Current Grants

The Grants Department procured funds of $8,104,278 for Round Rock Independent School District in 2010-2011.

The DATE program provides incentives to outstanding teachers based on student state standardized test scores, particularly in Math and Science.  The program is implemented at Round Rock, Cedar Ridge, and Stony Point High Schools; Success; GOALS; the Round Rock Opportunity Center; Deerpark and Hopewell Middle Schools; and Forest North, Gattis, Caldwell Heights, Wells Branch, and Live Oak Elementary Schools.  For information on each school's compensation model for the 2010-2011 school year, click on the appropriate link above. Please contact Denise Blomquist, DATE Grant Coordinator, at 464-5033.

EL Civics:  $102,000

A Community Education project, EL Civics funds evening classes in English as a Second Language, civics, and basic life skills to recent immigrants and others with limited English-language abilities.  Evening classes with childcare provided allow RRISD parents to better their language skills, understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the naturalization process, and manage the complexities of everyday life in a new environment.  For further information, contact Jackie Young, Community Education Director, at 464-4110.

Learn and Serve Texas:  $80,000

This grant funds student service-learning projects, in which students learn sophisticated analytical, problem-solving, and academic skills through designing and implementing service projects.  John Glenn has called service-learning "learning in action;" it shows students connections between their academic studies and the world around them -- and between themselves and their communities.  For information, contact Carolyn Austin, District Discretionary Grant Coordinator, at 464-5976.

RaiseUp Texas Program:  $49,434

This grant supports the school-wide implementation of the Strategic Instruction Model (TM) at Hernandez Middle School.  Spearheaded by the E3 Alliance, a consortium of Central Texas schools and Region 13 have joined together to provide a systematic method of developing the cognitive skills of middle school students.  For further information, contact Sunny Wren.

Student Success Initiative:  $210,670

Aimed at struggling students in all grades, the Student Success Initiative provides funding to support accelerated instruction for students whose performance on TAKS tests has been flagged.  For further information, please contact Carla Amacher, Director of Elementary Education, at 464-5471.

Teacher Incentive Fund: $4,649,316

This grant funds the Round Rock Incentives for Superior Education (RRISE) Program, which provides incentive pay to teachers, principals, and assistant principals at schools with high populations of economically disadvantaged students -- Anderson Mill, Berkman, Bluebonnet, Robertson, and Voigt Elementary Schools and C.D. Fulkes and Hernandez Middle Schools.  Teacher incentives are based partially upon student achievement on state standardized test scores, but also upon classroom observations, participation in collaborative meetings, assumption of leadership roles, and quality of Appraisal by Collaboration portfolios.  Retention and recruitment stipends are available to teachers in hard-to-staff areas.  Principal and assistant principal incentives are based upon student achievement on state standardized test scores, quality of Appraisal by Collaboration portfolios, participation in collaborative meetings with teachers and other administrators at RRISE campuses, and retention of 85% or more of staff.  For further information, see the RRISE Program Web Site or contact Anthony Sorola, RRISE Program Associate Director, at 464-5946.

Texas Dropout Recovery Pilot Program:  $40,000

This grant provides financial incentives to students who have dropped out to return to school, gain credits, pass state standardized tests, and graduate.  For further information, please contact Trissa Williams, High School Completion Specialist, at 704-0363 or Lucy Ohnemus at 428-7295.

Texas Fitness Now:  $11,386

Awarded to C.D. Fulkes Middle School, this grant funds improvements in physical education instruction and students' physical fitness.  Contact Susan Nix, Assistant Athletic Director, for further information.

Texas Support for Homeless Education (TEXSHEP):  $79,380

This grant underwrites the Families in Transition Program's efforts to ensure that homeless students are provided with the supplies, clothing, transportation, and social services they need to succeed at school.  For further information, please contact Maria Green, Assistant Director of Pre-Kindergarten and Homeless Education, at 464-5977.

TEXSHEP Region 13 Collaborative: $4,000

This grant also supports the Families in Transition Program, directed by Maria Green, Assistant Director of Pre-Kindergarten and Homeless Education, at 464-5977.

TG Public Benefit Program: $96,806

This grant supports the district's mentoring program, and is aimed particularly at middle and high school students who struggle with academic or personal barriers to success.  Mentors concentrate on encouraging students' ambitions for higher education; the Program Coordinator provides practical support in the process of college and financial aid applications as well as the selection of rigorous, college-bound courses.  For further information, contact Michelle Jackson, Supervisor of Community Partnerships, at 464-5093.

These classroom-level grants support innovative methods of teaching third- through eighth-graders science, technology, engineering, and math.  Twenty-one teachers at ten schools received a total of $29,774 to support their projects.

21st Century Community Learning Centers:  $1,258,400

This district-wide grant supports after school and summer enrichment for at-risk students on ten campuses.  Services include homework support, innovative academic curriculum, sports and arts enrichment, behavioral support, and parent education in parenting skills, ESL, and computer literacy, to name only a few.  Beginning Teach Induction and Mentoring:  $185,625

This grant supports an intensive program meant to prepare and retain new teachers.  An intensive induction session prior to the school year familiarizes teachers with the district's ambitious standards of learning.  New teachers are then matched with experienced professionals, who guide novice teachers through projects such as lesson planning and implementation.  New and mentor teachers engage in study of best teaching practices.  

 District Awards for Teacher Excellence:  $2,977,960

The DATE program provides incentives to outstanding teachers based on student TAKS scores, particularly in Math and Science.  The program is implemented at McNeil, Round Rock, Stony Point,  and Westwood High Schools; SUCCESS; GOALS; the Round Rock Opportunity Center; and Anderson Mill, Berkman, Bluebonnet, Robertson, and Voigt Elementary Schools.  For information on each school's compensation model for the 2009-2010 school year, click on the name of the school. 

EL Civics:  $102,000

A Community Education project, EL Civics funds evening classes in English as a Second Language, civics, and basic life skills to recent immigrants and others with limited English-language abilities.  Evening classes with childcare provided allow RRISD parents to better their language skills, understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the naturalization process, and manage the complexities of everyday life in a new environment. 

Greater Round Rock Community Change Makers:  $6,000

Learn and Serve Texas:  $80,000

This grant funds student service-learning projects, in which students learn sophisticated analytical, problem-solving, and academic skills through designing and implementing service projects.  John Glenn has called service-learning "learning in action;" it shows students connections between their academic studies and the world around them -- and between themselves and their communities. 

Target Tech in Texas:  $233,827

The Target Tech in Texas (T3) grant is lead by the E3 Alliance, a consortium of public school districts and charter schools and Central Texas nonprofits and businesses whose aim is to increase school readiness and college readiness in the extended Austin metropolis.  Funds will be used to install Promethean Boards in Caldwell Heights, Gattis, and C.D. Fulkes classrooms and to provide extensive professional development to teachers and administrators regarding the incorporation of cutting edge technology into the classroom.  In addition to the E3 Alliance Round Rock's partners in the program include Bastrop ISD, the KIPP Academy of Austin, Leander ISD, Manor ISD, Pflugerville  ISD, San Marcos ISD, and the UT Elementary Charter School. 

Awarded 2008 - 2009

The Grants Department procured funds of $5,105,286 for Round Rock Independent School District in 2008-2009.

3M Ingenuity Grants:  $29,774

These classroom-level grants support innovative methods of teaching third- through eighth-graders science, technology, engineering, and math.  Eighteen teachers at eleven schools received a total of $29,774 to support their projects.

 21st Century Community Learning Centers:  $1,258,400

This district-wide grant supports after school and summer enrichment for at-risk students on ten campuses.  Services include homework support, innovative academic curriculum, sports and arts enrichment, behavioral support, and parent education in parenting skills, ESL, and computer literacy, to name only a few. 

 A+ Credit Union:  Approximately $12,000

Teachers on ten campuses received grants of approximately $1,000 for engaging and original classroom projects.

Beginning Teach Induction and Mentoring:  $185,000

This grant supports an intensive program meant to prepare and retain new teachers.  An intensive induction session prior to the school year familiarizes teachers with the district's ambitious standards of learning.  New teachers are then matched with experienced professionals, who guide novice teachers through projects such as lesson planning and implementation.  New and mentor teachers engage in study of best teaching practices. 

District Awards for Teacher Excellence:  $2,636,613

The DATE program provides incentives to outstanding teachers based on student TAKS scores, particularly in Math and Science.  The program is implemented at all high schools, SUCCESS, GOALS, and Anderson Mill and Robertson Elementary Schools.  

Dropout Recovery Pilot Program:  $150,000 for Program Operations; $120,000 for Student Incentives

RRISD's Dropout Recovery Pilot Program is part of a state-wide effort to locate dropouts, re-enroll them in school, and provide the kinds of academic and social support these students need to succeed.  The program works closely with SUCCESS, the district's alternative campus. 

EL Civics:  $102,000

A Community Education project, EL Civics funds evening classes in English as a Second Language, civics, and basic life skills to recent immigrants and others with limited English-language abilities.  Evening classes with childcare provided allow RRISD parents to better their language skills, understand the rights and responsibilities of citizenship and the naturalization process, and manage the complexities of everyday life in a new environment. 

Greater Round Rock Community Foundation Change Makers:  $7,000

This grant is meant to increase at-risk students' college and career readiness. 

Homeless Education Disaster Assistance:  $112,000

Many students displaced by hurricanes Gustav and Ike came to the Round Rock area in need of shelter, clothing, food, and education.  This grant offsets some of the costs of these services provided by RRISD's Families in Transition Program.

IBM Young Expolorers:  $35,000 (in-kind)

IBM has generously donated fifteen Young Explorer units to Round Rock ISD for installation in Pre-Kindergarten classrooms throughout the district.  These kid-friendly computers, embedded in a desk and accompanied by a bench for two, provide excellent software for teaching basic language and computation skills. 

