Golden LEAF Foundation

The Golden LEAF Foundation sought proposals for a special $4 million initiative geared toward preparing North Carolina’s youth for careers requiring skills in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Organizations receiving funding under the Golden LEAF STEM Initiative can receive up to $750,000 for projects spanning a three-year period.

The Initiative focused on supporting successful models that increase STEM education for students in grades 4 through 9 in rural, economically distressed or tobacco-dependent counties of North Carolina.

Priorities

1. Comprehensive programs that are evidence-based and represent systemic approaches to STEM education that include in-school, out-of-school or extended day and support programs that provide assistance to students transitioning from elementary to middle and middle to high school.
2. Programs that represent collaboration among public schools, higher education, community and relevant industry partners.
3. Initiatives that target improved academic performance in and preparation for advanced STEM curricula by minorities, females and students from limited resource families.
4. Programs to serve students in 4th through 9th grades that place priority on curricular approaches that are integrated, utilize project and inquiry based learning concepts and prepare students for successful completion of Algebra I by 8th or 9th grade as a gateway to participation in advanced placement courses.
5. Competitive proposals will target under-represented minorities, females and limited resource students.

Proposals should include strategies that:

• are comprehensive,
• use integrated curricular approaches and inquiry and project based learning experiences,
• prepare students for success in Algebra I and advanced math and science courses,
• incorporate content specific professional development for teachers, and

• provide relevant career and work connections for teachers and students.

Applicants were encouraged to think regionally, draw connections to industry sectors, and align with outcome measures in college and career readiness, student achievement, participation and engagement, teacher effectiveness, and other economic impact measures important to the state.

Applicants sought funds to cover programmatic costs. Requests for capital or construction costs are considered low priority. Priority will be given to rural, Tier I & II counties that currently have low concentrations of STEM programs.

BDPA has two chapters in North Carolina. Neither chapter expressed interest in this funding source. Perhaps next time...