Now in its third year, the Jeffco Innovation Acceleration Fund proposes entrepreneurial efforts as a way to “keep the main thing, the main thing,” and the main thing is Learning. This fund offers an incentive for staff and students to present innovative ways to improve Learning, Conditions for Learning, and Readiness for Learning for Jeffco students; it encourages the organizational value of “Entrepreneurial Spirit.”
For 2019 - 20, all employees and students (new this year!) had the opportunity to apply for the Jeffco Innovation Acceleration Fund (JIAF), which invests in their innovative ideas to improve the learning experiences of and outcomes for students.
Applicants were encouraged to partner with other organizations, such as post-secondary institutions, non-profit organizations, local businesses, and community-based agencies to strengthen ideas and offer authentic learning experiences.
There were over 76 applications (18 students) submitted, and the voting was open to all staff and students. Over 2,100 people voted.
Chief Strategy Officer and Innovation Fund Program Manager Dr. Tom McDermott shares, "We are thrilled and inspired by the innovative ideas to support student learning experiences. It was powerful to have students participate this year. We are even more excited about the impact of this year’s recipients because the ideas come from the students themselves or reflect their voice and the voice of educators."
An exciting note, our Innovation Fund was awarded the Colorado Association of School Boards' (CASB) 2019 Student Achievement Award! This award is presented annually, to only two programs in the State. #jeffcoproud
Congratulations to these 2020 JIAF winners:
Large + Medium Projects
Staff Projects
Jeffco Open - Equipping Student Outdoor Experiences
Kendallvue Elementary - Playground Update: Natural Playscape, A Learning Space for All
Peak Expeditionary - Transform Spaces for Active Learners
Student Projects
Jeffco Open - Farm School & Outdoor Ed Space
Jefferson, Edgewater, Molholm, and Lumberg - If We Build It We Will Learn
Kendallvue Elementary - Collaborative and Innovative Library
Warren Tech - Hydrogen Fuel Cell Urban Concept Vehicle
Small Projects
Staff Projects
Arvada High - Arvada Drumfit
Chatfield High - Daring Way - BOLD Mental Health Supports
Green Mountain High - The Heart Beat of GM
Jeffco Open - Biophilic Classroom - Access to Nature
Ken Caryl Middle - KCMS Makerspace for PBL Support
Marshdale Elementary - Musical Instrument Storage
Peak Expeditionary - Peak Research and Design Studio
Peiffer Elementary - In School Aquaponics
Pomona High - No More 1973 Furniture
Sheridan Green Elementary - Advancing Gator Readers
South Lakewood Elementary - Update to Innovate
Westridge Elementary - Innovation Through VR and Coding
Student Projects
Chatfield High - Padcasting
Chatfield High - STEM Education Through Competitive Robotics Club
Green Mountain High - Eco Club
Hutchinson Elementary - Climate Action Club
Kendallvue Elementary - Creativity in the Innovation Lab
Lakewood High - Project 5 Billion: Environmental Action
Sobesky Academy - PBL: Helping Kids with Cancer
Read the submissions in more detail.
Learn more about the Jeffco Innovation Acceleration Fund