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February 15, 2003
Grants, Contests & Awards
By Susan Brooks-Young
Looking for funds to make an innovative technology project possible? Seeking recognition for outstanding teachers or students in your district? Here's a sampling of some great opportunities.
Nominations are now being accepted for the Global SchoolNet Foundation's annual GSN Online Shared Learning Award. This award recognizes current classroom teachers, media specialists, and other educators who spend significant portions of the day in classrooms interacting with students, and who have successfully used or promoted use of online collaborative learning. Although self-nominations are not accepted, all candidates are notified and may choose whether or not to complete the process. The top prize is a cash award of $7,500 and a paid trip to the NECC Conference in Seattle, Wash., in June. Several finalists will receive cash awards of $250. The deadline is March 3. The nomination form and requirements are available at the Web site.
Middle and high school students who enter the Global SchoolNet CyberFair Contest may be eligible for the special Doors to Diplomacy Award sponsored by Global SchoolNet and the U.S. Department of State. This award recognizes the student-created Web site entry that best teaches about international affairs and diplomacy. Each student member of the winning team receives a $2,000 scholarship, and the winning coaches' schools receive a $500 cash award. The State Department is also sponsoring a trip to Washington, D.C., where winners will tour State Department facilities, meet key officials, and participate in a special awards ceremony. The deadline for entries is March 21. For more information, visit the Web site.
NASA, the LEGO Company, and the Planetary Society invite students born between September 1, 1986 and September 1, 1990 to enter the Red Rover Goes to Mars competition. Winning Student Astronauts will work directly with the sundial and magnet teams at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. In addition, selected Student Astronauts will rotate through the JPL in teams of two, with each team spending approximately one week at the facility. To apply, students must write a 1,500-word essay exploring decisions that must be made by mission planners after the rover lands on Mars. Entries must be submitted to your regional Planetary Society center; check the Web site for more application information. Entries are due March 14.
The ninth annual Thoughts & Dreams Video Contest, sponsored by Focus Enhancements, invites elementary, middle, and high school students in the United States and Canada to use video as a creative tool for developing communication. Videos of no longer than 5 minutes must be created during the contest year (2002-2003), and schools may enter up to three videos. Past awards have included hardware and software for video production. The entry form and additional information may be accessed at the Web site. Entries are due March 24.
The Beaumont Foundation of America is sponsoring a School Grant program to support digital inclusion for underserved individuals. The foundation anticipates awarding between 100 and 350 school grants over 5 years, ranging from $60,000 to $250,000 in Toshiba hardware. To determine the round of funding for which your school is eligible and to obtain application materials, visit the foundation's Web site. Applications for the first round of grants are due by March 31.
Middle and high schools with enrollments of more than 500 students; a full-time, state-certified library media specialist; and a library collection of more than 5,000 items are eligible to apply for the 3M Salute to Schools Program, sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians and 3M. Approximately 100 secondary schools will receive about $15,000 in security system equipment and materials. Visit the Web site for an application and additional requirements pertaining to library access and layout. Applications are accepted through March 1.
 Visit the Grants Database to search through the extensive listings of grants and contests.
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