Awards are given in four different initiative areas:
- Education
Projects that enhance the education of students who are deaf and hard of hearing and their families. Examples might include: participation in Academic Bowl; Space Camp; driver permit tutoring; Family Learning Program. - Cultural Activities
Projects that relate to deaf culture and/or the arts. Examples might include: ASL classes; artist-in-residence; special speakers who are deaf, such as participants in the Middle School LIFE program. - Innovative Programs
Projects that incorporate new learning methods or experiences. Examples might include: participating in robotics and micro-lending experiments; new skills programs/equipment for special needs students; school wide positive behavior reinforcement program. - Minor Capital Improvement Projects
Minor projects that upgrade portions of dated facilities and which are not mandated State responsibilities. One example might be assisting in cost and installation of a pool lift.
The Issue of Supplanting State Funds
The FOSD Board favors funding requests for projects which are not clearly the budgetary responsibility of the Oregon Department of Education (examples: textbooks, building maintenance, classroom supplies, etc.). If you are uncertain as to whether your award proposal presents such a supplanting situation, please contact the FOSD Board President for guidance.