“The Hovercraft Project not only sparks excitement in the classroom, but it also builds critical thinking and collaboration skills that students will carry with them long after the day is over,” said Executive Director Ann Marie Harvey. “It’s one of the many ways we aim to inspire a lifelong love of learning through hands-on, innovative experiences.”
Making a Difference: The Impact of the Hoover City Schools Foundation
Discover how the Hoover City Schools Foundation transforms education!
Did you know that schools which incorporate hands-on STEM programs report a 70% increase in student engagement and interest in these fields​?
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR DIAMOND & PLATINUM LEVEL SPONSORS:
Teacher Grants
Since 1994, the Hoover City Schools Foundation has empowered teachers by providing grants for innovative classroom projects. Each year, the Foundation reviews numerous proposals that seek funding to launch or enhance educational initiatives. For the 2024-25 school year, the Foundation has awarded 18 grants totaling $33,347.48 across 12 Hoover schools. These grants help bring creative ideas to life, offering students unique learning experiences that go beyond the standard curriculum.
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Explore the 2024-2025 recipients of the Teacher Classroom Grants below to see how these educators are making a difference:
2024 - 2025 Teacher Classroom Grants
These grants reflect the Foundation’s commitment to fostering educational innovation, providing teachers with the resources to enrich their classrooms and enhance student learning.
What Our Educators Say
Janet Ort
Hoover HS AP Environmental Science Teacher
“The Hoover City Schools Foundation has enabled me to tackle projects beyond the scope of normal labs and field work. Monies awarded for specific projects encourage us to dream big and form partnerships. In the past, I have used grants for environmental sensors, drones, outdoor classroom learning stations, solar hot water and photovoltaic panels and field equipment, to name a few. In each case, students gained not only content knowledge but hands-on experience designing methods of measurement and analysis. Students have been able to expand those experiences into competitive, problem-based research projects.”
Anna Leigh Moncrief
South Shades Crest Elementary
“Throughout my years in Hoover, the Hoover City Schools Foundation has been responsible for a number of projects at my school, including communication boards for our playground, a communication device for the speech therapy room, and schoolwide picture books that emphasize inclusion and understanding of students with various communication abilities. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, my passion is giving every student a voice. It is clear that the Hoover City Schools Foundation cares about our students and helping each student maximize their experience in the Hoover City School system.”
The Hovercraft Project
Igniting Curiosity and Collaboration Through Hands-On Learning
For the past several years, the Hoover City Schools Foundation has proudly sponsored The Hovercraft Project for all fifth graders across our elementary schools. This exciting, day-long, in-school field trip provides students with everything they need to build their own hovercraft, which they get to ride by the end of the day. Through this hands-on experience, students learn valuable skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and resilience as they navigate both failures and successes.
Along with our partners, the Foundation is funding this innovative project again for the 2024-25 school year.Â
Community Engagement
The Hoover City Schools Foundation is deeply committed to fostering both community involvement and student well-being through a variety of impactful initiatives. Throughout the year, we participate in local events like Taste of Hoover,Â
Student Support
Another key focus area is Intervention, where we support Hoover City Schools in promoting substance abuse education, mental health awareness and anti-bullying programs. We work closely with school counselors and administrators to ensure students who need intervention receive the help they need in the classroom. Our efforts include hosting Drug Awareness Breakfasts at middle schools in collaboration with local law enforcement and organizing Parent University events at both high schools to address critical topics relevant to teens and their families.
Together, these initiatives exemplify our dedication to both the academic and personal success of Hoover students, while strengthening the bond between schools and the broader community.
Supporting Professional Development for Educators
The Hoover City Schools Foundation is committed to enhancing the professional growth of our teachers by providing grants for valuable development opportunities. One example is the $1,000 grant awarded to the science department at Spain Park High School, which helped fund their trip to Nashville during spring break. There, the team participated in and presented at the National Science Teachers Association National Conference, a premier event for science educators. By supporting these kinds of experiences, the Foundation empowers teachers to stay at the forefront of educational innovation and bring new ideas back to their classrooms.
Stay Connected with the Hoover City Schools Foundation
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