Mini Grants -

About Educator Mini Grants

Each year, the Henderson County Education Foundation offers educator mini-grants of up to $500 to support professional development, classroom innovation, special projects, and field trips. These grants empower teachers to bring creative, hands-on learning experiences to their students—experiences that often fall outside traditional school budgets.

Applications are carefully reviewed by our board, and full or partial funding is awarded based on impact and alignment with educational goals.

In 2023, we funded 31 projects, reaching over 6,000 students and investing over $10,000 directly into Henderson County classrooms. In 2024, we were able to award, Fall and Spring Educator Mini Grant projects, and doubled the amount awarded to over $25,000!

This program is vital because it gives educators the resources to dream bigger, teach more creatively, and meet the unique needs of their students—ultimately enriching the educational experience across our community.

Spring 2025 Mini-Grant Recipients

Learn on Your Feet

At Apple Valley Middle School, Debbie Lee’s project,“Learn on Your Feet” introduced VNPLS (vertical non-permanent learning surfaces), allowing students to move while learning and collaborate more effectively. This active learning approach has improved engagement and teamwork in her classroom.

Enhancing Phonics Instruction with Blending Boards

At Bruce Drysdale Elementary, Dianne Wells’ project, “Enhancing Phonics Instruction with Blending Boards,” provided students with hands-on tools to strengthen their phonics skills. The blending boards allow students to manipulate letter cards, physically segment and blend sounds, and build words. This multi-sensory approach has increased student engagement and reinforced critical literacy skills.

AI for Literacy Conference

Matt Witt from Henderson County Early College attended an “AI for Literacy Conference” at NCCAT, gaining valuable insights into integrating artificial intelligence into literacy education. His learnings are now being incorporated into lessons, helping students develop skills in an evolving digital landscape.

HHS Reset

At Hendersonville High School, Kecia Bailey’s project, “HHS Reset,” is transforming the school’s guidance department into a trauma-informed “reset” space. This area provides students with a calming environment to regulate emotions and re-engage in learning. The space will include comfortable seating, soundproofing curtains, therapeutic visuals, and sensory materials—all designed to support students’ mental health and well-being. Research shows that trauma-informed environments help students feel safe and connected, allowing for better academic focus and success.

2024 Mini-Grant Recipients

Career Fair: Sugarloaf Elementary School wide event impacting 422 students
Eagle Eye Literary Arts Magazine: East Henderson High School impacting over 100 students
Read For Pleasure: Apple Valley Middle School
Cubcat Cafe: Hendersonville Elementary
Nifty Fifty – Composition Photography: North Henderson High School

Nifty Fifty – Composition Photography: North Henderson High School
Robots for STEM: Atkinson Elementary, 180 students impacted
Lego Robotics Coding to Find Solutions to Transportation Patterns in a Growing City: Clear Creek Elementary School
Third Force & Motion: Dana Elementary School
Kindergarten Sensory and Dramatic Play: Glen C. Marlow Elementary

Coffee Cart: Hendersonville High School
English & Spanish Language Family Engagement: Clear Creek Elementary School, over 500 students impacted
Indoor Planetarium PARI: Edneyville Elementary School, impacting 65 third grade students
Music Class: Innovative High School
Forensic Science: North Henderson High School
Fishing Club: Hendersonville Middle School