Innovation Mini-Grants
Previously Funded Grants
| 2025 Mini-Grant Projects |
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| Project #: 25MG-1 (PDF) Project Title: Innovating Institutional Research: Automating Dashboards with PowerBI Funding: $10,000 Submitted By: Cassie Leal Department: Institutional Research Description: The Research Office at Shasta College seeks funding to implement PowerBI, a powerful data visualization and analytics tool, to automate dashboard creation and streamline data reporting processes. This automation will free up valuable staff time, allowing our team to focus on deeper engagement with Faculty and staff on research projects, strategic enrollment management (SEM), and equity-focused discussions. Additionally, the cost-effective implementation – levering SQL Enterprise for free access to PowerBI and low-cost builder license – Will significantly reduce expenses compared to our current solution. |
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Project #: 25MG-6 (PDF) Description: This project focuses on the purchase of anatomy models and posters for use in the Tehama Campus Tutoring and Learning Center (TLC). This will allow students to access these resources outside of the classroom to reinforce their understanding and retention of important anatomical structures through hands-on learning. |
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Project #: 25MG-7 (PDF) Description: Strengthening Innovation – Clifton Strengths at Shasta College is a Professional Development initiative to implement a data-backed infrastructure for increasing employee effectiveness and engagement through Gallup’s CliftonStrengths employee assessment. Innovation funding will allow Professional Development to purchase the CliftonStrengths assessment codes, that can be used to help employees identify their top 5 Strengths out of the 34 possible. |
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Project #: 25MG-8 (PDF) Description: STEP-UP proposes an effort to offer culinary and Community Education non-credit courses inside the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Ishi Conservation Fire Camp. STEP-UP additionally proposes to partner with the Tehama County Sheriff and Probation Departments to offer culinary and computer skills courses. Innovation funding will support the work discussed in this proposal that relates to the faculty contribution. |
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Project #: 25MG-9 (PDF) Description: This project aims to create a supportive, sensory-friendly space in the new campus library for neurodivergent students and adult learners with children. The library will serve as a centralized hub, also housing the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) for tutoring and academic support. Neurodivergent students often struggle with sensory overload, while adult learners with children need spaces that support both their academic and childcare needs. Our initiative will provide sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys, along with an interactive space for children, creating a welcoming environment for both parents and their children. |
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Project #: 25MG-11 (PDF) Description: Faculty representing multiple disciplines in Academic Senate would like to form a workgroup to create an AI Literacy Course for students. The modality will be Canvas instructional modules. This project promotes the critical evaluation of information, helps to meet course learning outcomes in the age of AI, and helps to promote the ethical use of AI generated content. |
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Project #: 25MG-12 (PDF) Description: Generative AI is an enormously useful tool that has seen tremendous growth in availability, in a variety of functions, and in applicability in educational spheres. This project aims to investigate some of the many available AI platforms and access levels (free vs. premium), test a variety of ways to implement them in our courses, and measure differences in outcomes for our courses or programs. |
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Project #: 25MG-23 (PDF) Description: This project will provide the opportunity for Shasta College Diesel Technology students to learn and utilize platforms to view manuals, properly create and record diagnostics, estimates, and invoices on provided Chromebooks or laptops, better preparing them for the workforce who predominately use a type of technology vs. a paper form. |
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Two additional projects are being funded by other sources, those projects are not be monitored through the Innovation Mini-Grant process and will not be required to submit reporting, however; we have posted their project submissions below for transparency. MG2 -Empowering Faculty with Equity Inquiry (PDF) and MG18-ECE Faculty Fundamentals (PDF) |
| 2020 Mini-Grant Projects |
