In 2021, to celebrate the firm’s 45th anniversary, Architecture Incorporated launched the Creative Solutions in Education Grant as a way to give back to K–12 educators. With decades of experience in K–12 design, this initiative reflects our commitment to supporting the educational community. The grant is rooted in our core values: Creative Solutions and Proven Service.
We were very excited to receive 66 applications from across the region, many of which were very deserving so it was difficult to select the winners! To be eligible, the applicant must be a teacher in the state of South Dakota or within 100 miles of Sioux Falls or Rapid City. Grant applications can be for any amount up to $3,000. Grant materials can be used in a classroom, across a grade level, throughout a building, or district-wide, but cannot be for food.
Prior to judging, our committee removed the applicant's name and school district from the application to remove any bias. Grants were judged on the following criteria:
- Clearly and concisely written
- Enhances curriculum or teaching standards
- Offers a unique, creative solution
- There are clearly defined outcomes/benefits
- The requested grant funds are specified and supported
- Project has positive impact on class, grade, district, and/or community
The winners highlighted below scored highly in all of the criteria listed above.
Hands-on precision: cnc technology in cte classrooms
- Travis Santistevan
- Hill City School District
- Travis' grant, Hands-On Precision: CNC Technology in CTE Classrooms, aims to integrate a CNC router machine into his CTE program to provide students with real-world, skills-based learning experiences. This technology will allow students to blend traditional finish carpentry and construction skills with modern manufacturing tools.
Elkton high school manufacturing/ag business class
- Steve Erickson
- Elkton School District
- Steve's grant focuses on incorporating 3D printers into the district's Manufacturing and Agricultural Business classes. This project will provide students hands-on experience with modern design and production technology, bridging classroom learning with real-world applications.
Syrup in springs
- Brady Duxbury
- Wessington Springs School District
- Brady's grant aims to equip the agriculture department with the tools needed to harvest, process, and bottle maple syrup. With many maple trees in the area, students will have the opportunity to collect sap and produce syrup firsthand. This hands-on experience will give them valuable real-world skills and a deeper understanding of the agricultural opportunities around them—benefitting both the agriculture program and the Wessington Springs FFA Chapter.
ozobot fun
- Jenn Breidenbach
- Sioux Falls School District
- Jenn's grant will provide Ozobot robots and magnetic kits for K-5 students at Laura Wilder Elementary. Students will learn programming and coding through a hands-on approach with the use of these hand-held robots.