Jumpstart Austin

In partnership with EcoRise and the Austin Independent School District, schools can apply for a $2000 Big Green Jumpstart Grant as well as participate in The Green School Administrator Cohort. In this year-long professional-development opportunity, school leadership teams will develop strategies to integrate green campus and outdoor learning initiatives. The Big Green Jumpstart Grant may be invested to include growing food as a part of cohort members green school improvement strategies.

The Jumpstart Grant and The Green School Administrator Cohort are separate opportunities that schools can apply for through the same application. We encourage schools to apply for both opportunities; however, school’s are welcome to apply for either opportunity as they see fit.

Who can apply

The Green School Administrator Cohort is open to all Central Texas schools. The data and examples as well as in-person gatherings will focus on AISD but opportunities for learning and development will apply to schools in any district. Title-1 schools are highly encouraged to apply. Campus teams must consist of a principal and one other member of the administrative staff such as the Assistant Principal, Academic Dean, or Counselor (not to include teachers). Our goal is to fill openings for between 15-20 schools to participate in the cohort for the 2023-2024 school year.

The Jumpstart grant is open to all Austin ISD schools actively invested in school gardening and also meet the following criteria:

• Serve students meeting 65% FRL or another metric of economic disadvantage.
• Have a plan of action that ensures youth will consistently and strategically use the Learning Garden as a regular part of the school day. (Participating in the Green Admin Leadership Cohort will support this portion of the Jumpstart application but is not required to receive the grant.)
• Have the full support of the school administration and a multi-member team dedicated to the integration of the Learning Garden into the goals, structures and overall culture of the school.

Key Dates

January 18, 2023: Cohort and Grant Application Opens 

February 16, 2023 4:30-5:30 PM (CST): Cohort and Grant Webinar

March 3, 2023: Cohort and Grant Application Closes

April, 2023 TBD: In-Person Celebration

April, 2023: Announcements and Fund Dispersal

June 2023 – May 2024: Cohort Sessions and Grant Spenddown