Ignite Technology Grant

The Elementary and Secondary Award application is open to an individual and/or group of students with all types of SEA technology (i.e., Read&Write, Braille Notetaker, and Boardmaker) to create an educational and awareness-building event and/or educational technology training event for their school/community. 

•  Awards of $480 each available for student(s) in Grades K-12+.

Applicants may choose their $480 award as follows:

• $240 in “swag” (e.g. lanyards, t-shirts etc.) and $240 in discretionary funds to cover cost of event (e.g. decorations, prizes, rental fees, technology directly related to event, etc.); or,
• $480 in discretionary funds to cover the cost of event (e.g. decorations, prizes, rental fees, technology directly related to event, etc.) 

The Ignite Graduation Award is given to students with SEA equipment who have demonstrated leadership and success in their personal and educational careers. 

Award is only open to students currently in Grade 12 with SEA technology AND whose anticipated graduation is June 2023.

• $1000 in discretionary funds will be awarded in May/June 2023 and will be put towards the purchase of personal technology to assist the graduating student in their post-secondary goals

• Given to graduating students who have demonstrated leadership and success while using SEA technology throughout their educational careers

The Elementary and Secondary Award application is open to an individual and/or group of students with SEA equipment to create an educational and awareness-building event and/or educational technology training event for their school/community.

Criteria

All submissions will be judged based upon how creative and innovative the idea(s) and applications are.

Submissions will need to include:

• goal/purpose/intent of event
• target audience and estimated number of attendees
• details - date/location/format etc.
• details about how the discretionary funds will be used

Application Process:

Application will be submitted in a multi-media format (e.g. video, presentation etc.) or written format(max. 500 words).

• Video applications are limited to 2 minutes in length.
• Submissions will need to include:
  • goal/purpose/intent of event
  • target audience and estimated number of attendees
  • details - date/location/format etc. what will you purchase with the discretionary funds?

All submissions will be reviewed and applicants may be contacted by judging panel if further information is requested.

**Only 1 submission is necessary if the application is for a group of students.

Criteria

The application must explain your:

• leadership and advocacy in the area of SEA technology in school and/or community
• use of SEA and/or other technology throughout educational career and personal use
• plan for using the award (e.g. what type of technology do you hope to purchase with the $1000 award?)
• vision and hope for the future (e.g. how will this technology support you in your education and personal life after high school​?)

Upon receiving the Graduation Award, the student will be expected to complete various leadership and advocacy opportunities throughout their graduating year including:

• Create a short documentary video (through YRDSB Learning Design and Development) of the student’s story to:

  • document their experience in school (e.g. what it was like using technology - pros - cons - struggles - successes etc.)

  • give a message - what they would say to teachers and/or students to make a difference for all students with an exceptionality and SEA technology still in school

• Award recipient's name will be shared with SEAC, LDAYR and YRDSB schools to offer opportunities for guest speaking and/or other leadership opportunities to speak at conferences and/or school events.

Application Process:

• Application will be submitted in a multi-media format (e.g. video, presentation etc.) or written format (max 750 words).

  • Video applications are limited to 3 minutes in length

  • All submissions will be reviewed and applicants may🌷 be contacted by the judging panel if further information is requested

• Need to include 2 to 3 teacher and/or community member reference letters.