CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. –
Sept. 3, 2024 – Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union (MSGCU) is now accepting applications from local teachers for its popular Classroom Cash Grants program, which provides grants up to $750 for educators to bring an innovative project to life. Approximately 60 teachers will receive Classroom Cash Grants this year. Throughout the initiative’s 19-year history, MSGCU has awarded nearly $670,000 in grants, funding over 1,000 classroom projects.
The
2024 application period is open now through Oct. 4 at 5 p.m., and Michigan
teachers can submit creative project ideas on ClassroomCash.org. Educators will describe how the innovative concept will enhance their students’ learning experience for a chance to receive a grant. After the application period closes, community members are encouraged to vote for their favorite projects from Oct.16-26 using the Classroom Cash Grants website, with options to vote via email or text. The projects with the most votes will receive grants and winners will be announced in early November. The 2023 program gathered more than 108,000 votes from local community members hoping to see their favorite ideas win.
The grants awarded last year supported teachers’ goals of bringing innovative curriculum to their classrooms and a snapshot of the resources purchased includes:
- Coding cards and a robot to integrate technology in a
music classroom, with students learning to write code and program a robot
to move and play a composition.
- A 3-D topographical map to enhance classroom learning
that places students in government roles and tasks them with making
decisions for their country about trade partners, allies, and
environmental impacts.
- An introductory drone for students to gain flying
experience before applying for a remote pilot license. Troy Athens High
School created a video
to show the drone in action.
“The learning experiences students have now can spark their interest in a future career path and encourage them to further explore subject areas they enjoy,” said Steve Brewer, MSGCU President/CEO.
“Teachers work hard each day to build a classroom environment that inspires curiosity through engaging curriculum, and MSGCU is proud to fund their impactful projects through our Classroom Cash Grants program.”
MSGCU
invites Michigan teachers to apply for a Classroom Cash Grant, including those
who serve in public, private, parochial, or charter schools. Applicants who
previously received a grant or submitted a project may reapply with a new
learning experience for their classroom. Applicants do not have to be an MSGCU
member to enter, but winners must become a member to receive their grant.
Educators
can also take advantage of other MSGCU programs, including special loans designed for classroom
purchases, scholarship
opportunities, and financial
literacy programs that support curriculum needs. To help educators and students, MSGCU offers classroom presentations, workshops, and financial Reality Fairs that are designed to build strong foundations for students’ money management skills. For more information about the 2024 Classroom Cash Grants program or to submit a project idea, please visit ClassroomCash.org.
About
Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union
Founded
by a small group of educators, MSGCU has been providing quality financial
services to the communities they serve for 70 years and welcomes everyone in
Michigan to bank with them. MSGCU offers a full range of loan, deposit,
checking, credit card, mortgage, and insurance products for those that live in
Michigan. With 22 branch offices in Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne
Counties, MSGCU has more than 150,000 members, $3.7 billion in assets, and has
earned an average 97% member satisfaction rating for more than 20 years.
MSGCU has also earned five stars (the highest rating) from Bauer Financial for
more than 30 years, and has been honored as a Top Workplace by The Detroit
Free Press for the past 11 consecutive years. MSGCU is insured by NCUA and
an equal housing lender. Visit msgcu.org
for more information. 
