When Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness fashioned his 2024 city budget proposal, he included $500,000 to issue teacher grants for innovation.  The City Council went along and it is part of the current city spending plan.

Fishers announced Thursday that Mayor Scott Fadness surprised  3 local educators Wednesday with grant money.  They are:

• Lisa Harvey (third grade teacher at Fishers Elementary): $4500 to bring hands-on and experimental learning to the classroom through the LEGO Education SPIKE Program. LEGO Education engages students in hands-on investigations of STEM concepts. The lessons also include connections to real-world careers in STEM to inspire students to begin thinking about their future careers.

• Robyn Stout (fifth grade teacher at Sand Creek Intermediate): $3,600 to expand the STEM lab and robotics program with pneumatics kits to provide students with real-life applications as to how robots play a part in automating jobs in various industries. Prior to the launch of the project, Schroeder will partner with local industry leaders to get a “10,000-foot view” of what pneumatics looks like from an industry standpoint. Through the STEM Lab, students will learn how pneumatics work on a micro level and simulate jobs that occur in real-world manufacturing plants.

• Becky Schroeder (11th grade teacher, Hamilton Southeastern High School): $22,000 for a pilot program to bring virtual reality to high school students. The immersive virtual reality platform will allow students to experience a wide range of educational content in an engaging and interactive way. Students can explore historical sites, scientific concepts, and cultural landmarks from around the world in a safe and controlled environment. “By using VR technology, we can transport our students beyond the walls of our classrooms and provide them with meaningful, real-world experiences,” said Schroeder.

“It’s vital that we invest in our schools and empower our teachers with the tools to foster curiosity through hands-on learning,” said Mayor Fadness in a city news release. “This program celebrates the creativity and commitment of our educators and the spirit of innovation that makes Fishers unique.”

This round of grants totals $30,000, so there is money remaining in the city budget for this program.  A local educator wishing to apply may do so at this link.  There is no dollar limit for any one grant.

The applications are considered by a panel appointed by the city, consisting of what city officials describe as educators, community entrepreneurs, and HSE alumni.