Local Microschool Wins National Recognition

FARMINGTON HILLS, Mich. - Nov. 30, 2023 - PRLog -- The VELA Education Fund announced this month that AMPed Academy was selected to receive a 2023 Micro Grant.

The grant of $10,000 will support expanding AMPed Academy's reach to more students in the Detroit Metro area.

VELA is a national, nonprofit fund that began operating in 2020. VELA invests in everyday entrepreneurs – students, parents, educators, and community leaders – who are envisioning new approaches that meet learners' and families' needs. VELA does not dictate solutions to its grantees. Instead, VELA trusts grantees to identify what their communities need and how they can best meet those needs. VELA has awarded more than $24 million to support non-traditional education models, reaching more than 6.5 million learners and families.

The AMPed Academy is a secular, inclusive K-8th grade private school in Farmington Hills, MI. Students learn in small, mixed-age cohorts of no more than 12 students. Every student is provided with a Personalized Education Plan (PEP) to create a uniquely tailored learning plan. AMPed Academy utilizes project-based learning, which studies show significantly improves engagement, retention and critical thinking skills. AMPed Academy's curriculum and format is designed to support the varied needs of students, from those who just want a better education to gifted and talented students and those with neurodiversities. Classes are offered in both a traditional full time format as well as a hybrid format, which offers in-person learning 2-3 days per week and individual assignments the other days.

"We're thrilled to receive this micro grant from the VELA Education Fund," said Anne Marie Palazzolo, founder of AMPed Education and the AMPed Academy. "Many of our students struggled in a traditional learning environment and have thrived since joining AMPed. We look forward to using this grant to expand access to our program to more students in the Detroit area."

Learn more about the VELA Education Fund at https://www.velaedfund.org and AMPed Academy at https://amped.education/academy.

About VELA Education Fund

VELA Education Fund is a national, nonprofit fund dedicated to accelerating education innovation and opportunity for every learner. The fund provides charitable grants driving early and accessible funding to everyday entrepreneurs – community members, families, and young people – developing authentic and responsive learning experiences outside of the traditional K-12 system. VELA Education Fund connects its grantees to a national network and provides them with a platform to elevate their work and learning.