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| Project #: 20MG-4 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Project Title: Cross Sector Collaboration and Enrichment Project Funding: $11,750 Submitted By: Becky Roe & Angela Cordell Department: Economic & Workforce Development (EWD) Description: This cross-disciplinary project provides opportunity for Shasta College's Business students, specifically in the area of accounting, to apply strategies and concepts being studied to real-world scenarios. Their client for this project is the new Heavy Equipment Logging Operations (HELO) program. Business accounting students will calculate associated operational costs and will use this information to provide recommendations (via client proposal) on maximizing profits, as well as practice industry accounting and bookkeeping techniques. |
| Project #: 20MG-9 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Project Title: Active Learning through Modeling Funding: $12,852 Submitted By: Laura Bleeker Department: Science Learning Center (SLC) Description: By providing a comprehensive array of resources for students the SLC can adapt to any learning style and promote more accessibility by introducing anatomical models for students to work with. These models, can provide a visual tour through articulated pieces of the human body. Students can use their phones, computers, or tablets to work on anatomical systems. These three-dimensional models allow students to learn on a tangible level by moving around the pieces, a visual level by seeing how smaller pieces fit into more comprehensive ideas, and an auditory level by using these tools as a group or with a learning assistant. This will promote a new way of learning, increase retention and understanding of this challenging material. |
| 2019 Mini-Grant Projects |
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| Project #: 19MG-1 (PDF) Funding: $8,886** Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Project Title: International Recruitment through EducationUSA Submitted By: Ryan Loughrey Department: Global Education Description: EducationUSA is a U.S. Department of State network of over 400 international student advising centers in more than 170 countries. The network promotes U.S higher education to students around the world. This project will bring members of EducationUSA to the Shasta College campus to help improve Shasta College international student recruiting efforts. **No funds spent, all funds returned to the grantor. |
| Project #: 19MG-2 (PDF) Funding: $24,744 Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Project Title: Zoom Me In Submitted By: Sharon Brisolara Department: Extended Education -Tehama Description: This project will allow the District to provide academic assistance to students via technologies that allow face to face/screen to screen interaction with our staff. The project will increase the capacity of staff and tutors to serve students. Zoom Me In will allow for more robust group tutoring and study sessions as well as faculty office hours. |
| Project #: 19MG-4 (PDF) Funding: $17,500 Reporting: Not Required* Project Title: UC Partnership Program Submitted By: Daniel Valdivia Department: Enrollment Services/Student Services Description: The UC Transfer Opportunity Program (TOP) brings a UC Davis admissions advisor onto select community college campuses in N. CA. Each participating community college has a dedicated TOP advisor. Advisors provide academic advising as well as seminars and career opportunity information. *Due to Covid-19 this project was unable to be completed. Funds were returned to the grantor. |
| Project #: 19MG-6 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $17,963 Project Title: Customer Service Academy 2.0 Submitted By: Sandra Hamilton-Slane Department: Student Services Description: Customer Service Academy 2.0 will design a schedule of course offerings allowing just-in-time enrollment to enable students to enter Shasta College throughout the semester and enroll in a curriculum that will enhance their employabilityskills. |
| Project #: 19MG-7 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $10,150 Project Title: Using Lab Simulations to Improve SLO's in Chemistry Submitted By: Mark Blaser, Matt Evans, Divan Fard, and Tim Shelton and Alan Beamer Department: SLAM Description: This project will allow the Chemistry Department to implement selected laboratory simulations/virtual labs from Labster and Smart Sparrow in a variety of chemistry classes during the 2019-20 academic year. |
| 2018 Mini-Grant Projects |
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| Project #: 18MG-1 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $18,572 Project Title: Consolidated Academic Mentoring Program (CAMP) Submitted By: Sandra Hamilton-Slane Department: Student Services/EOPS Description: Tutoring support in content areas not already provided such as Social Science, Humanities, etc. Pilot for proposed AB 1935 legislation. Budget includes a temporary coordinator. |
| Project #: 18MG-3 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $32, 610 Project Title: Online Horticulture Certificate with Distributed Labs - A Scalable Regional Collaboration Submitted By: Leimone Waite Department: Horticulture/BAITS Description: Combine online Sustainable Landscaping and Urban Tree Care certificate courses with regional labs to maximize cost effectiveness and expand program offerings needed for industry certifications. Includes a 3D scanner to develop a database of plants, trees, irrigation fittings, etc. to create a more dynamic learning environment and reduce materials costs. |
