Round 1 and round 2 Awarded $99,000 to 26 Projects at 26 Schools
The Outdoor Eating and Learning (OEL) Fund will provide DPS schools with grants of up to $5,000 that support efforts to safely eat and learn outside.
All 53 DPS schools are eligible to request funds. We center equity when making funding decisions and will prioritize proposals from schools that do not have capacity or opportunity to fundraise around needs and have less access to financial support. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until October 13th, but we encourage you to apply as soon as possible at the first or second deadline.
We have created a resource guide to support thinking through potential ideas for outdoor eating and what might be feasible at your school. You can access the guide here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1znn7o0PGN1TJu8RTta84seN9JQ526k40sQdytHI4uGM/edit?usp=sharing
The guide is a consolidation of research done by community volunteers as well as conversations we’ve had with parents and guardians, students, teachers, principals, school staff, and administration. It is a living document that we will continue to add to as we learn more about useful items and outdoor learning/eating approaches that are working (and not working) around the district.
If you'd like support thinking through your idea for outdoor eating and learning, we strongly suggest reaching out to Dan Schnitzer at the district: dan_schnitzer@dpsnc.net
Eligible Proposals:
1. Must come directly from your school through a school team made up of at least three individuals (educators, students, parents or guardians, school staff, school admin, etc.)
2. Indicate that your school principal has collaborated with your team on your idea and is supportive of the proposal
3. Broadly impact students at your school (not just a single grade or classroom)
4. Provide clear rationale for how the proposal is related to challenges associated with outdoor eating and learning
Timeline:
Application opens Friday, September 17th
First deadline: Wednesday, September 22nd
Decisions and notification: Friday, September 24th
Second deadline: Wednesday, September 29th
Decisions and notification: Friday, October 1st
Third deadline: Wednesday, October 13th
Decisions and notification: Friday, October 15th
Please email Logan at logan@bullcityschools.org with questions.
Volunteers Needed!
This work is a community-wide effort and we need your help! We need volunteers to help us distribute the lightweight chairs and cushions to schools.
Volunteers will help us sort, organize, load, and potentially deliver these items beginning this week.
Most volunteer roles will be during the 9am-5pm window on weekdays
We require volunteers coming for in-person work be vaccinated and wear a mask at all times. The work will be done in a large warehouse where people can be spaced apart and doors open for airflow.
If you are able to volunteer please submit our form here.