What you need to know
Grants from the Education Innovation Funds for Teaching and Learning (formerly Alumni Class Funds) – generously supported by alumni from the classes of 1951, 1955, 1972, and 1999 – are intended as seed money for new, "high risk,” undergraduate initiatives that encourage creative curriculum and pedagogical changes, improve the quality of teaching, and enrich the learning experience, including the imaginative use and applications of technology.
Recent projects have included the development of novel curricula and instructional aids, application of research-based teaching strategies, and experiments with new pedagogical methods. Since 1994, hundreds of educational projects have received support from these funds, with many of these projects bringing significant long-term educational innovation to MIT.
The Education Innovation Funds are comprised of the following:
- The Class of 1951 Fund for Excellence in Education was created in 1991 to support projects that encourage creative curriculum and teaching changes across the Institute.
- The Class of 1955 Fund for Excellence in Teaching was inspired by the Class of 1951 and established at their 40th reunion.
- The Class of 1972 Fund for Educational Innovation was established in 1997 to promote initiatives that improve the quality of teaching and enrich the educational experience.
- The Class of 1999 Fund for Excellence in Student Learning is focused on improving students’ learning experiences through innovative technology and applications.
Proposals are reviewed by deans from MIT's five schools and the Schwarzman College of Computing or their designees; the Teaching and Learning Lab; and the Vice Chancellor with input from members of the classes of 1951, 1955, 1972, and 1999.
Apply for an Education Innovation Funds grant.
Search for recently funded projects.
For more information, email eifunds@mit.edu or call (617) 253-6776.