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Challenge Grants

Challenge Grants are awarded every year to Maize USD 266 employees in order to enhance programs for student learning. In recent years, award recipients have brought inspiring speakers to our schools, introduced iPads for digital learning, added period-accurate costumes to history lessons, created calming spaces, and transformed outdoor areas into vibrant learning environments.

Challenge Grants aren't just for teachers! You might be a custodian, bus driver, counselor, para, or food service employee (just to name a few roles). As long as the proposal is for an educational project, something that helps our students learn, grow and prepare for success after Maize USD 266, we want to hear from you. 

All application cycles for the 2025-2026 school year are now closed. Please check back in the fall.

A group of adults and children gathered in a classroom, holding a large check
A woman gasps in surprise while other adults celebrate behind her
Elementary students gather around a Playground Storywalk page
The image shows three smiling women holding a large check
Elementary students show off herbs they picked from a hydroponic garden
Students gather around a hydroponic garden as their teacher instructs them how to harvest
The image shows a group of women holding a large check in a classroom setting, surrounded by various educational materials and decorations.
Two people are embracing in a classroom with a man holding a large check in the background.
Four adults hold a large check to Maize South High School
A young person with long, dark hair is intently focused on an iPad, their fingers interacting with the colorful display.
A teacher helps a student with his art project on an iPad. Several other students are focused on their own iPads.
Two women are embracing and celebrating, holding a large check

What if...?

How many times have you caught yourself wondering, “What if…?”

What if we stacked the blocks this way?
What if every student had their own calculator?
What if we used a touch screen for this project?

We want to hear your "What if…?" Whether it’s a bold, outside-the-box idea, or a simple spark that could make a real difference for our students - share it with us!

Big or small, your creativity could change lives.

We encourage you to keep the Maize USD 266 Lead Forward Strategic Plan and your building's Wildly Important Goal(s) in mind while preparing your application.

Important Information

Please read each section carefully, as there are several changes to the Challenge Grant process for the 2025-2026 school year.