Weac Members Win Grant For Historical Preservation Project

West Suburban Council members Linda Wamboldt and James Liska have received an Innovation Grant from the NEA Foundation for their historical preservation project, which will help their 8th-grade students learn problem-solving and historical research skills.

Wamboldt and Liska received $4,700 to implement the project, "Honoring the Past to Preserve Our Future." Students will learn about history by researching and writing descriptions of historic buildings, then leading tours through the buildings.

Working in partnership with a veterans hospital, students will also create a public service announcement to generate support for placing several Veterans Association buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

The NEA Foundation awards Innovation Grants three times a year to support projects that improve achievement and learning for underserved students. More than 190 educators in 29 states received grants last month.

The grants are sponsored in part by the Staples Recycle for Education program. For every used inkjet and laser toner cartridge recycled at one of Staples' 1,100 stores, the company donates $1 for the improvement of public education. Since the program began in July 2003, Staples has raised more than $1.7 million. To learn how you can participate, visit http://www.weac.org/news/2003-04/may04/staples.htm.

The NEA Foundation accepts proposals for Innovation Grants on an ongoing basis and reviews them in September, February and June. Grants are available for all subjects, including art, literature, science, mathematics, social sciences and technology.

All practicing U.S. public school K-12 teachers, education support professionals, and higher education faculty and staff are eligible to apply for grants of up to $5,000, though the NEA Foundation gives preference to NEA members when awarding grants.

For more information or to apply online, visit www.neafoundation.org.