MOULTRIE, Ga. — On June 30, Gov. Nathan Deal announced 39 award winners for the Innovation Fund Tiny Grant program, a competitive grant opportunity that provides funding to traditional public schools, charter schools and school districts to implement small-scale programs that directly engage students.  

Willie J. Williams’ PackerX program was one of the 39 applicants selected. PackerX is a new program at Willie J. Williams Middle School geared to give sixth grade students an opportunity to research in their areas of interest. The PackerX program will begin this upcoming school year.

Allen Edwards, director of 6-12 Gifted Education for Colquitt County Schools, shared, “This grant will help to provide Chromebooks for a one-to-one computer/student learning environment, as well as science lab supplies. PackerX will create an interdisciplinary curriculum that gives students genuine autonomy through problem-based, self-directed research in order to spark intellectual curiosity, drive innovation, and prepare students for the research requirements of high school, college, and beyond.”  

“The Innovation Fund Tiny Grant provides funding for educators to develop and share best classroom methods with their peers,” said Deal. “As we encourage Georgia’s students to reach new heights, we must also expand opportunities for more effective academic growth and success in the classroom. Congratulations to the award winners and we look forward to seeing the impact each Tiny Grant will have on the futures of students in Georgia.”

Programs funded by Tiny Grants must align with one of the three following priority areas: applied learning with a focus on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education; development and replication of blended learning school models; and birth-to-age-eight language and literacy development.

Grantees will evaluate the impact of the programs on student engagement and achievement and submit their findings to the Governor’s Office of Student Achievement at the end of the grant period.