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Wed October 04, 2023

By Press Release

Announcements

Application period continues for EAST Initiative program grant funding

East Lab East Lab Grant East Lab Grant Applications
Application period continues for EAST Initiative program grant funding
(LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – October 4, 2023)  Arkansas schools can still apply for funding to bring the EAST Initiative's project-based learning programming to their school through the Department of Secondary Education/Arkansas Department of Education-EAST Grant, officials said Wednesday. Funding from the grant will cover technology needed to install a full EAST classroom environment, and will cover some professional development that is required in the EAST curriculum. Startup funding is available for more than 10 new EAST programs for the 2024-2025 school year. Arkansas schools considering implementation of EAST in the next school year should fill out the form found at https://news.eastlink.me/nextstep
. Applications will be accepted until December 15. “EAST is excited about the opportunity to grow our network and to continue expanding the capacity of students and leaders to work together in finding solutions beyond school walls,” EAST Chief Executive Officer Matt Dozier said. “Students are better prepared to succeed beyond the school walls when provided the opportunities to demonstrate their innovative ideas as practical reality. It goes beyond volunteering. EAST truly is education accelerated through service and technology.” During the 22-23 school year, EAST programs:Collaborated with 1,285 community partners for more than 17,990 volunteer hours;Realized an estimated economic impact statewide of more than $461,620 dollars through those volunteer hours;And trained more than 7,610 students through 110 unique training opportunities both online and in-person. EAST students are engaged and excited about learning, Dozier said, pointing to data recently released by the Arkansas-based nonprofit. In a survey of more than 3,400 students across 42 schools, data showed that the EAST experience is 22% more engaging than other core courses. The survey was conducted through a tool called the Wellington Engagement Index (WEI)
. Created by educators, WEI was designed to measure student engagement, and to give administrators and teachers opportunities for reflection as they challenge students to solve real problems in their communities. “Thanks to generous funding opportunities provided by DESE, EAST will continue to grow,” Dozier said. “Arkansas students will have access to the tools and technology needed to solve the challenges of today.”  
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