These proposals have been awarded GOInnovate Grants from the Greater Ozarks Cooperating School Districts (GOCSD) and the Missouri Capital Asset Advantage Treasury (MOCAAT) to implement innovative projects that will enhance student learning.

Sensory Spaces for Improved Learning

Submitted by Andrea Piepenbrink, Laura Brake and Joel Barber
Mt. Vernon RV School District

The primary objective of our sensory room project is to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment that meets the diverse sensory needs of our students. The sensory room will serve as a space where students can self-regulate, calm down, and refocus, allowing them to return to the classroom ready to engage in learning. The room will be equipped with sensory tools designed to provide a variety of tactile, auditory, and visual stimuli that support students in managing sensory overload and anxiety. By offering this space, we aim to reduce classroom disruptions, improve emotional well-being, and enhance overall academic performance.

The Digital Native's Guide to Public Speaking: Mastering Communication Through the Art of Podcasting

Submitted by Caitlin Selle
Waynesville R-VI

This project seeks to teach traditional public speaking skills and units - including informative, persuasive, and entertainment speech or debate - through the creation of high-quality student podcasts. Gifted education students will: Engage in developing public speaking and communication skills, develop and practice essential digital literacy and digital fluency skills that will better prepare them for post-secondary pursuits, including collegiate studies and career pursuits, develop essential collaboration skills, develop and grow stronger executive functioning skills related to project management, enhance writing and organization skills, and understand and practice developing digital content as a means of communication.

Impact Time

Submitted by Ethan Farr, Jeremy Land, Nich Hurd, Brooke Remerscheid, Keri Givens, Freda Wolf, Grace Idleburg, Luana Varner, Millie Thompson-Krug, Max Schuman
Shell Knob School District #78

The primary objective of our innovative project, known as "Impact Time", is to provide opportunities for students to be involved in meaningful change and improvement to their school, as well as develop skills that have real-world application. This program helps foster an environment of commitment and care for our school.

Empowering Future Innovators: Launching a STEM Lab for Rural Learners

Submitted by Caleb Daniels, Cheryl Ficken, Michaela Brown
Everton R-III School District

The primary objective of our innovative project is to establish a cross-curricular STEM lab that enhances student engagement, promotes learner agency, and supports personalized, competency-based instruction aligned with our district’s Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). Specifically, this project supports CSIP goals related to improving student achievement through real-world, hands-on learning experiences and expanding career readiness opportunities in science, agriculture, business, and technology.

Reimagining English: Creative Pathways for Modern Learners

Joey O'Neal, Ashley Raney, Jen Lipe, Allison Centanni, Olivia Slinkard, Taylor Taylor, Dylan Greene, Abigail Beckwith, Aaron Thompson
Jackson R-2

Our primary objective is to develop a selection of ELA courses for freshmen and sophomores that offer students' choice and voice in their learning paths and incorporate real-world applications while still meeting the state standards.

Panther Grown Egg Project

Submitted by Melissa Ruble-Porter
Marion C Early-Morrisville

The Panther Grown Egg Project will be an on campus-based chicken coop, in which students will care for the coop, hens, and collect eggs to share with the community. Not only will this project be an excellent hands-on experience for our students, but it will also provide them with the chance to run a business. Students will market, package, and share these eggs with the local community. Alongside this coop, we will also construct a “take what you need” farmstand box. In this box, eggs in cartoons will be placed for anyone in the community to take and use in their homes. This project connects community members and students alike to the Agriculture Industry.

GOInnovate Grants

GOInnovate Grants support innovative projects that improve student learning through personalized competency based learning and learner agency practices. Learn more about GOInnovate Grants and plan to submit in 2026.