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Pencils For Progress Micro-Innovators Classroom Grant

Empowering San Antonio Teachers to Transform Student Creativity + Learning

About the P4PMICG scholarship

Pencils For Progress is awarding two $500 micro grants to local educators who are building meaningful, creative, and high-impact student learning experiences this school year.

These grants are designed to support classroom projects that:

  • spark imagination

  • enhance hands-on learning

  • encourage problem solving, exploration, and curiosity

  • create memorable, creative classroom experiences

If you are a teacher with a powerful idea — we want to support you.

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P4P Micro-Innovators Classroom Grant Selection Process

1.

The Phase 1 application is open November 7th – December 15th for Bexar County teachers who meet eligibility criteria. Applicants will submit a short written project outline, budget, teacher verification, and optional 30–60 second video pitch. No recommendations or transcripts are required.

Phase 1 | Online Application

2.

Phase 2 | Finalist Review + Interview

By early January, all applicants will be notified of their status. A small group of top finalists will be invited to a brief virtual conversation with the Pencils For Progress Grant Review Team to clarify project goals, budget, and impact potential.

3.

Phase 3 | Grant Recipients Announced

Following finalist conversations, two teachers will be selected as grant recipients and publicly announced on January 18, 2026. Each will receive $500 to implement their classroom project.

4.

Phase 4 | Impact + Storytelling

Within 60 days of project implementation, grant recipients will submit photos and a short reflection highlighting student impact and creative outcomes. Select projects may be featured on Pencils For Progress platforms to inspire future educators and partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the P4PMICG application open?

The application window opens on Friday, November 7th at 8AM CDT

What is the deadline for the P4PMICG application?

The deadline is Monday, December 15th at 6PM CDT

Do I need to be a full-time teacher?

Yes — you must be currently teaching during the 2025–2026 school year.

What types of projects can be funded?

Projects must directly support student learning and creativity. This may include classroom transformations, hands-on learning experiences, STEAM/maker builds, literacy or arts-based projects, lab materials, manipulatives, or technology that supports creative problem solving. Gift cards, food-only purchases, prizes, stipends, or personal compensation will not be funded

Is the video submission required?

No — the video pitch is optional, but highly recommended. It helps us visualize your idea and often strengthens storytelling + understanding of project purpose.

Can I apply with a team or co-teacher?

Yes — you may submit a joint application, but the project should represent one unified proposal.

Can I apply more than once or with multiple project ideas?

Only one application per teacher/team will be accepted for this grant cycle.

How will the funds be delivered?

Funds can either be used for direct purchase of materials through Pencils For Progress OR reimbursement can be provided with receipts. Selected applicants will choose which option works best for them.

Are there any reporting requirements?

Yes — recipients must submit photos and a short written reflection within 60 days of completing their project to help P4P share impact.

I am not teaching in Bexar County, TX. Am I still eligible for the grant?

At this time, the Micro Innovators Classroom Grant is limited to teachers within the Bexar County region. We hope to expand this program to additional regions in the future, but for this cycle you must currently teach within Bexar County to be eligible.

Resources For Teachers

Pencils For Progress is committed to supporting as many educators as possible as they work to bring creativity, innovation, and meaningful learning experiences to their students. While our Micro Innovators Classroom Grants can support select teachers this cycle, we know there are far more creative classroom ideas than we can fund alone.

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To support teachers beyond this single grant, we’ve gathered a list of trusted resources to help you find additional funding, spark new project ideas, and strengthen your P4PMICG application and your future applications.

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Please review eligibility + deadlines directly on each site. We hope these resources help you continue building powerful learning experiences for your students — with or without this grant.

Inspiration + Project Idea Building​

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Teacher Grant + Funding Platforms

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  • DonorsChoose — post a classroom project, share with supporters, and receive funding from individuals + companies.

  • Fund For Teachers — supports teacher-designed learning & professional growth experiences that inspire classroom innovation.

  • NEA Foundation Grants — grants that support student achievement and educator-led classroom innovation.

  • Toshiba America Foundation Grants — funding for math/science/engineering classroom projects.

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Texas-Specific Academic Alignment Resources

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