Applications are now being accepted for the Innovative Educator Grant program sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service Foundation. This is an opportunity for middle, junior high or high school educators to receive a grant up to $1,000 for new projects with an academic focus and goals to improve student achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering or math (STEM). 
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, and we look to continue our long standing tradition of supporting education, particularly in the STEM areas” said Karmen Lemke, Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Director. “We are trying to provide unique educational opportunities to reward innovative programs and projects in the schools.” 
Examples of the types of projects or programs that may be considered for funding include engineering mentoring programs, robotics programs, props for energy lessons, stream monitoring equipment and environmental projects. The grants may also be used to purchase certain types of equipment or curriculum materials. To be eligible, schools need to be a natural gas or electric customer of Wisconsin Public Service. The Innovative Educator Grant program is in its eighth year. During the first seven years of the grant program, 85 projects received over $78,000 in grants. Funding for the Innovative Educator Grant is through Wisconsin Public Service Foundation, which is supported by shareholders, not utility ratepayers. To view the guidelines, see a list of last year’s recipients, or complete an application, log onto www.wisconsinpublicservice.com/innovativeeducator. The deadline to apply is November 3, 2014.