| Project #: 18MG-4 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $6,745 Project Title: Program Learning Outcomes Special Projects Submitted By: Sara McCurry Department: SLO Coordinator, SLO Committee & SLAM Description: SLO Committee will select 3-4 proposals (total of up to 12 faculty) to assess their PLO's using Meaningful and Manageable Program Assessment by L. Massa and M. Kasimatis. The outcome will be to assist faculty in using PLO's as one method to improve their programs. |
| Project #: 18MG-9 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $10,000 Project Title: Transfer Posters and Transfer Week Submitted By: Daniel Valdivia Department: Student Services/Transfer Center Description: Transfer week poster series of local students who have transferred to CSU or UC from each Division. Also includes promo items for faculty and staff to promote Shasta College and transfer. |
| Project #: 18MG-11 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $3,525 Project Title: Virtual Reality Submitted By: Katie Leach, Jessica Tyson, & Rebecca Osborne Department: Library and SLAM Description: Virtual reality station for students and faculty to use in the library or for checkout to classrooms. Project partners with Anatomy Instructors Dr. R. Osborne and Jessica Tyson to integrate VR into their curriculum and assess student learning through VR. |
| Project #: 18MG-12 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $4,600 Project Title: Shasta College Honors Research Symposium Submitted By: Sara McCurry, Lauren Hollingsworth Department: PEAT Description: Host a Shasta College Honors Program Research Symposium that encourages all honors students to prepare and present a research proposal. Awards for the top 3 will be sponsorships to attend the Honors Transfer Council of California Community Colleges conference at UC Irvine. |
| Project #: 18MG-13 (PDF) - Final Report Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $2,981 Project Title: Active Learning Classroom Workshop Submitted By: Mark Blaser (with support from the Faculty Excellence Committee) Department: SLAM Description: Two-day workshop for faculty in developing and implementing active learning in the classroom. Costs include M. Blaser staff time and consultant from University of British Columbia. |
| Project #: 18MG-14 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $20,532 Project Title: Class set of Tablets to Improve Student Engagement and Learning Submitted By: Mark Blaser, Divan Fard, Rebecca Osborne, Tim Shelton and Jessica Tyson Department: SLAM Description: Pilot classroom sets of iPAD's in Chemistry and Biology with 5 different instructors. |
| Project #: 18MG-17 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $7,000 Project Title: Computer Literacy Alignment Submitted By: Tom Martin and Susan Westler Department: BAITS Description: Create new policies/procedures for computer literacy assessment and competency to meet graduation requirements early. |
| 2017 Mini-Grant Projects |
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| Project #: 2017-01 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $2,069 Project Title: Video Enhancement: Tutorials and Lectures for Online and Hybrid Courses Submitted By: Cliff Gottlieb Department: SLAM Description: Technology hardware and software for the creation of videos of tutorials, lectures and written examples of real time problem solving. |
| Project #: 2017-02 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $3,712 Project Title: Online/Hybrid Course Enhancement with Demonstration Videos Submitted By: Cliff Gottlieb Department: SLAM Description: Creation of twenty (20) 508 compliant videos to illustrate important concepts in chemistry. |
| Project#: 2017-04 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $12,295 Project Title: Rookie Speech Tournament Submitted By: Michael Trujillo, Shelly Presnell, & Robb Lightfoot, Department: ACSS Description: Development of a Rookie Speech Tournament large enough to include all CMST 60 classes and to expand the tournament beyond the confines of Shasta College. |
| Project #: 2017-05 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $3,672 Project Title: North State Campus Camp 2017 (NSCC) Submitted By: Christopher Rodriguez Department: ACSS Description: Retreat and training designed to develop self-empowerment, critical thinking, effective communication, and leadership and community organization that contribute to decreasing the achievement gaps among select equity populations of our students. Other North State colleges to participate. |
| Project #: 2017-06 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $5,956 Project Title: GeoApp Project - Phase 2 Submitted By: Dan Scollon Department: SLAM Description: Continuing development of a GIS-based geo application (GeoApp) that will be accessible to students, staff and community members through cell phones, tablets and other mobile devices. The GeoApp will provide an interactive map of the Shasta College main campus, and will be designed to allow for customization in support of outreach activities & events. |
