Innovation and Grants Department

School Your Way:

College, Career, and Life Ready
D2 Program Details
AP Computer Science (Java) Course
Senior Year at ICC

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The Peoria Public Schools' Innovation and Grants Office provides unique opportunities for students. Currently, the department is managing over $15 million dollars in competitive grant money providing for after-school, weekend, summer, and daytime activities and supports for students. These monies range from paid student internships and job salaries to additional educational support for academic and social-emotional development. Specializing in personalizing learning for students, the Innovation Team works to identify unique learning experiences for students for an enhanced education. 

The Innovation and Grants Office also oversees the Career and Technical Education program at Woodruff. The Career and Technical programs offer dual credit and high school credit to help your student on their way to a career right after high school or entry into college or technical school. Visit the Woodruff website and click on programs to learn more about the wide range of offerings:  Woodruff Career and Technical Education. Students attend Woodruff a portion of the day with the rest of the day in their home high school.

Early College

Peoria Public Schools offers a robust early college program. Whether students want to earn some dual credits in career and technical education (CTE), general education courses for freshmen year of college, or want to earn an associates degree as a high school junior and senior, we have the right program for your student. Our students take dual credit courses during the school day or may transfer in credits from evening classes. The D2 dual degree program, for junior and senior year, is designed for students to earn an associates degree in arts or science, covers all tuition, and has students on ICC campus all day. The "Senior Year at ICC," program allows high school seniors to take up to five classes or 15 hours at ICC.

For any of the dual credit programs, contact high school counselors for more information or see links to the left. The application process for all dual credit begins in mid-fall semester of sophomore or junior year depending on program. 

Competitive Grants

Ready-Set-Go:  Full Service Community Schools

Ready-Set-Go program, located at Annie Jo Gordon (Harrison) and The Elise Ford Allen (Roosevelt) provides students with academic and social-emotional supports during the day and academic support and student activities afterschool. Contact Brandy.Bryant@psd150.org for more information.  Funding for this grant comes from the Department of Education Community Schools programs.

Grant Coordinator

Educator Pathway Grant

This grant provides for the start up of high school and dual credit courses, job shadow experiences, and a variety of career exploration for students interested in early childhood, elementary, or high school teaching. In partnership with ICC, WIU, ISU, BU and Eureka, the pathway allows for college visits and conference attendance for high school students interested in becoming a teacher or paraprofessional. Talk to school counselors about how to get involved or email Yunek Moore at yunek.moore@psd150.org to set up an appointment. This grant is funded through the Illinois State Board of Education.

sarah

IYIP (Woodruff Career and Technical Grant)

The Illinois Youth Investment Program grant allows our students to prepare for careers by receiving career coaching, credential development and attainment, and paid internships. These grants have been life changers for hundreds of students. Funding for these grants are made possible through the (IYIP) Ilinois Youth Investment Program, Department of Human Services (https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=126652). To provide internships or job shadow experiences for students, contact Sarah.Chapman@psd150.org. Not sure? This Employer Guide can provide you with an overview. 

Grant Coordinator

Let's Connect:  21st Century Schools Programs

The 21st Century programs, located at Von Steuben, Lincoln, and Sterling, offers afterschool tutoring, STEM activities, and recreational activities to students. Contact Alona Dawson at alona.dawson@psd150.org for more information. Funding for the program comes through the State of Illinois from Federal funding for community schools.

brandy

Lights On Peoria:  Climate Transformation Grant

The Lights On Peoria program, provides academic intervention to freshmen at Peoria and Manual High Schools, job and career readiness preparations, social-emotional supports, and weekend activities. Contact Tagwana.Webster@psd150.org for more information. Funding for this grant comes from the Department of Education Community Schools and Promise Neighborhoods programs.

Solar Energy: Edwards Settlement Grants

The first grant provided for 545 solar panels to be installed on the Woodruff Career and Technical Center roof. This should pay for up to almost 36% of Woodruff's current energy usage. The second grant fund provides for students as to earn credentials in Renewable Energy Careers. For more information, contact:  Arnold.Spiker@psd150.org or instructor 

Michael.Brix@psd150.org. The funding for this grant was made possible from an environmental lawsuit between the Sierra Club and the Edwards Plant.

Grant Coordinator

Freedom School Grant

The Freedom School State Grant is focused on developing skills in reading, leadership, and citizenship through the lens of the Civil Rights Movement and African American and Hispanic History. This afterschool program serves over 65 students in multiple buildings. For more information, contact Grant Coordinator Valerie Blake-Scott at valerie.blake@psd150.org. This grant is funded through the ISBE Phillip Jackson program.