LOGAN — Northern Utah educators have an opportunity to apply for classroom funding through a statewide grant program offering $1,000 awards to support innovative projects.
Mountain America Credit Union, in partnership with Utah First Lady Abby Cox’s Show Up for Teachers initiative, has opened applications for its second annual educator grant program. The initiative will award a total of $40,000, with 40 teachers across Utah each receiving $1,000.
Applications are open through May 20 and are available to any K-12 educator employed in Utah.
Marisa Bernards, director of the Mountain America Foundation, said the partnership builds on nearly a decade of the credit union’s support for teachers while expanding its reach.
“We’ve been giving educator grants since 2016,” Bernards said. “The main difference here is that we’re partnering with this event to really amplify the impact, to reach more educators.”
The grants are intended to fund specific classroom projects, with applicants asked to outline how the money would be used and the impact it would have on student learning. Projects in past years have ranged from hydroponic growing systems and coding technology to classroom supplies and career and technical education materials.
“We’re really looking for innovative classroom projects,” Bernards said. “So many educators have creative ideas but don’t always have the resources to make them happen.”
Applications are reviewed anonymously by a committee of Mountain America employees from various departments. Submissions are evaluated based on innovation, sustainability, and the potential impact on students.
Bernards said the program is designed to invest directly in student success by supporting educators.
“When you put resources in the hands of educators, they make magic happen,” she said. “You’re investing in the future of our state.”
Applicants do not need to be members of Mountain America Credit Union to apply, though recipients will be asked to join if selected.
Winners will be notified in June and recognized during the Show Up for Teachers conference on July 9 at the Mountain America Expo Center.
The conference, organized through the First Lady’s broader Show Up initiative, is a free event aimed at celebrating educators and providing professional resources.
Teachers can apply online at macu.com/showup.