The RPS Community Education Advisory Council (CEAC) offers mini-grants of up to $1,500 per project to support novel learning initiatives involving young people through student clubs and community non-profits. Renewal for a second year is possible.
These grants are designated for projects that extend learning opportunities beyond regular school hours. We value diversity across age, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, ability, and economic background, and we enthusiastically welcome proposals catering to varied audiences.
The council evaluates all applications received and actively encourages youth from our community to engage with us, sharing their experiences. CEAC grants aim to empower any youth-focused community group by providing resources to launch new endeavors, foster unique creations, and explore innovative concepts.
Our grants have supported a wide array of initiatives, including outdoor classrooms, community resource rooms, empowerment activities, robotics clubs, and youth development workshops. We encourage any project fostering learning experiences to apply for funding.
Applications can be submitted at any time with a rolling deadline of the 3rd Wednesday of each month. Start your application today at: https://www.rochesterce.org/o/ce/page/ceac
Case Study - Southern MN Miracle Field
Miracle Field stands as a remarkable, barrier-free baseball field in Rochester, a collaborative effort brought to life by Leadership Greater Rochester and Community Partners. This unique space is specifically designed to offer youth and adults, ranging from ages 5 to 80, who have disabilities, the chance to engage in and learn the intricacies of baseball. It serves as an inclusive and accessible environment, granting everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in the authentic ballpark experience rather than merely observing from the sidelines. Volunteer buddy players play a pivotal role in this initiative, guiding athletes to grasp the fundamentals of baseball and assisting participants with disabilities in batting, running the bases, and playing in the field.
Through a collaboration with the Rochester Youth Baseball Association, Miracle Field bridges connections between players and youth counterparts, fostering confidence-building and mutual encouragement among all participants. This setting encourages individuals to learn new skills while empowering them to mentor peers who possess varying abilities. The utilization of the CEAC grant encompassed several essential components, including expenses for peer mentoring training, skills camps, and a community kickoff event in collaboration with the Honkers baseball team.
Baseball's inherent love serves as the driving force behind Miracle Field, uniting a diverse array of individuals to revel in the joy of a beloved summer pastime. Regardless of differences in abilities or playing skills, this initiative aims to create an environment where everyone can participate and relish the sport, emphasizing camaraderie over disparities.
Case Study - Resource Rooms in Mayo High School
The Rochester Adult Learning Center (RALC) boasts a dedicated family resource room tailored to cater to the needs of both students and families. This room is consistently stocked with essential items such as clothing, food, hygiene products, and household supplies, ensuring that these necessities are readily available whenever required. Thanks to the CEAC Grant, funds were allocated for a comprehensive storage makeover, equipping the room with shelves, racks, and bins to enhance organization and accessibility of these crucial supplies.
Meanwhile, the My Two Cents Club at Mayo High School serves as a catalyst for fostering civic engagement, promoting social awareness, and advocating for various causes, particularly addressing youth poverty. Back in 2016, these students successfully applied for and received a CEAC grant aimed at improving the layout and functionality of their SOS Room. Similar to RALC's resource room, there exists an ongoing demand for basic supplies among our student population. It's inspiring to witness the compassion and awareness exhibited by fellow students who actively contribute to sustaining this vital resource.
Both initiatives reflect a shared commitment to supporting the community by addressing essential needs and fostering awareness, demonstrating the positive impact that grants like CEAC can have in fortifying these essential community resources.