Spark Grants

Spark Grants Back Teachers’ Great Ideas

Teachers dream. We ignite the spark that makes those ideas a reality. Spark Grants offer a unique way to back new ideas within our district. By working directly with educators and staff, we can be nimble in support of new approaches and set in motion exciting new learning opportunities that engage, enhance, and energize students and staff.

We rely on great proposals from Hopkins teachers and staff to enable us to make a difference in Hopkins Public Schools. And we want yours to be successful.

Applications for spring grants are closed.

“The gift of an HEF grant, as a teacher trying to serve 300 students, allows me to do more and serve more students. It is also empowering knowing that part of the greater Hopkins community believes in the work that I am doing and wants to support it. I have received several HEF Spark grants and with each one I am able to serve a specific population of students to a greater degree and it directly impacts the depth and growth of all students in my program.”
— Nora Tycast, Hopkins High School band teacher

Past Spark Grants

Join us in celebrating our past Spark Grant recipients. Teachers, take inspiration from these past grants and learn what kind of projects you might be able to bring to your classroom. Application information and due dates can be found here.

Fall 2024 Spark Grants - Totaling $28,265

  • NMS Yearbook Refocus – $3,135

     Say “cheese!” North’s schoolwide yearbook club is upgrading to new, higher quality cameras that are easy to use and will allow incoming students to build photography skills. Along with giving students a chance to practice inquiry, analysis, leadership, and collaboration, yearbook club has become a welcoming home for kids who are highly creative.

    North Middle School- Carleen Matts-Behrends

  • Sustainability Exploration - $7,000

    Hopkins students are future change-makers, and changing our climate for the better is at the top of their list. Inspired by student interest, eighth graders can now opt to explore geothermal, hydroelectric, and biofuel systems in their Design class in addition to solar and wind. Students gain more agency in their education and prepare to make a positive impact thanks to this “electrifying” initiative.

    West Middle School - Patrick Gallivan

  • Jazz Access to the Greats - $7,500

    It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing! In partnership with Walker West Music Academy, Hopkins high schoolers in the Jazz I, Jazz II, and Women in Jazz ensembles will study with professional artists this year. Students build confidence as they experiment with improvisation, and increase their range as musicians as they work with syncopation and polyrhythms.

    Hopkins High School - Nora Tycast

  • Coffee Cart/"Bean Team” – $1,200

    Reading and listening are great, but students learn best by doing. That’s why fourth graders at Tanglen Elementary are launching a coffee cart business to deliver coffee to teachers and staff. From planning and marketing to operations and accounting, students will use their math, design, problem-solving, and teamwork skills in a real-world context, building confidence and having fun along the way.

    Tanglen Elementary - Lisa Schmid

  • Windows and Mirrors in Literature – $1,200

    Books have always opened doors to other cultures. Now, Tanglen Elementary's fifth graders are exploring literature highlighting the heritage of the school's diverse student body. This provides an affirming "mirror" for those who identify with these cultures, and inspirational "windows" for their peers. The grant also allows teachers to develop cross-curricular inquiries (e.g., science, social studies) around themes of community, perseverance, and opportunity.

    Tanglen Elementary - Kim Rossow

  • HHS Winter Indoor Percussion/Drumline – $4,000

    Winter Indoor Drumline combines music with athletics, and Hopkins high schoolers are getting in on the action, even if they don’t play an instrument. Building on the success of the summer marching band program, this grant helps launch this new competitive team with the help of expert coaching. Band: atten … hut!

    Hopkins High School - Nora Tycast

  • Binoculars for Birding & Outdoor Exploration – $4,230

    When students learn about our natural environment firsthand, they gain confidence and a deeper connection to their surroundings. With the help of a set of binoculars, scholars at Hopkins High School are embarking on an outdoor learning curriculum that touches biology, environmental science, and earth science classes, as well as in two student-led clubs: Earth Club and the state champion Envirothon team. Students will explore cyclical patterns in nature as they observe birds, pollinators, and dragonflies.

    Hopkins High School - John Sammler