Grants

The Association for Learning Environments does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status, or any other restricting classification in its selection of scholarships.

2026 Innovation in Learning Environments Grant

The Kansas City Chapter is proud to support efforts in education innovation by funding the work of teachers, administrators and schools to bring new ideas and opportunities to learners in our area. Up to four $2,000 Innovation in Learning Environments Grants will be awarded annually. Please see below for details on eligibility.

Guidelines

• Grants can be used to fund efforts in curriculum or spatial development for learners of Pre-K to grade 12. Examples include makerspaces and associated equipment, flexible furniture, innovative instructional resources, collaborative learning support etc. If it pushes the boundaries of your current space and instructional efforts, it’s fair game!
• To help others be inspired by innovation, we will showcase the results of your grant at one of our Quarterly Conversation events where educators and designers meet to discuss opportunities in learning and space. A representative involved in the implementation may be requested to attend and give a brief presentation (10 min) of the outcomes or share their results via a short video.
• Technology and equipment will be considered (ex: 3D printers, laser cutters, CNC machines) with a direct association to innovation labs or equivalent programs for learning. Travel is not eligible.
• The outcome of this grant implementation needs to be completed within 6 months to allow for sharing of results at a future A4LE event or via a short video (details to be shared in the fall 2026 semester).
• Public and private school entities willing to share project outcomes at an A4LE event are eligible to submit. These must be school organizations that offer full time education to students in grades Pre-K to 12.

Review Process

The deadline for application is June 1, 2026. All submissions must include an itemized budget, uploaded at the time of application via the survey link. The board members of the Kansas City Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments will review the applications with name and school entity information removed to provide an unbiased decision. Notifications of award will be made on or before June 16.

Please submit any questions via email to Dr. Mandi Sonnenberg, Director of STEAM projects & education, [email protected] or [email protected].

As the Kansas City Chapter of the Association for Learning Environments, our purpose is to engage our local professionals in a collaborative effort to improve places where children learn in our communities. For more information about our organization, visit www.a4le.org.