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Now in its second year, TechStart is able to provide mini-grants up to $1,000 to schools investing in computer science and engineering initiatives for underrepresented populations. Grant Criteria- The activity, event or project being funded must target one or more underrepresented populations in computer science and engineering (e.g. girls and ethnic or racial minorities).
- The project proposal must include some form of cost-sharing from the host school or district (e.g., venues; release time; subs).
- The activity, event or project must include baseline and post-activity data to quantify program success.
- The project must demonstrate potential for growth in future years.
The application process for the 09-10 school year is now closed. Applicants will be notified of their grant status by January 11, 2010. Please contact
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if you have any questions about this program. Learn more about our pilot 08-09 year and from the presentations and resources at our 2009 Equity in the Classroom Workshop.
Thank you to this year's Equity in the Classroom supporters:  National Girls Collaborative Project 2009 Equity WorkshopOn Saturday, November 7, 2009, TechStart collaborated with the Oregon Pre-engineering and Applied Sciences (OPAS) Initiative and the Oregon Computer Science Teachers Association (OCSTA), to conduct a workshop focused on K-12 computer science and engineering initiatives for girls, ethnic or racial minorities and other underrepresented populations. Presentations from the workshop are now available: Agenda | 10 - 10:15 AM | Meet and Greet | | 10:20 - 10:40 AM | Overview of Best Practices & Available Resources Jo Oshiro, Program Coordinator
OPAS Initiative Key References and Links | | 10:40 AM - 12 PM | Teacher Presentations & Discussion
Learn directly from your peers about their challenges and successes | | 12 - 1 PM | Lunch & Networking
Continue the peer discussion over a hosted lunch | | 1 - 2 PM | Keynote Topics "What the Girls Say..."
Hear what high school girls have to say about computer science and engineering. What attracts them to these courses? How can you grab their attention and get them engaged in the classroom and after school?
Don Kirkwood of North Salem High School will share student stories and testimonials from his "No Boys Allowed" program, now in its 7th year. "What the Moms Say…"
Reflections on recruiting, engaging and retaining girls in engineering programs from the perspective of mothers. Cathy Swider of ORTOP will share feedback from a Women’s Workshop for FIRST Lego League Coaches. | | 2 - 3 PM | Learn how to get funding from TechStart
Learn about the 09-10 Equity in the Classroom grant cycle, deadlines and application process Natasha MacDonald, Executive Director, TechStart Grant Writing Tips
| "TechStart’s equity mini-grant program has empowered me to build a solid, hands-on robotics curriculum and helped me secure additional funding for traditionally underserved populations.” ~ Mark Gullickson, Central Elementary School Pilot Program FundingIn 2008 TechStart partnered with OPAS to launch a pilot equity mini-grants program in an effort to promote student diversity in computer science and engineering. TechStart and OPAS held a community conversation workshop with science, math, technology and engineering (STEM) K-12 educators on August 19, 2008 to discuss best practices in reaching out to underrepresented populations including young women and ethnic or racial minorities. At this workshop, educators were invited to submit applications for funding up to $1,000 to implement activities focused on recruiting and retaining underrepresented communities in computer science and engineering activities. TechStart funded the following six schools during the 08-09 school year with grants ranging from $600-1,000 and/or in-kind donations from Best Buy to support these programs: | School | Project
| Central Elementary School
Albany, OR
| Introducing LEGO robotics to elementary school girls | Cleveland High School
Portland, OR
| Creating an all girls FIRST Tech Challenge team | Hillsboro High School
Hillsboro, OR
| Implementing an all girls after-school FIRST Lego League robotics club | McNary High School
Keizer, OR | Hosting a recruiting workshop focused on gender equity in computer science and engineering
| North Salem High School
Salem, OR | Supporting the school's successful "No Boys Allowed" program focused on getting females involved in computer science and engineering | West Salem High School
Salem, OR | Implementing an all girls FTC Team |
TechStart would like to thank Best Buy for generously donating in-kind technology equipment, including laptops, all-in-one printers, digital cameras and flash drives to support our equity in the classroom program during the 08-09 school year.
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