SCH Launches Innovation Grant Program, Podcast Provides Details

SCH has launched its Innovation Grant Program, designed to support and nurture “intentionally embedded innovation” within the school community. This initiative aligns with the school’s innovation priority of the strategic framework to foster a culture in which creativity and forward-thinking approaches to teaching, learning, and working are encouraged, recognized, and rewarded. 

"The innovation incubator expresses our commitment to ensuring that teaching methods and institutional practices continuously evolve in an ever-changing world," says Head of School Delvin Dinkins.

Microgrants ranging from $250 to $2,500 were recently awarded to project proposals by staff and faculty that demonstrated a commitment to pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities that align with the school’s mission. From coding opportunities for Pre-Kers to tech-enabled journalism in Middle School, students will benefit from the creative thinking of faculty and staff and the gift that made it all possible.

The generosity of a gift from Chestnut Hill Academy alumnus Eric Johnson ’77 enabled the school to consider various ways to inspire innovation and fund the microgrant initiative. Johnson was inspired by “emerging technology” during his senior year at CHA which, he said, “had the good foresight" to provide programmable calculators and, later, a mini-computer.

“Innovation at SCH Academy is not confined to technology-heavy disciplines—it’s about reimagining what’s possible in any aspect of our work,” said Pete DiDonato, chief innovation officer at SCH, who together with Ed Glassman, director of CEL, led a committee to solicit and judge proposals. 

Glassman and DiDonato have also teamed up to produce a podcast that will showcase each of the 12 grants over the next few months. “This grant program is about innovation beyond technology,” says Glassman. “Some of the projects we'll be highlighting on this podcast are what you expect, but some might upend your expectations.” 

The duo share their enthusiasm for their innovation initiative, as well as a few examples of the innovative projects that will be launched this year, in the first episode of FutureCast here.