Lilly Endowment Grant Initiative

Through the Lilly Endowment grants, Sycamore is addressing two of the most pressing challenges faced by gifted students: their social and emotional well-being and the unique obstacles faced by twice-exceptional (2e) learners - those who are academically gifted and also experience one or more conditions, such as learning disabilities, emotional/behavior disorders, ADHD, or other exceptionalities. Our focus on these topics was born out of multiple discussions and surveys with faculty, parents, and trustees, both prior to the announcement of the grants and throughout the planning process. Through these talks, we identified these two topics as critical to the continued success of our students

For Phase 1, a non-competitive “planning” grant, Sycamore received $50,000 (the maximum amount available) which was used in the 2024-2025 school year for research and development related to future grant phases. Sycamore faculty and administrators visited peer schools throughout the country, conducted a needs assessment with professional consultation, and explored potential social-emotional learning (SEL) programming and data analysis tools to potentially be implemented the following school year.

For Phase 2, a non-competitive “implementation grant,” Sycamore received $200,000 (the maximum amount based on school enrollment), to be used by the end of 2030. A requirement of the grant is the funding could not exceed 80% of expenses, and thus Sycamore is responsible for the remaining 20%. With these funds, Sycamore expanded Learning Resource staffing, arranged for online consultation for the Learning Resource team, purchased an SEL curriculum, and purchased a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) platform.

Looking ahead, Sycamore will pursue the following:

• Comprehensive training in 2e education for all faculty through the College of William & Mary (Summer 2026).
• Customized, in-person training in 2e education for all faculty (Fall 2027).
• Implementation of MTSS for centralizing data, automating the identification of students in need of intervention, and facilitating collaborative intervention among educators and support staff (Fall 2027).

In contrast to the first two phases, Phase 3 was a competitive grant process. Sycamore received $6,000,000 (the maximum amount based on our enrollment) to be used by 2030. We were one of fifteen private schools across the county to receive a Phase 3 grant. As with the prior phase, the grant can not exceed 80% of expenses, and thus Sycamore is responsible for supplying $1,500,000 of the total. We anticipate a future capital fundraising effort which will allow all members of the Sycamore community to invest in this exciting growth.

With this investment from the Endowment, we are elevating our social-emotional learning (SEL) programming to ensure every Sycamore student thrives academically and personally. We are expanding specialized services for 2e students, ensuring that their unique strengths are recognized, nurtured, and celebrated. We will create dynamic indoor and outdoor learning spaces tailored to SEL and 2e programming, hire expert specialists, and invest in our faculty to enhance their skills in supporting these extraordinary students. We will elevate the Sycamore experience and create a Center of Excellence in Gifted Education, establishing our school as a national leader in gifted learning.

Our three main areas of attention are: 1) developing indoor and outdoor purpose-built learning spaces; 2) establishing new staff positions and increasing the scope of current positions; and 3) hiring a leader for the Center of Excellence. Implementation of the improvements described below will depend on the progress of fundraising and other factors. 

1. Build and Renovate to Create Indoor and Outdoor Learning Spaces

Construct a Learning Resource Wing. This will include the following:

• A gross motor room dedicated to physically active and mentally stimulating activities. The gross motor room will include open space, safety flooring, natural lighting, inviting colors, and designated “zones” for physical activities (such as running, jumping, throwing, etc.). The room will also provide new equipment for movement, balance, and regulation, primarily for students in grades K-4.
• Dedicated learning resource spaces, including office and small-group collaborative workrooms. The office will serve as a place for parent and faculty/staff meetings, a quiet location for progress monitoring, and a hub for student records. The collaborative workrooms will allow meetings of small groups requiring academic help, such as reading or math intervention, writing support, or executive skills coaching.
• A new Lower School music room.
• A new Lower School Spanish room, in the location currently occupied by the current Lower School music room.
• Renovate to establish a dedicated space for middle school learning resources. A dedicated middle school executive function classroom will be located in the current Lower School Spanish room.
• Create a natural, multisensory outdoor playground. This outdoor space will be thoughtfully landscaped with native plantings and other vegetation, and include features for climbing and balancing, winding pathways, and an informal classroom setting. All facets will enable students to nurture their creativity and a sense of stewardship for the environment. By creating a space that is accessible and environmentally aware, we are investing in a future where children can develop essential SEL skills in a nurturing setting.

2. Establish New Staff Positions and Increase the Scope of Current Positions

• Hire additional student-facing learning resource staff.  This may include such positions as counselors, learning resource specialists, or other support staff.
• Develop a partnership with a local university. The goal would be published research on the positive effects our improvements have on the academic achievement of gifted students.

3. Hire a Director for the Center of Excellence in Gifted Education

• This individual will coordinate with Sycamore’s Division Heads, oversee current and new learning resource staff, and direct the Center of Excellence. 
• The director will also promote the Center widely within the field of gifted education.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is an Indianapolis-based private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly, Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. Although the gifts of stock remain a financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion. The Endowment funds programs throughout the United States, especially in the field of religion, and maintains a special commitment to its founders’ hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana.