SkillsUSA is pleased to announce a new program with our corporate partner, State Farm Insurance. In the past, State Farm has been committed to teacher development and training. They are increasing their support to SkillsUSA by establishing the Innovation in Sustainability Grant Award Program. The purpose of the Innovation in Sustainability Grant Program is to stimulate student awareness and interest in their environment and provide them with an understanding as well as skills and a voice to make a significant impact in their communities.

SkillsUSA chapters may apply for a State Farm grant of $10,000 to fund a green or sustainable program or project that uses innovation to ensure today’s needs are met without compromising future generations. One grant per State Farm zone (for a total of 12 grants) will be awarded for a project that culminates in a national showcase during the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference June 20-25, 2010.

Each $10,000 grant will designate $7,500 for project expenses and $2,500 in travel expenses to send one advisor and two students to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference in June 2010. Winning chapters will present their projects to a panel of State Farm judges during the conference at the State Farm Showcase in Kansas City in June 2010. A first-place chapter will be selected from the presentations and will receive a $3,000 school award, the second-place chapter will receive a $2,000 school award and the third-place chapter will receive a $1,000 school award, in addition to the $10,000 grants.

Grant Parameters

Schools may apply for grants as a whole school or as an individual training program. Schools may also team up with another SkillsUSA chapter at a different school on a larger project. All trade areas are encouraged to apply for this program – the key to these grants is innovation. Examples of potential projects might be work with alternative fuel sources, recycling programs, construction of renewable energy sources, implementing weatherization projects, developing chemical disposal plans, creating organic food gardens and developing reforestation initiatives. The projects can be anything that is “green” or a sustainable project that uses innovation to insure that today’s needs are met without compromising future generations.

Applications

To apply, schools should submit an application, which is available online or as a PDF document. Electronic applications are preferred, but mailed applications will be accepted. For more information or to access the application, go to: www.skillsusa.org/educators/statefarm.shtml.

Deadline

Applications must be submitted by November 30, 2009. Successful applicants will be notified by January 29, 2010. Projects must be completed by June 1, 2010.

Questions

Please direct all questions on the program to SkillsUSA grant manager Kelly Horton at 402-309-4679 or email: khorton@skillsusa.org.

Thank you for sharing this exciting new program with your local chapter advisors!