Learning Improvment Grants

Supporting innovative classroom learning across North Thurston Public Schools

About the Program

Since 1996, North Thurston Education Foundation’s Learning Improvement Grants have empowered educators to bring innovative, meaningful learning experiences into their classrooms. Through a competitive application process, NTEF awards grants that support projects aligned with district and state learning goals while responding directly to student needs.

Learning Improvement Grants help educators move learning beyond textbooks—fueling creativity, cultural connection, hands-on exploration, and real-world problem-solving. From STEM initiatives and arts integration to literacy, cultural pride, and family engagement, these grants make it possible for educators to say yes to ideas that inspire students and strengthen school communities.

Educators and staff have two opportunities each year to apply:

  • March 30 for grants supporting the upcoming school year

  • October 30 for grants supporting second-semester projects

Every grant awarded is made possible through the generosity of donors and community partners who believe in the power of education.

Apply for a Learning Improvement Grant

Learning Improvement Grants are awarded twice each year to support innovative classroom projects aligned with district and state learning goals.

Apply by March 30 for the upcoming school year or October 30 for second-semester grants.

Apply for a Grant

How to Apply:

To ensure your application opens and saves correctly, please follow the steps below when completing the Learning Improvement Grant application.

  1. Click the “Learning Improvement Grant Application” link. The form will open in a new tab.
  2. Download the application to your computer.
  3. Save the file before filling it out.
  4. Complete the application.
  5. Save the application again after completing all fields.
  6. Submit the completed application via email to deanna@ntef.org.

Learning Improvement Grant Success Stories

See how Learning Improvement Grants bring innovative ideas to life in classrooms across North Thurston.

Creating Calm, Supportive Learning Spaces

Bassie Whipple · Chinook Middle School
2025–26 Learning Improvement Grant

This Learning Improvement Grant helped educators create a calming space that supports student regulation, focus, and emotional well-being — giving students the tools they need to feel safe, centered, and ready to learn.

Watch how one grant transformed a classroom, and imagine what your idea could make possible.

Cook to Connect

Cook to Connect

Annette Wells · Salish Middle School
2025–26 Learning Improvement Grant

Annette Wells’ Cook 2 Connect program reached approximately 275 students through hands-on cooking experiences that extended learning beyond the classroom.

With support from an NTEF grant, community donors, and 1st Security Bank, every participating student received a cookbook and grocery gift card—ensuring no student was left out.

Support Learning Grants
Dream Team: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Dream Team: Learning Beyond the Classroom

Bassie Whipple & Dehony Glenn · Chinook Middle School
2023–24 Learning Improvement Grant

More than 100 Chinook Middle School students explored creativity and culture through a hands-on visit to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.

Students engaged with live glassblowing demonstrations, created their own art, and shared what they learned through school and community celebrations.

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Purple Up the Library

Purple Up the Library

Heather Rader · Meadows Elementary
2024–25 Learning Improvement Grant

With support from an NTEF Learning Improvement Grant, Meadows Elementary students helped select new books that reflect the lives of military-connected families.

The project expanded the library’s collection and created a powerful sense of belonging—students saw themselves and their families represented on the shelves.

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