In 1990 the Foundation began awarding various types of grants to classroom teachers to assist with instructional strategies to increase student learning outcomes. This process was refined and formalized in 1995 and was designated as the Pyramid Awards. Teachers were encouraged to develop innovative projects by introducing unique, new or different instructional methods designed to actively involve students in the learning process and increase student learning. Another criteria for these teacher developed projects was student engagement, which encourages hands-on, active learning and is likely to cause a high level of interest and involvement among students.

These teacher submitted projects have always been rated by a panel of OCEF Board members and other non-school affiliated community members using a rigorous scoring criteria. The projects must receive a certain scoring level before a Pyramid Award grant is given. The award may be as much as $1,000 per grant and can be used for instructional materials, equipment, partial stipends for guest instructors, and partial admission costs to community resources. Non-allowable expenditures for Pyramid Award funds include transportation costs, consumable items and teacher stipends.

In 2008-2009 the Foundation continued its efforts to support the Oldham County Public Schools by providing $14,597 for innovative classroom projects to sixteen teachers through the Pyramid Award grant program. The total amount distributed since 1990 is $170,037 in support of 341 teacher awards. The 2009-2010 awards will continue to support innovative curricular projects developed by teachers to assist with implementing national, state and district academic standards.

Meet the 2009 Pyramid Award Winners!

2008 Pyramid Award Winners List