The application process has been designed to be straight forward but we acknowledge that because this is our first effort we might miss things or make assumptions. Please review the guidelines before applying. If you have a question or request during the application process please feel free to reach out to GetOnBoard@FirstPush.org if you don't find the answers you need in our FAQ.

Please note that Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont already have grants awarded for the 2024/25 school year as part of our beta testing program. We are offering a special purchase program for each of these states so please reach out.

Eligible applicants must:

• Currently teach in a public school setting (traditional or charter).

• Have a minimum of two teachers who are willing to be trained in Get On Board. They do not need to be from the same school or district. (If you have more than four teachers interested in training we can do a workshop day once the initial group is trained.)

• Be open to idea of sharing gear with other teachers in their greater community so it doesn't sit idle. (see FAQ for more information).

• We have special purchasing programs for applicants that do not meet the above criteria.

Applicants are asked to commit to the following:

• Training (up to six hours total): Including but not limited to select reading, videos, welcome webinar, online training with assessment and final 1:1 virtual meeting before gear is shipped.

• Work to maximize the use of Get On Board gear by sharing with other schools in the same district, adjacent districts or by encouraging use during before and after-school programs.

• Complete short teacher surveys during the school year about their experience and their students' experiences. (We love qualitative data like teacher and student quotes. Photos are a bonus when allowed. We have a photo release when needed.)

• Be willing to contribute to growing resources like sharing lesson plans/ideas. (Please note that we do our best to honor the efforts of teachers and give away a lot of additional gear and swag for the extra help.)

• Have a plan for Get On Board to continue in the event teachers move on.

Our commitment to applicants is:

• We will highlight your successes when possible.

• Provide progressive and updated training in a timely manner.

• Increase support for you as your program grows.

• Support you in finding your own voice for Get On Board.

• In the event your school(s) choose to no longer participate in Get On Board, we will assist in finding a new home for the gear we helped you acquire as well as train the new teachers.

Applications will be accepted from October 1st, 2024 through January 1st, 2025.

Before applying:

• Please review our grant guidelines.

• Recruit at least one other teacher that is willing to be trained. They do not need to be from the same school or district. We place a priority on willingness to share gear in the greater community. (We can train up to four teachers in a community once a grant is awarded. If more teachers are willing to be trained we will organize a workshop after the first group has received their training.)

• Get your administration on board. We can provide resources to help convince them from videos to safety data and the growing body of work on the positive impact of skateboarding on overall wellness. Proof of administration approval will be required during the application process.

• Take time to think about fidelity of the program if you or others involved decide to move on from your current position.

Applying

• The first 100 eligible applicants (excluding Gear Pod grant winners) automatically qualify for a 1:1 matching gear grant worth up to $1000(one thousand dollars) through First Push Syndicate.

• We will only accept applications through our online form.

1. First Push Syndicate staff and an advisory panel of current trained Get On Board teachers will review all applications and weight them against our selection criteria (see FAQ for more information).

2. Depending on the volume of eligible applicants or the need to ask additional questions we may request an interview.

3. Applicants selected to receive an award will be notified in early 2025, ideally by February 1st.

4. In the event there is a state that does not have an eligible applicant by the grant deadline, First Push Syndicate reserves the right to seek out an eligible recipient or reserve the allocated funds for future use in that state.

Please visit our FAQ page for additional information.

This is our first go at doing grants so please feel free to reach out with any questions, comments or concerns. We will do our best to answer them as promptly as possible. GetOnBoard@FirstPush.org