YORK COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR LEARNING LAUNCHES 2018 INNOVATION GRANTS
Press Release
Contact:
Kevin Appnel
Executive Director
(717) 505-0044
kappnel@ycal.us
For Immediate Release
November 20, 2017
YORK COUNTY ALLIANCE FOR LEARNING LAUNCHES 2018 INNOVATION GRANTS
YORK, PA – The York County Alliance for Learning (YCAL) recently started accepting applications for its 2018 Innovation Grants. Innovation Grants are mini grants of up to $1,000 each, intended to fund innovative projects that support the YCAL mission to “engage students in career exploration and development.” Innovation Grant applications are available to all YCAL partnered schools and districts.
“It’s so reassuring to see all of the project applications we receive, and to know there are so many great teachers out there providing our students with these innovative experiences.” Appnel went on to discuss one project submitted by Michelle Masco of William Penn High School that was awarded $1,000 for their start-up project. “Michelle helped launch the Bearcat Bistro at her high school to benefit her Life Skills class by helping them understand business operations as well as some of the soft skills that go along with working with the public. Along with us, they had the Green Bean Roasting Co. and Aramark as business partners. They brought this project to life and now the students have this business in their school to help give them this experience in running a business, which will surely help them in the future.” Reflecting on the project Appnel said, “They invited me to attend the ribbon-cutting and it was a truly special moment for me to see this project launch, because I knew how much time and heart went into making it happen.” Appnel went on to say that he is hoping YCAL can fund $10,000 worth of projects like this in 2018.

Educators who are interested in applying for grant consideration should visit www.ycal.us/innovation-grants for more information and to download the grant application packet. The grant submission deadline is January 2, 2018. YCAL plans to honor grant recipients at their 8th Annual Career Education and Work Standards Symposium on Thursday February 8, 2018 at York County School of Technology.