EMPOWERED IN ACTION
The Roger Woest Inspired Arts in Education Mini-Grant
Offered and Administered by Empowered Learning, Inc.
Honoring a Lifetime of Creativity, Education, and Community Impact
Roger Woest—a Pasadena ISD graduate, longtime educator, and accomplished musician—retired after an extraordinary 55-year career of service to Pasadena ISD, where he served as a teacher, counselor, and administrator. Throughout his career, he also shared his musical talents to support school programs, district events, and local causes. Additionally, he is the founder of Caring Cabaret, a recurring philanthropic performance series benefiting grassroots charities across the Houston area.
Empowered Learning, Inc. proudly offers this annual mini-grant as part of its Empowered in Action initiative, building on Roger Woest’s legacy of creativity, education, and community impact. The grant supports public school fine arts programs that promote student learning, engagement, and creativity—particularly in underfunded or high-need settings. It also furthers the company’s mission by strengthening outreach efforts, building school partnerships, and reinforcing our belief that all students deserve access to high-quality, meaningful artistic opportunities. This work reflects Empowered Learning Inc.’s core values: “Live Your Purpose, Stay Inspired, and Do Good.”
What the Grant Supports: Up to $1,500 for classroom-based or after-school program-based fine arts projects, instructional materials, performances, student showcases, or creative collaborations that align with fine arts learning goals and Roger Woest’s legacy of positively impacting others through art. See Roger Woest’s bio for more information.
Who Can Apply:
Pasadena Memorial High School Legacy Grant - Open to fine arts teachers at Pasadena Memorial High School. Proposals must be submitted on behalf of a classroom, program, or department to support a creative project aligned with this campus-specific legacy grant.
National Creative Impact Grant -Open to fine arts educators or educator teams in U.S. public schools. Proposals must be submitted on behalf of a school-based fine arts program that fosters student engagement, artistic expression, and community connection.
How Applications Are Reviewed:Applications are evaluated using a 10-point rubric that considers clarity, impact, creativity, feasibility, and alignment with Roger Woest’s legacy.
How Funds Are Distributed:Grant funds will be issued to a school-managed account (such as a campus activity fund) designated for the awarded program. Funds cannot be distributed to individuals.
Application window to apply for the 2026 grant cycle: August 1, 2026 - September 25, 2026
Helpful Mini-Grant Resources:
FAQ
Q: Who is eligible to apply?
A:Eligibility depends on the grant version:
Pasadena Memorial High School Legacy Mini-Grant – Open to fine arts teachers at Pasadena Memorial High School. Proposals must be submitted on behalf of a classroom, program, or department to support a creative project aligned with this campus-specific legacy mini-grant.
National Creative Impact Mini-Grant – Open to fine arts educators or educator teams in U.S. public schools. Proposals must be submitted on behalf of a school-based fine arts program that fosters student engagement, artistic expression, and community connection.
Q: What courses are considered “fine arts” for the purposes of this mini-grant?
A:The following areas are eligible:
Visual Arts: Drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics, mixed media, digital art, graphic design
Performing Arts: Theater, musical theater, drama, dance, choreography, performance
Music: Band, choir, orchestra, instrumental or vocal ensembles, music theory, composition, music technology
Media Arts: Film, video production, animation, sound design
Literary Arts:Poetry, storytelling, creative writing, spoken word (when part of an artistic or performance-based program)
Interdisciplinary Projects: Projects that connect fine arts with other disciplines (e.g., history, science) are eligible if they are school-based and promote student engagement, artistic development, and/or access to creative expression in an educational setting.
Q: What can the grant funds be used for?
A: Eligible uses include supplies, materials, student performances, exhibitions, creative showcases, and other activities aligned with fine arts learning goals.
Q: Can multiple teachers from the same school apply?
A:Yes. Multiple applications from the same school are welcome and will be reviewed individually.
Q: When will recipients be notified?
A:Grant recipients will be notified within 4–6 weeks of the application deadline.
Q: How are recipients selected?
A:A diverse grant committee consisting of at least three members—including Roger Woest and other representatives—will evaluate submissions using the published standardized 10-point rubric.
Q: Is this a recurring opportunity?
A:Yes. This grant is awarded annually by Empowered Learning, Inc. as part of its Empowered in Action initiative.
Q: Where can I find more information or ask questions?
A:Website:hillarywoest.com/artgrant Questions may be emailed to: artgrant@hillarywoest.com or Roger@hillarywoest.com
Congratulations to our 2025 grant recipients
Pasadena Memorial High School Legacy Grants
“Bridging Artistic Thinking and Technology in Theater Production”
Educator: Noah Dobbs, Theatre Teacher
Award: $700 to support the purchase of raw materials used in student-designed and student-fabricated set, prop, and costume elements.
“Road to a Hybrid Studio”
Educator: José Alvarez-Lucio, Lead Visual Arts Teacher
Award: $1,466 to purchase two iPads and a 3D printer that will expand hybrid studio learning and portfolio development opportunities.
National Creative Impact Grants
TOP AWARD — “Sound Start”
Educator: Jonathan Pedersen, Band Director
School: Pearson Ranch Middle School (Austin, TX)
Original request: 1 trumpet, 1 clarinet, and 1 percussion bell kit
Awarded: The three instruments requested, plus a few additional instruments, cases, and maintenance supplies for all instruments
This expansion reflects both the exceptional strength of the proposal and the long-term impact of establishing a fully-functional and equitable beginner instrument lending library, ensuring that students who want to join band can do so regardless of financial barriers.