Supporting Equity and Innovation in Education: 2021 Teachers of the Year (TOY) Equitable Innovation Grant Program

December 14, 2021

$75,000 grant opportunity will fund educator-led solutions that promote student and educator wellbeing
Application open to all educators in Los Angeles County’s public schools

DOWNEY, Calif. (Dec. 7, 2021) — The Los Angeles County Office of Education and its philanthropic arm, the Greater LA Education Foundation, announced today the 2021 Teachers of the Year (TOY) Equitable Innovation Grant Program to fund $75,000 projects, programs and services that integrate student-centered digital learning techniques, reimagine classroom boundaries and/or promote educator wellness. Grants will also prioritize efforts on behalf of low-income and other vulnerable students who have suffered the pandemic’s most severe consequences.

The grants are available to Los Angeles County public school teachers, administrators, counselors and other staff and can be used for all disciplines in grades TK-12. Projects can address needs in physical fitness, Visual and Performing Arts, language acquisition, social-emotional wellness and traditional subject matter.

“We have watched education transform in real-time over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said LACOE Superintendent Debra Duardo. “The unique insight that educators have is instrumental in exploring solutions that can dissolve inequities which have been intensified throughout this crisis. As the largest educational region in the nation, schools in Los Angeles County have the power to influence innovation and share replicable strategies for educators all over the country.”

Teachers can apply individually or with partners. Individual applicants can apply for up to $1,000. Teams of up to three are eligible to apply for a maximum of $3,000 ($1,000 each). The application deadline is Jan. 14, 2022. View the grant application here. Grants will be awarded in February 2022 for implementation in March 2022. Grant funds can be used for activities for one year following receipt.

“Last year we saw tremendous innovation and resilience from educators in response to the pandemic. But we also recognize the breadth of needs that still face our communities,” said Greater LA President John Garcia. “These grants will bring practical resources into classrooms, bring innovative ideas to life, and shine a light on the incredible teaching and learning that happens all over LA County every day.”

The Equitable Innovative Grant Initiative grew out of LACOE’s annual Los Angeles County Teachers of the Year awards program, the state’s largest honors competition for K-12 educators. It expands on the program to further elevate, celebrate and invest in educators who demonstrate dedication, innovation and creativity.

The Los Angeles County Office of Education, headquartered in Downey, is the nation’s largest regional education agency, providing a range of programs and services to support the region’s 80 K-12 school districts and two million preschool and school-age children.