NELSONVILLE — In partnership with the Walmart Foundation, the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is pleased to offer the Walmart Strive for Excellence Mini-Grants initiative, to provide investments ranging from $500 to $2,500 to encourage and support the efforts of teachers across the region.

FAO believes teachers’ best know how to help their students achieve success and it is not lack of passion, but financial resources often prohibiting innovative programming.

Applications for the 2010-2011 academic year are invited from K-12 teachers and/or guidance counselors throughout the 32 county region of Appalachian Ohio for activities and learning projects increasing students’ interest and pursuit of post-secondary education and exploration of career opportunities.

Proposals can include, but are not limited to providing college campus visits; ACT testing assistance; demystification of the financial aid process; exploration of career opportunities, including those available locally and regionally; or projects promoting science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM).

FAO aspires to distribute at least one award in each of the 32 counties, where appropriate, and has approximately $106,000 in available funding for awards. All applications must be submitted by noon on Friday, May 14.

FAO’s Walmart Strive for Excellence Mini-Grants represent a tremendous technological stride for the Foundation.

Through Walmart’s investment in FAO, all grants will be submitted electronically through an online grant application, streamlining the process to make submission easier and faster for all, especially busy teachers and guidance counselors.

“The Foundation is delighted to partner with the Walmart Foundation to provide grant opportunities for our region’s educators,” said Cara Dingus Brook, FAO’s President and CEO.

“We are committed to working with partners throughout the region to ensure every child in Appalachian Ohio has access to the educational opportunities necessary for success.”

To learn more about the Walmart partnership, Strive for Excellence grant opportunity or to apply, visit the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio’s website at www.appalachianohio.org.