Innovation Funding Initiative

The Innovation Funding Initiative is part of the County Superintendent's 5-3-1 Strategic Plan​

Innovation is the im​plementation of a new strategy or novel application of strategies designed to address an unmet need in​ an educational context. Innovative practices improve efficiency or student outcomes. While innovative practices may not be evidence-based, innovations should be grounded in theory, responsive to the needs of the population of interest, and capable of producing sustainable, scalable, and replicable change.​

Program Goals:

• Explore and expand innovative practices that elevate student engagement and achievement, through projects that have potential to be replicated and scaled.
• Empower schools and districts with the resources needed to develop and implement pioneering projects to address challenges faced by Orange County’s schools and students. 
• Build a collaborative network of visionary educators dedicated to shaping a forward-thinking future in education.

Cohort 2 is Open for Applications!

• 6 districts will receive innovation funding
  • Eligible Applicants: Orange County school districts serving grades TK-12 (Cohort 1 funded districts not eligible).
    • Not Eligible to Apply: Charter schools, OC districts funded in Cohort 1, school districts outside of Orange County, CA, private schools, colleges or universities, nonprofit or community-based organizations, non-educational agencies. 
  • Up to $525,000 per project, for three year project period
    • Project Period: July 1, 2027-June 30, 2030
  • Application Released: October 7, 2026
  • Intent to Apply (optional): October 30, 2026
  • Applications Due:  December 4, 2026
  • Awards Announced: early February2027