Guhl Early Literacy

APS PreK – 5 school principals and APS Departments working with elementary school programs or collaborations of elementary schools are eligible to apply. Members of an APS elementary school’s administrative team, which includes the assistant principal, may also submit an application. If the applicant is not the principal, the applicant must certify that the principal has read the proposal and supports the full application, including the project budget.

Guhl Early Literacy grants will not be funded without the full support of school administration.

Only APS employees may submit applications. Only one application per school will be accepted. APS traditional and magnet schools are eligible to apply. 

Proposals must meet the following criteria:

• Serve an entire elementary school or a large percentage of elementary students, such as a grade level or department.
• Focus on meeting the needs of and improving early literacy outcomes for students and clearly aligned with the district's priorities. 
• Have clearly defined goals and measurable outcomes to determine the success of the project.
• Have a realistic budget and use the award to cover teacher stipends, purchased services, and/or supplies and materials within the proposed activity.
• Demonstrate an effort to raise funds through other sources in an effort to sustain the proposed project.

Selection Process and Criteria:

All grant applications are reviewed by a selection committee of APSEF Board members. Applicants must be prepared to make a presentation to the selection committee should an application be selected as a finalist.

Guhl Early Literacy grants may be for up to two years. Schools or departments must be prepared to implement the project (staff availability, activities in place) upon receiving funding. 

Grant Amount

APS elementary schools and eligible APS Departments may apply between $15,000 and $35,000.

Guhl Early Literacy Award winners are required to report on project outcomes at the end of the grant period. Final reports must be submitted to the APS Education Foundation. Award winners may be ineligible for future funding if this report is not received. All funds must be spent by the end of the grant period. Grant winners may request an extension. If grant funds cannot be spent within the grant period as approved, funds must be returned to the Foundation.

Award winners should also be willing to host site visits, provide success stories, and assist the Foundation with promotional activities.

Agreements or partnerships with outside agencies/nonprofit groups should have the approval of APS administration prior to submitting an application. Funding will go to the school, and not directly to an external partner.

Projects funded through Guhl Early Literacy are school-specific. If a teacher changes schools and/or if the school is not able to implement the program, all funds must be returned to the APS Education Foundation.