Grant

National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA)
Gulf Coast Chapter
Okaloosa County Math and Science
2007 ACCELerator Grants Program

The NDIA Gulf Coast Chapter (NDIA GCC) is pleased to announce the initiation of the ACCEL Grants Program.   The purpose of this program is to foster enthusiasm for math and science in Okaloosa County Schools.  The program will accomplish this by offering grants up to $1000 to Okaloosa County school teachers who successfully propose classroom projects or programs which demonstrate creativity and innovation in teaching math and science.  ACCEL grant applications will also be considered from tax-exempt/non-profit organizations seeking to advance math and science learning for Okaloosa County children.
Beginning 5 September 2007, detailed application guidelines for the ACCEL Grant program will be available at the NDIA Gulf Coast Chapter web site:  www.ndiagulfcoast.com.  All teachers and qualifying organizations are encouraged to apply. There will be a preference for initiatives focused on middle school aged children.
ACCEL grant applications will be accepted up to close of business 28 September, 2007.  In the first week of October 2007, an NDIA Gulf Coast Chapter committee will convene to select the most deserving projects.  The awardees will be notified and selection committee results will be posted on the web site not later than 10 October 2007.  Up to 20 individual ACCEL grants will be awarded, with planned disbursement mid-November 2007.  The number of grants will be dependant on funding.  NDIA GCC reserves the right to cancel this program at any time.  Grants made prior to cancellation will not be affected by cancellation.

Application Guidelines

Goal: To foster enthusiasm for math and science in Okaloosa County Schools.
Eligibility:  Applications will be accepted from Okaloosa County School teachers and from tax exempt/non-profit associations seeking to advance math and science learning for Okaloosa County children.
Dates:
5 September 2007:  Application material available www.ndiagulfcoast.com
28 September 2007:  Last day to submit application by email to elizabeth.thorn@eglin.af.mil
5-9 October 2007:  Recipients Notified.
15 November 2007:  Grants disbursed

Application Package Requirements

To be considered, ACCEL grant applications must include the following information:

1. Completed applicant information form with applicant and supervisor signatures, with 2-4 attached.
2. A one page description of the proposed project or program on an 8.5” x 11” sheet, 1” margins, single spaced, 12 pitch Times New Roman font.
3. Up to two 8.5” x 11” pages of supporting information such as pictures and figures that help describe the proposed program.
4. One 8.5” x 11” page of supporting information that justifies the requested grant amount, up to $1000. In exceptional circumstances, NDIA will consider awarding one additional grant (maximum of two) to a single applicant if the application package is of superior quality and it clearly shows how the additional grant is necessary to complete the goals of the proposed project or program.
5. Signed Agreement to provide feedback on benefits derived from use of the grant not later than 30 June 2008.

Criteria:  ACCEL Grant applications will be judged according to the following criteria:

1. Promotes interest and passion in math and science
2. Makes math and science more fun to learn
3. Demonstrates real life application of math and science
4. Exposes students to representative math and science career fields
5. Significant use of “hands on” activity
6. Completeness of application package
7. Age of students to benefit
8. Number of students to benefit.

Application Submittal and Questions:  Completed applications should be emailed to Elizabeth.thorn@eglin.af.mil