The Innovation Grant Program was created with the passage of Legislative Bill 519 in 2015. The competitive grant program provided resources and opportunities to Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and consortiums to support the development, expansion, and investment in innovative best practices. The grant projects ranged from personalized learning, career academies, after school design networks, and digital ecosystem development.
The NDE will now establish a set of Education Innovation Networks to support statewide and district access and feature development. This Innovation Network supports NDE's Commitment to Equity of ensuring equity of access by supporting quality instructional materials.” The Education Innovation Networks will provide an opportunity for interested districts to apply for future competitive grants.
Education Innovation Network (EIN) for Asynchronous Professional Learning (APL) - Online, asynchronous learning (often referred to as E-learning) has become prevalent in many corporate and nongovernmental organizations because it provides greater access and flexibility to meet the needs of professionals in work settings. An Education Innovation Network (EIN) for Asynchronous Professional Learning (APL) is being established to advance the effective use of online, asynchronous learning for education professionals – teachers, early childhood care providers, professional staff, administrators, and faculty – in Nebraska's education agencies.
Eligible applicants are teachers, early childhood care providers, professional staff, administrators, and faculty in Nebraska's education agencies.
Applications were to be submitted by October 30, 2019. Deadlines for 2020 have not yet been released. Check program page for updates.
Participants selected will receive $4,800 worth of training and coaching.