Best Summer Ever 2022 Application

To apply, complete the attached application form, including a detailed budget, and send to Dakota Staggs (dstaggs@nebraskachildren.org) cc Lauren Mott (lmott@nebraskachildren.org) with a letter of support from either the district superintendent or building principal by no later than April 15 at 5pm CST.  

Best Summer Ever grant categories are:  

• Environmental / Conservation Programming  
  • Gardening and Outdoor Classrooms 
  • Environmental Service 
  • Youth-identified topics 
• Youth-Driven Programming  
  • Entrepreneurship 
  • Youth-identified topics 
• Service-Learning / Civic Engagement programming  
  • Youth-Voice 
  • Environmental Action Civics designed by Earth Force
  • Youth-identified topics

Grant applicants should incorporate the following in their programming proposal: 

• Align your ELO program with your district’s goals for summer experiences, that complement but not duplicate these experiences 
• Include a letter of support from superintendent or principal 
• Engage youth in community-based learning – bringing community expertise in and getting youth out in the community 
• Should include, where possible, STEM, including Tech and other tool-rich experiences 
• Should include, where possible, connections to future learning / careers 

Ideas for a successful application: 

• Tap into our Centers of Excellence for guidance / advice / strategies 
• Use our BSB Curriculum / Toolkit to facilitate programming and engage your community 
• Use a blended learning approach 
• HS Students as facilitators and College students as content experts  
• Categorize budget amounts (family engagement, field trips, student staff, etc.). Where possible, itemize supplies.  
• Use our sample proposals as templates (see below) to jump start your program.