Applications are Now Open for
the 2024-2025 CONNECT Cohort

Download the application form today and tell us about your project idea to connect students with the community.

Applications are welcomed from teachers and school staff from any school in Saskatchewan.  

Applications to be part of the second CONNECT cohort are due on Friday, October 25

Supporting SK Teachers to Create Community Connections

Teachers throughout Saskatchewan are making a positive difference in and out of the classroom everyday. The CONNECT program supports teachers with microgrant funding to facilitate community engagement projects, as well as ideas and guidance from both the passion2action Team and the cohort of CONNECT participants from throughout the province. For students, the program aims to create opportunities for leadership development and foster a culture of active citizenship and community involvement.

Microgrants

Twelve teachers throughout SK will each be awarded a microgrant of up to $500 to help finance their project. Funds are intended to reduce the financial barrier for teachers to facilitate projects and students to participate.

Project Support

From the initial proposal to facilitating the project, our team is there to support participating teachers every step of the way and will be in regular contact to check-in on your progress and provide ideas and guidance. 

NETWORKING

To inspire and be inspired, we’re hoping to have the entire CONNECT cohort come together (virtually) on three occasions throughout the year to share project updates and connect with other participants from throughout SK. 

Leadership Development

As part of the CONNECT program, teachers will have access to a number of leadership development modules for students to learn important skills for the success of the project and for life. Use of these modules is voluntary. 

Community Engagement Focused on Five Themes

All community engagement projects must align with one or more of the program themes. We encourage teachers to propose unique and innovative projects that integrate multiple themes and demonstrate how the different subjects are inter-related. 

Arts and Culture

Citizenship and Activism

Environmentalism

Social and Emotional Wellbeing

Truth and Reconciliation

Examples of Previous CONNECT Projects

Our first CONNECT cohort in the 2023-24 school year proudly supported twelve Saskatchewan teachers to facilitate incredible projects that each connected students to the local community in unique and meaningful ways. 

A snack cart program to connect students with neurodiverse adults in the local community

Estevan, SK

Expanding a multicultural library with books in every language spoken in the school community

Regina, SK

Facilitating a tipi raising with students at the school alongside teachings from a knowledge keeper 

Weyburn, SK

Enhancing the musical theatre program with workshops for students from industry professionals 

Balgonie, SK

Connecting students with seniors living in local care homes to play games, share snacks, and socialize

Esterhazy, SK

Establishing a community garden as an agricultural learning space to connect students and producers

Langenburg, SK

Painting stones with local seniors to start a ‘Kindness Garden’ of rocks bearing positive messages 

Assiniboia, SK

Collecting, laundering, and donating clothing for those in need as part of life skills training for students 

Regina, SK

Developing an Arts Club at the school in collaboration with community artists to support student creativity

Invermay, SK

Engaging in ‘citizen science’ in a bird count and learning about Indigenous ecology through storytelling

Englefeld, SK

Creating class quilts with the help of a local quilting group and teaching students sewing skills

Leader, SK

Supporting elderly residents and those living with physical disabilities by shovelling snow

Kinistino, SK

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to be part of the CONNECT cohort?

Being part of the second CONNECT cohort during the 2024-2025 school year means that you will be among an inspiring group of teachers from throughout Saskatchewan, each designing and implementing a project to connect students with the local community. It means that your project will be supported with microgrant funding and you will have access to project support, networking, and leadership development modules. 

Who can apply to participate in CONNECT?

We welcome applications from teachers and school staff from schools throughout Saskatchewan.

What kind of projects are not eligible?

The following types of projects are not eligible for the CONNECT program: 

× Poorly defined projects lacking specific community partners

× Projects connected to fundraising initiatives that do not offer direct community
engagement opportunities for students

× Regular or recurring school excursions and trips, or out-of-province travel

× Capital expenses or the purchase of equipment for the school

When must projects take place?

Community engagement projects supported by the CONNECT program must be facilitated during the 2024-2025 school year (i.e. before June 2025). You will be expected to complete a brief post-project report after facilitating the project to share your success and outcomes from the experience. 

When are the applications due?

Applications to be part of the second CONNECT cohort are due by 11:59 PM on Friday, October 25. Late submissions may not be considered by the selection panel. 

Please email your completed application to < connect@passion2action.ca >. You will receive a response acknowledging receipt of your application within 72 hours from the passion2action Team. 

Have any other questions or concerns? Send our team an email at < connect@passion2action.ca >

The CONNECT program is made possible in collaboration with the Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation