On November 4th, The Wave was surprised by the Champions For Learning, presenting them with a $750 grant. The Wave wrote this grant earlier in the year in hopes of fully funding the yearly subscription for their online website provider, SNO sites.
The grant application detailed the hard work the editors and students put into every article, podcast, and video story. Being more than just a newspaper, the goal of The Wave is to amplify the voices of the students by being a platform built to inform, inspire, and connect the MIA school community, while simultaneously showcasing the creativity and talent of MIA’s young journalists.
Funding is an obstacle that MIA faces every school year. Being a charter school, MIA is responsible for fundraising for itself to keep the school and programs such as The Wave operating. Grants such as this one not only help keep the publication running but also ensure that students have access to professional tools and learning opportunities that provide real-world skills in journalism, communication, and reliable reporting.
With this funding, The Wave can continue to pursue excellence and maintain its recognition as a Distinguished Site by SNO. This prestigious award is something only five schools in Florida and only 73 schools nationwide attained in 2025. The editors and staff hope not only to keep this success but also to build upon it by amplifying the stories that matter most to their peers, and with the grant, it is certain that they can.
Champions For Learning also graciously granted two other classes at MIA with grants. Ms. Pisculli’s art classes were funded $1,562.76 for art supplies to create an authentic and professional environment for the student artists. This grant is put towards an aluminum single-mast easel, a drawing pad, and a sketch pad board. Mr. Kraft’s Engineering class was also granted $1,869.95 for five IQ System Bundles, which give students to opportunity for a hands-on learning experience.
For The Wave and the rest of MIA, these grants represent more than just financial assistance, it is a reminder of how important support is in helping students reach their fullest potential. With the help of Champions For Learning, MIA students can continue to explore their passions, expand their skills, and make an impact both inside and outside the classroom. These grants reaffirm the values of student creativity, innovation, and voice – the very qualities that makes Marco Island Academy, and more specifically, The Wave thrive.
