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.
Technology & Learning's Ed Tech Leader of the Year Program, sponsored by PLATO Learning, recognizes K-12 administrators, technology specialists, and teachers who demonstrate leadership, vision, and creativity in implementing technology in schools and districts. Four finalists will be flown to the NSBA T+L2 conference in Denver, Colo., October 27-29, where the national winner will be announced at a special reception. Additional honors include an article in T&L's December 2004 Awards Issue and a spot on the magazine's masthead. A call for entries is available at www.techlearning.com/content/contest. Deadline is September 10.
The theme of Technology & Learning's Portraits of Learning Digital Photography Contest for K-12 students is My Personal Universe. Students may submit up to three digital photos taken between January 1 and September 20, 2004. Details about contest rules and the entry form are available at www.techlearning.com/content/contest/photos. Winning photos will be published in the December 2004 Awards Issue of Technology & Learning and online at techLEARNING.com and the Adobe Digital Kids Club Web site. Deadline is September 20.
The SMART Kids Foundation is currently offering two grant programs. SMARTer Kids Grants for SMART Roomware Products provide discounts for qualifying SMART products including interactive whiteboards, whiteboard cameras, multimedia furniture, and software. The second grant, SMARTer Kids Grant for NEC Visual Presentation Products, provides discounts on qualifying NEC products. Find more information about both grants at www.smarterkids.org. Application deadline is September 30.
Toshiba America Foundation's Small Grants Program for K-6 Science and Math Education supports programs and activities that improve classroom teaching and learning of science, mathematics, and technology for students in grades K-6. Grants of up to $5,000 are awarded annually. More information is available at www.toshiba.com/taf. Deadline for proposals is October 1.
Tip of the Month
Plan to turn in grant proposals several days in advance of the deadline, even when documents are submitted electronically. Most grant writers have several horror stories about lost funding opportunities due to copiers that broke down, parcel delivery trucks that didn't arrive in time, lost Internet connections, and so on. By giving yourself two to three days as a cushion, you will be able to deal with unexpected glitches and still get the proposal in on time.
Magna Awards, sponsored by the American School Board Journal and Sodexho School Services, recognize outstanding school district programs that promote increased student achievement and encourage community involvement. The grand prize is a $2,500 stipend; there are also two $1,000 citation awards. Find more details at www.asbj.com/magna/index.html. Deadline for nominations is October 1.
The 2004-05 Siemens Westinghouse Competition promotes excellence by encouraging students to undertake individual or team research projects in science, mathematics, technology, or a combination of these disciplines. Individual entrants must be seniors, but team members may be in grades 9-12. Prizes are scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $100,000. Visit www.siemens-foundation.org for additional information. Deadline for entries is October 1.
Resource
The Mathematics Education Trust was established by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics to support improved teaching and learning of mathematics. MET offers a variety of grant and award opportunities to teachers of pre-K through high school who want to participate in professional development activities or improve their classroom instructional practice. Most applications are due in early December. To learn more, visit www.nctm.org/about/met.