Investment Capital Fund, Cycle 18:  $44,430 each at two campuses

 These campus-based grants support activities to improve student achievement through learning experiences outside of the regular school day. The grant requires the school to work with a community organization to encourage parent engagement in their children's schools.  Forest North Elementary and its PTA are providing out-of-school student enrichment and parent education and support; Hopewell Middle School and the Scott and White Foundation are focusing on fitness and healthy eating and using those subjects to teach science and math skills. 

Learn and Serve Texas:  $80,000

This grant funds student service-learning projects, in which students learn sophisticated analytical, problem-solving, and academic skills through designing and implementing service projects.  John Glenn has called service-learning "learning in action;" it shows students connections between their academic studies and the world around them -- and between themselves and their communities. 

State Farm Youth Advisory Board:  $110,000

The State Farm Youth Advisory Board, a panel made up of outstanding eighteen- to twenty-year-olds, selected McNeil High School's Science Club as the recipient of a $110,000 grant.  Students will retrofit a portable on the McNeil campus with green technologies and then use the building as a demonstration space for younger students.  

Texas Homeless Education American Recovery and  Reinvestment Act:  $101,485

Funded by federal stimulus monies, this grant underwrites the Families in Transition Programs' efforts to ensure that homeless students are provided with the supplies, clothing, transportation, and social services they need to succeed at school. 

Texas Support for Homeless Education Program:  $57,154

The Families in Transition Program is also funded by the Texas Homeless Education Office in its efforts to support homeless students and their families. 

Awarded 2007-2008

Investment Capital Fund, Cycle 17 $150,000 March 2008—August 31, 2009
These campus-based grants support activities to improve student achievement through learning experiences outside of the regular school day and to help schools identify and to train parents and community leaders who will hold the school and the school district accountable for achieving high academic standards. The program on each campus will be supported by a non-profit community-based organization. Each campus receives $50,000 to implement grant program activities: Canyon Creek Elementary, Double File Trail Elementary, and Canyon Vista Middle School.

English Language & Civics Education Grant $102,000 August 2007—July 2008
This grant provides services that incorporate English Literacy and civics education services to immigrants and other limited English proficient populations. Adult ESL classes will include a civics program which will emphasize instruction on the rights and responsibilities of citizenship, naturalization procedures, civic participation, and U.S. history and government. This initiative supports RRISD parents in acquiring the skills and knowledge to become active and informed parents, workers and community members.

Beginning Teacher Induction & Mentoring Grant $491,675 Aug 2007—July 2009
The program is designed to allow eligible campuses to assign a qualified mentor teacher to each classroom teacher who has less than two years of teaching experience.

Teacher Educator Excellence Grant $100,000 January 2008—Dec 2008
The purpose of the TEEG Grant is to achieve higher levels of student academic performance through the creation of a financial incentive system for educators. Berkman Elementary was awarded this grant based on Comparable Improvement Scores in Reading during the 2005-2006 school year.

3M ManufacturingHigh School Grants $12,965
Stony Point H.S. Solar Car Project-$5000

McNeil H.S. Engineering Academy-$7,965

Awarded 2006-2007

Investment Capital Fund, Cycle 16 $150,000 March 2007—August 31, 2008
These campus-based grants support activities to improve student achievement through learning experiences outside of the regular school day and to help schools identify and to train parents and community leaders who will hold the school and the school district accountable for achieving high academic standards. The program on each campus will be supported by a non-profit community-based organization. Each campus receives $50,000 to implement grant program activities: Anderson Mill Elementary, McNeilHigh School, and Stony Point 9^th GradeCenter.

Awarded 2005-2006

McKinneyVentoTEXSHEP Grant $471,000 September 2006—August 31, 2009
The Texas Support For Homeless Education Grant through the Texas Homeless Education Office expands district-wide services for students who are identified as homeless under the Families in Transition Program.

Learn and Serve Grant $210,000 September 2006—August 31, 2009
The Learn and Serve grant from the TexasCenter for Service Learning is funding the “Project Seeds, Growing Tomorrow’s Leaders Through Service Learning,” combining student lead community service projects with TEKS aligned real-world learning opportunities and teacher lead reflection.

Awarded 2003-2004

21^St Century Community Learning Centers $2,600,000 June 1, 2004-July 31, 2009
The After School Promoting Intense Remediation & Enrichment (ASPIRE) Program provides after-school and summer programs at five Title I campuses in Round Rock ISD: Berkman ES, Bluebonnet ES, Anderson Mill ES, Robertson ES, and C.D. Fulkes MS. The program provides intensive academic assistance, enrichment opportunities, and recreation. The YMCA of Greater Williamson County is the non-profit partner for this grant. In addition, the ASPIRE program offers adult education classes for parents of ASPIRE participants, such as ESL, Computer Basics, and Jazzercise.