Quick look: OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative will roll out next month, but districts can sign up now to receive updates on key dates, announcements and opportunities tied to the new program.
With the launch of OCDE’s Innovation Funding Initiative less than a month away, the department has created a way for school and district leaders to stay connected and receive the latest news about this new opportunity to support bold ideas in education.
Those interested can subscribe to the Innovation Funding Initiative email list, where they’ll be the first to hear about important announcements, application deadlines, technical assistance opportunities, award notifications and networking events.
The Innovation Funding Initiative, as part of the Orange County Department of Education’s 5-3-1 Strategic Plan, will invest in projects that address unmet needs in education, improve efficiency and strengthen student outcomes. Projects may introduce entirely new strategies or apply existing approaches in novel ways, with an emphasis on sustainable, scalable change that can be replicated across Orange County schools.
“Orange County is full of educators and leaders who are eager to innovate on behalf of students,” said Dr. Janel Alberts, coordinator of Evaluation and Grants at OCDE. “This initiative is about giving districts resources, structure and support to test new ideas and share what works. It’s an opportunity to learn together and expand what’s possible in our schools.”
Orange County districts serving students in grades TK to 12 will be eligible to apply for awards of up to $525,000 to support three-year projects. Up to six districts are expected to be selected in the first round. Applications will be released on Dec. 3 and are due by Jan. 30, with funded projects beginning in July 2026 and running through June 2029.
For the purposes of this program, innovation means trying something new — or approaching a familiar challenge in a new way — to meet the needs of students and schools. Successful projects will be thoughtful, evidence-informed and designed to produce improvements that can be sustained and shared across Orange County.
To sign up for updates, visit the Innovation Funding Initiative email list or learn more at ocde.us/InnovationFunding.
By subscribing, participants consent to receive periodic emails from OCDE’s Grants and Funding team related to the Innovation Funding Initiative. Subscribers may unsubscribe at any time.