Hands-on Learning Grants
The foundation enhances classroom learning and inspires teacher creativity by awarding grants for a wide variety of projects
Grant applications are now open for 2025-2026!
Did you know that the only source of funds for Seven Dreams’ Hands-on Learning Grants is from the generous donations our District 281 staff make during the STAFF CHARITABLE GIVING CAMPAIGN in late October. We encourage staff to donate Seven Dreams. These donations go back into the classroom as Hands-on Learning Grants!
Read a summary of all the grants we have funded since 2003 at the bottom of this page!
Congratulations to the Robbinsdale Area Schools staff members who were awarded a 2024-25 Hands-on Learning Grant! We awarded $20,841 across 10 grants.
How does our grants program work?
Teachers and staff submit applications for Hands-on Learning Grants to the Foundation and we fund extra learning opportunities for students of Robbinsdale Area Schools. Projects that have been awarded grants in the past include: building nanobots (small robots that they imagine will help solve a real-world problem), funding a guest artist who uses storytelling, song and performance to tell African and African-American folktales; a puppet-making project to learn about ecology; and a vermicomposting project where students will learn how worms break down food scraps (and then use the compost to grow plants). WHAT’S YOUR IDEA?
“Our Seven Dreams Vermicomposting grant has increased the quality of education, academic achievement and sense of belonging for students at Sandburg Elementary. With this program, students have successfully researched, designed and implemented systems to use Red Wiggler Worms to turn their organic breakfast and lunch waste into profitable compost. This grant has presented opportunities for students to immerse themselves in hands-on learning, collaborate, and engage in rigorous thinking.… The impact of this grant will continue to be seen at Sandburg, as students build on their work next year.”
-Billie Pace-Graczyk, 7th Grade Science Teacher
Grant Application Process
The Hands-on Learning Grant application process for the 2024-25 school year is now closed. Applications for 2025-26 will open in December.
The Seven Dreams Education Foundation Grants Committee, made up of Board members, decide who will be awarded a grant. The grant winners will be surprised in their classroom by the Seven Dreams Education Foundation “Grant Patrol.” We will present the staff person with a large check for the grant and celebrate, for a couple of minutes, with staff and their students. Sometimes CCX Media video producers come along and you may appear on the local news.
Basic Criteria for a Grant Application:
Is the instruction delivered through a hands-on learning methodology (also called “experiential learning” or “service learning,” when learning integrates content and the experience within the learning environment)?
Is there a specific and identifiable learner need?
Is it creative, imaginative or introducing something new?
Is there an established plan to publicize the project within the school, with parents, the broader school community and the surrounding community? (Examples: newsletters, social media, announcements at grant-funded events, Seven Dreams Education Foundation stickers placed on physical items, etc.)
Is there a set of evaluation criteria to assess the success of the project?
Is there a detailed, reasonable budget for the project? Are there additional sources of funding for the program?
Would you like to schedule a grant workshop for a small group of staff at your school? Or for questions, contact info@sevendreams.org
Hands-on Learning Grants have been awarded since 2003. Click on the school year link to see the grants awarded for that year. From 2003-2009 they were called Progress and Innovation Grants and in 2010 their name was changed to Hands-on Learning Grants to emphasize the importance of creating experiential learning opportunities for students.
Click on the year below to see the grants
Grant spotlight: the PREMIERE of “Ready to Fly,” a piece of music commissioned for Robbinsdale Area Schools
Band teacher Tammy Wahlin commissioned the piece, with a Hands-on Learning Grant from Seven Dreams. The Robbinsdale All District Band premiered the piece on March 16, 2023. Canadian composer Cait Nishimura wrote "Ready to Fly" for Robbinsdale Area Schools! Listen at minute 35:47 https://rdale.granicus.com/player/clip/1120?view_id=4.... We thank Marlene Johnson, a RHS alum, for her donation to make this grant possible. Marlene dedicates this piece of music in memory of her brother, Arnold Johnson, who was a lover of birds. They are both graduates of Robbinsdale Area Schools.
Elementary school grant grew a garden and a community.
Getting your “hands in, hands on, hands dirty,” is how Zachary Lane Principal Phelps described a grant we funded; this is what Seven Dreams is all about! Watch this CCX News story about the Zachary Lane garden grant and how it has brought the community together and made learning fun.