Student success often lies in teacher innovation. This year College of the Mainland Foundation is launching the “Bright Ideas” Mini-Grants Program to help fund COM instructors’ ideas for technology, programs or services that will help them spark students’ interest.

COM full-time and adjunct faculty, instructional staff and student services staff can apply for up to $5,000 to fund a new project or idea that will assist students in learning.

“COM Foundation has long been successful in one thing – student scholarships. We want to continue that and do more in the community,” said COM Advancement Officer Matthew Busby. “The Bright Ideas Mini-Grants Program is designed to increase and encourage innovation in the teaching and learning process and to enhance services to students.”

Funded by the 2015 COM Foundation gala, the mini-grants have a total of $40,000 available.

“The singular goal is student success,” said Busby. 

Last year, the gala funded spring and fall scholarships, new summer scholarships and funds for other campus resources such as the COM Veterans Center.

COM Foundation also created the Random Acts of Kindness Program to help students with one-time emergency needs.

Since 1967 College of the Mainland Foundation has been making a difference in the lives of students. The fundraising arm of the college, the foundation is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Gifts from our alumni, friends, employees, corporations and foundations support and maintain the highest quality of education for our students through scholarships, vital student programs and instructional innovations across campus.

For more information about the COM Foundation, visit www.com.edu/com-foundation.