| Project #: 2017-07 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $7,200 Project Title: Improving Student Learning Outcomes through Untethered Teaching Submitted By: Tim Shelton, Divan Fard, & Randy Bush Department: SLAM Description: Enablement of untethered teaching through the use of new technology hardware/software designed to assist faculty with more effectively reaching students and improving productivity. This technology will enable in-class screencasts to be produced so students have detailed tutorials, explanations, and lectures available through web-based platforms. |
| Project #: 2017-08 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $10,491 Project Title: Participation in the HTCC (Honor Transfer Council of California) Student Research Conference for California Community Colleges Submitted By: Joanne Tippin Department: PEAT Description: Increase participation in the Shasta College Honors Program by giving students the opportunity to participate in the annual HTCC Student Research Conference held each spring at UC Irvine. |
| Project #: 2017-09 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $15,495 Project Title: Transfer Academy Submitted By: Daniel Valdivia Department: Student Services/Transfer Center Description: Increase transfer rates to the California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) systems through student participation in the Transfer Academy. |
| 2016 Mini-Grant Projects |
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| Project #: 2016-01 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $9,520 Project Title: CELT Submitted By: Mark Blaser Department: SLAM Description: AdvisorAdvisor/trainer to move CELT beyond a physical location and assist faculty with moving forward on innovative ideas |
| Project #: 2016-02 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $5,000 Project Title: Lightboard Submitted By: Mark Blaser Department: SLAM Description: Internally lighted clear whiteboard to record lectures. Room also required (CELT Center). |
| Project #: 2016-03 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $3,000 Project Title: Student-Centered Classroom Technology Submitted By: Mark Blaser Department: SLAM Description: Purchase iPad Pros or similar devices with Apps/case to untether from standard instructor computer. Will allow for research into lab simulations. (Combined with 2016-05). |
| Project #: 2016-04 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $12,300 Project Title: Experimental Classroom Submitted By: Will Breitbach Department: Library Description: Flexible configuration classroom allowing instructors to experiment with different methods of teaching supportive of active learning strategies. Need location, infrastructure, and technology equipment. Partial start-up funding. |
| Project #: 2016-05 (PDF) Reporting: Not Required** Funding: $9,000** Project Title: Mobile Device Loans Submitted By: Will Breitbach Department: Library Description: Purchase mobile devices (8 to 10) that faculty can check out of the Library with long-term, 3 semester loan. Helps instructor untether from standard classroom computer. (Combined with 2016-03). **Funded by other sources |
| Project #: 2016-06 (PDF) Reporting: Not Required** Funding: $7,500** Project Title: Open Educational Resources Incentive (OER) Submitted By: Will Breitbach Department: Library Description: 15 faculty stipends of $500 each for faculty to transition their courses to an OER textbook model. **Funded by other sources |
| Project #: 2016-07 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $7,358 Project Title: Gateway to Kinesiology Submitted By: Kathryn Cottrell Department: PEAT Description: New program focused on high school athletes (at-risk students) in dual enrolled courses entering the Kinesiology program and preparing for transfer. |
| Project #: 2016-08 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $4,000 Project Title: New Faculty Institute Submitted By: Teresa Doyle Department: SLAM Description: Formal, week-long planning retreat for faculty and administrators during the summer of 2016 to create an NFI operating on a 3-year cycle. Stipends for program/curriculum revision. |
| Project #: 2016-09 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $12,820 Project Title: First Year Survival Submitted By: Nelson Espinola, Sonia Randhawa, Nicole McGarry,& Becky Renfer Department: Student Services/Counseling Description: To provide support services for cohorts of first year students. Provide incentives to join cohort. This project seeks to expand the program to all first year students (not restricted to students in categorical programs). |
| Project #: 2016-11 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $16,000 Project Title: Growing Teachers Submitted By: Lorraine Haas, Debbie Whitmer Department: PEAT Description: Creating a pathway to completion via curriculum changes, recruitment and enrollment services. Individualized programs of study in ECE to reduce time in ECE program. |
| Project #: 2016-12 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $8,500 Project Title: Outreach Pathway Connections Submitted By: Trena Kimler-Richards Department: BAITS Description: Two pilot events to connect incoming Ag students and parents to Shasta College. Mapping from dual enrolled courses through CSU Chico program. North Coast Pathways consortium collaboration. |
| Project #: 2016-21 (PDF) Reporting: Final Report (PDF) Funding: $5,000 Project Title: GIS App Submitted By: Dan Scollon Department: SLAM Description: Student development of a mobile APP for navigating campus buildings and related facilities. |