Open Education Grants 2026-27
Call for Proposals
BCIT instructors and faculty are invited to submit proposals for grants that support the creation of open educational resources (OER) in credit courses. The objective is to empower educators to create accessible, high-quality, and sustainable resources that reduce financial barriers for students. Collaboration across the institute is encouraged.
Examples of past open education projects can be viewed in BCIT’s Institutional Repository or in our showcase.
Zero Textbook Cost OER Development Grants (up to $8,500) – Open until October 30, 2026
Two grants of up to $8500 are available. This grant supports instructors in creating and publishing educational educational materials as Open Educational Resources (OERs) in order to reduce costs for students. Learn more about ZTC (Zero Textbook Cost).
When applying for the grant:
- Indicate whether you will create an open-license learning resource in any subject or format (such as textbooks, lecture videos, podcasts, assignments, H5P, multimedia content, or other teaching resources.), or make substantial revisions to existing OER to better suit class subject matter and learning outcomes.
- Be sure to demonstrate how your openly licensed work will reduce textbook costs for students.
Applications must be received by end of day on October 30, 2026.
Grant Application Form
Available Support:
While the Teaching and Learning Unit (TLU) and the Library can provide learning design, accessibility, and technology support for funded grant projects, you are expected to create the materials.
Some things to keep in mind when applying for Open Education Grants
- All learning materials developed with the support of a BCIT Open Education Grant must be openly licensed and deposited in the BCIT Institutional Repository.
- Avoid projects focused on the use of proprietary software because they are difficult for users to access and revise.
- Proposed projects that use proprietary software for development are generally not considered to be open educational resources as it can be difficult for users to access and revise the content.
- Develop learning materials using platforms and formats that are as open and editable as possible. Grantees are encouraged to develop their project in PressBooks, when possible, because the platform is open and is supported by BCcampus.
- Include in your proposal information on platforms and formats that will be used for the project.
- If using closed formats, make sure that your submission to the BCIT Institutional Repository includes editable files, such as MP4s for videos.
- Check what is already available on the topic you are proposing. You may want to build upon an already existing OER.
- Explicitly acknowledge use of Generative AI tools, if applicable, and describe how it will be used. Applicants will meet with an Emerging Technology Librarian to address ethical concerns
- Be aware that AI-generated content may not be eligible for copyright protection. Identify AI-generated content in your project, ensure it is 100% accurate, and ensure it does not reproduce copyrighted works
- Familiarize yourself with accessibility guidelines and incorporate best practices while developing your grant project. Check out the BCcampus Accessibility Toolkit.
- Please review BCIT’s Open Education Best Practices and Guidelines.
- Grant money cannot be used for travel expenses or to purchase or rent equipment, hardware, or software.
- Open Education Grant funds distributed as Flexible Learning contracts are subject to tax and benefits deductions.
If you have any additional questions about the grant, please contact open@bcit.ca.