Excellence in Education

• Students must attend a public, charter, or non-public high school in Kalamazoo County.
• Students are identified by their schools based on a minimum cumulative GPA requirement of 3.7 and placement within the top 2% of their graduating class.
   

• Honored students select one staff member (teacher, counselor, specialist, coach, or support staff) who has had a significant positive impact on their educational journey.
• Students and Significant Educators are recognized together at the annual Excellence in Education Awards Program held each spring.
   

• Each school receives an allocation based on 2% of its senior class.
• Schools identify eligible students using their own calculations and forward required materials to the Steering Committee by the posted deadlines.
   

Teachers and administrators employed in public, charter, and non-public K–12 schools in Kalamazoo County.
 

Funding is available for educator-designed professional development experiences such as workshops, conferences, collaborative study, or other structured learning activities that directly enhance instruction. Funds support project performance and related costs—not substitute coverage, personal compensation, or direct student purchases.

• Eleven (11) Incentive Grants are awarded countywide each year.
• If additional funds above $1500 are required, please work with local district administration regarding the additional funding needed.
   

Educators preparing to apply for an Incentive Grant should:

1. Review the guidelines and scoring criteria.
2. Develop a project proposal and draft budget.
3. Obtain required approval signatures.
4. Submit the application through the process established by their district, by the posted deadlines.
    

Proposals are reviewed locally first, then submitted to Kalamazoo RESA for final scoring using a countywide rubric. Review criteria typically include:

• Connection to district goals and educator’s assignment
• Demonstrated professional background related to the project
• Clear description of activities, timelines, and resources
• Potential impact across staff, students, or instructional programs
• Creativity, innovation, and relevance to 21st-century learning
   

Awarded projects require an approved budget. A reconciliation form and supporting receipts must be submitted at project completion, by the deadline indicated in the form.