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Curiosity Grants

The Vicksburg Community Schools Foundation has a program that allows students from any grade level, to apply for a special grant that would support innovation. Grants generally range in amounts from $50.00 to $250.00. It is possible however, that projects may be considered for a larger amount, if funding allows.

Sunset Lake Elementary students enjoying the "Science on the Go!" presentation made possible by a Curiosity Grant requested by Brannon Leitch

2010-11 Grant Recipients

The Board approved four student grants, one middle school, one high school and two elementary Curiosity Grants for a total of $1,306.

Katie Wells-Schmidt, Kelcey Cook, Tailynn Knapp (Grade 3) at Sunset Lake Elementary - $250 awarded in 2010 for a class trip to the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and Planetarium. Adult Mentor: Jenny Taylor, Sunset Lake Teacher.

Indian Lake Kids Klub (Various Grades) at Indian Lake Elementary - $250 awarded in 2010 for knitting supplies. The children knitted hats and scarves for the annual South County Community Services holiday party. Adult Mentor: Hollie Smith, Indian Lake Teacher.

Taylor Schmidt (Grade 11) - $500 awarded in 2011 for CPR classes to be taught at Vicksburg High School. Adult Mentor: Toni Thole, MS/HS Teacher.

Kortney Klimp and Cheyenne Gouin (Grade 8) - $306 awarded in 2011 for a visit to the "Bodies Revealed" exhibit at the Van Andel Museum in Grand Rapids and a visit to the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Adult Mentor: Lisa Harbour, MS Teacher.

Grant Guidelines

Grants must be for educational purposes and we encourage creativity.

High School/Middle School group applicants must submit individual grant applications and appoint one student as the contact who will also submit a summary giving details of total funds requested, etc. Funding for trips, club trips, or competitions submitted by teachers/mentors will not be considered, with the exception of elementary age applicants who will be permitted to have the teacher/mentor as a lead in their project and the application process. Funding to attend camps will not be considered.

Applicants may apply each year, however, previous year recipients may receive lower priority in the allocation of grant funds. (The VCSF reserves the right to fund any special request throughout the year.)

If the project is not completed, award monies will be returned to the VCSF. Equipment purchases entirely with grant monies will become the property of Vicksburg Community Schools. Partially funded equipment purchases will be discussed with the applicant prior to grant award for clarification of ownership. Instructions will be given on how to secure the release of the grant award depending upon the project proposed.

How to Apply

Complete instructions on the application process are included with each application form. To download a PDF version of the Curiosity Grant Application, click here.

You can also stop by the Foundation office located at the Assistant Superintendent's office, in the Administration Building.

If you have any questions, please call Amy Manchester @ (269) 321-1006.