performance
   3. Student or parent feedback
   4. Participation levels in activities or events
   5. Other relevant metrics based on project objectives

Outcome measures will be determined by the applicant but must be documented and reported.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed and selected by the Avery County Young Professionals Grants Committee based on the following criteria:

• Demonstrated need for funding
• Impact on students, classrooms, and/or the school community
• Level of innovation in the proposed project
• Feasibility of implementation and completion by the deadline