South Carolina State Funding
2025–26 Innovation Grant
Eligibility
- Open to all South Carolina public school districts and schools
- Nonprofit and for-profit entities are also eligible to apply
- Priority is given to schools and districts with high poverty and low academic achievement
Goals
- Support innovative pilot initiatives in public schools and districts
- Raise student achievement and ensure all students graduate college, career, and civic ready
- Close achievement gaps in reading and mathematics, especially in low-performing schools
- Encourage evidence-based models that are scalable and replicable
Application Due Date
- June 30, 2025
Grant Cycle
- One-year project period, ending June 30, 2026
Grant Award Total Amount
- No specific minimum or maximum award listed; priority to high-poverty, low-achieving schools
Allowable Purchases
- Projects must demonstrate innovation and a measurable impact on achievement. Funds may be used for:
- Evidence-based STEM initiatives and math improvement
- Professional development aligned with the initiative
LEGO® Education SPIKE™ Prime and Essential solutions align well as:- Innovative tools supporting hands-on STEM instruction
- SC specific standard alignment in math and science
- Increase student and teacher engagement and achievement
- Scalable models with embedded PD for sustainability and replicability
Program Implementation Requirements
- Applicants must:
- Include clear, measurable goals and benchmarks
- Demonstrate the capacity to implement and evaluate the proposed initiative
- Align with evidence-based practices
- Focus on underserved student populations when possible
Keep in Mind
- Priority is given to proposals from high-poverty, low-performing schools
- Emphasize how your solution can be scaled or replicated
- Highlight measurable outcomes and long-term student impact
- Contact Phillip Cease (phcease@ed.sc.gov) with questions or for technical assistance