Paul Ruth Teacher, School-Wide and Special Project Grants

The keystone of the Lafourche Education Foundation is its Grant Program, designed to recognize and support Lafourche Parish Public Schools and educators who implement innovative and creative projects that increase student academic achievement. Grants are awarded through a competitive proposal process, represent a variety of subject areas, are standards-based and have a strong evaluation component. For the 2011-2012 school year, grants totaling $58,483.77 were awarded.

Paul Ruth Teacher Grants are available for up to $1,000 per application. Applications are accepted from any full-time Lafourche Parish public school teacher involved in the instruction of children at any level, Pre-K - 12th grade.

School-Wide grants valued at up to $5,000 are also awarded each school year. A maximum of one application per Lafourche Parish School is accepted.

All Paul Ruth Teacher Grant and School-Wide grant applications are checked for compliance to rules stated in the RFP's. Each application, found to be in compliance, is blind reviewed by a panel of 3 retired educators/community leaders. Scores received from those evaluations are totaled and assigned an average score. Average scores received by all applications are listed in descending order, and, once the LEF Board determines the amount to be awarded for the year, the grants are recommended to the Board for final approval and funding.

Special Project grants are awarded on an as-needed basis. Sometimes, needs arise in schools, which do not coincide with the grant application calendar. At those times, Lafourche Parish School employees can complete a Special Project Grant application which will be considered by the Board of Directors for funding.

Applications must be submitted using the official grant application forms. No other forms will be accepted. Deadline dates are firm.