About the grant
VREC encourages classrooms or student groups of all levels to participate in our student-led, place-based learning mini-grant process. This process fosters student voice through the development of the applications, pitching the ideas, and giving and receiving peer feedback. Students engage in direct hands-on implementation of projects and then present their completed project at the annual VREC Celebration of Learning in May. Students learn many transferable skills throughout the process and make meaningful contributions to their school community.

The process
The mini-grant process begins in the fall with students pitching grant proposals to a group of their peers and a VREC panel. Students then write and submit their final grants. Projects run through the school year and are presented at the Celebration of Learning in May.

How to apply
This is a rolling application process and runs until all funds are allocated.

2026 Mini-Grants Celebration of Learning
St. Johnsbury School
May 20, 2026

CELEBRATION OF LEARNING
VREC STUDENT-LED, PLACE-BASED LEARNING MINI-GRANTS

The Vermont Rural Education Collaborative (VREC) mini-grants support innovative, student-led, and place-based learning projects across our member schools. These grants fund unique initiatives designed to elevate youth leadership, foster civic engagement, and deepen school-community partnerships directly within the daily curriculum. By empowering students to lead real-world projects that celebrate local community assets, the program connects classroom learning with meaningful regional impact.

THE CELEBRATION!
Students and their teachers gathered at the St. Johnsbury School on May 20th to present their mini-grant projects through slide shows, videos, and public speaking. The day included making new connections, a pizza lunch and outdoor fun!