The "Hewlett-Packard Technology for Teaching Grant Initiative" is designed to support innovative and effective uses of technology in the classroom setting.  Public schools that are using a collaborative, team-based approach to implementing technology integration projects are considered for the grant.  The activities of the project need to be focused on using technology to teach, rather than on teaching students to use technology.

In 2006, Sunset Elementary was awarded the “Hewlett-Packard Technology for Teaching Grant" for its “Whirling Winds” project, which engages students in hurricane study, formation, and prediction within a global framework. Sunset received over $35,000 in technology and professional development for this math and science-focused project.  As part of “Whirling Winds,” Sunset has developed a relationship with NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), as well as with MAST Academy’s “Weather-on-Wheels” project.  Through the “Hewlett-Packard Technology for Teaching Grant", five teachers received training and mentoring in technology integration from Hewlett-Packard and ISTE, as well as five teacher stations, consisting of tablet PCs, projectors, scanners, copiers, printers, and digital cameras. Click here for Sunset's award on Hewlett-Packard's site, and here for Sunset's "Whirling Winds" project.

Best Buy Foundation's programs include "Best Buy Te@ch Awards," which support innovative programs that use technology to make learning fun at schools.  In 2007, Best Buy selected Sunset Elementary as a recipient of the Best Buy Te@ch grant, for an expansion of Sunset’s “Whirling Winds” project.  Additional laptop equipment was acquired through this grant.

Sunset teachers, together with SEED and parent volunteers, developed the Outdoor Classroom project, which was originally presented to Lowe's Foundation grants initiative.  Through a group of parent volunteers working with a team of Pangea teachers, a new proposal was submitted by Sunset Elementary, which was awarded the Florida Department of Education “2007-2008 Challenge Grant for Gifted Collaborative Curriculum” in 2007.