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.
Sponsored by the Oracle Education Foundation, new ThinkQuest competitions begin every six months. Teams of students ages 9 to 19 and one teacher, who serves as a coach, compete by building Web sites on educational topics. Top winning teams are invited to attend the ThinkQuest Live @ OracleWorld conference in San Francisco, and their Web sites are given special recognition in the ThinkQuest Library. Get more information at www.thinkquest.org. Deadline for the current contest is September 21; a new competition opens in October.
The Outstanding Young Educator Award, sponsored by the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, recognizes education professionals who are 40 years of age or younger who have made a significant impact on student achievement over time and who serve as exemplary role models. The winner receives a $10,000 award, is featured in Educational Leadership magazine, and is honored at the ASCD Annual Conference. Nominations must be made by ASCD members. Self-nominations are not accepted. For more information, visit www.ascd.org/cms/index.cfm?TheViewID=1655. Deadline is October 15.
Each year, the National Science Teachers Association, with support from the Dow Chemical Company, bestows the Robert H. Carleton Award to an individual who has made outstanding contributions to and provided leadership in science education at the national level, and to NSTA in particular. NSTA members who teach K-12 or college-level science are eligible for consideration. The award includes $5,000 cash, a medallion, a formal citation, and an all-expenses-paid trip to NSTA's National Convention. The nomination form and application guidelines are available at www.nsta.org/awardscomp. Deadline is October 15.
The Regie Routman Teacher Recognition Award is sponsored by the International Reading Association and Regie Routman. The $1,000 prize is presented to an outstanding K-6 teacher of reading and language arts who is dedicated to improving teaching and learning through reflective writing about his or her process. Nominees must be members of IRA. Additional information is available at www.reading.org/awards/regierou.html. Application deadline is November 1.
Tip of the Month
When considering grant opportunities, learn everything you can about the grantor. Research the answers to the following questions: What is the mission of the granting agency? What kinds of grants have been funded in the past? What is the typical dollar range for awarded grants? Are there geographic requirements? You'll save work in the long run by taking the time to ascertain whether or not your proposal fits the agency's goals.
Graduating high school seniors and undergraduate college students under age 24 may apply for Target Stores' All-Around Scholarships. More than 600 scholarships will be awarded to students who live in the continental United States, including one $25,000 award. The scholarships are given to well-rounded students who demonstrate a commitment to their communities through volunteer services, education, and volunteerism. A grade point average of at least 2.0 is required. Learn more by visiting target.com/target_group/ community_giving/ scholarships.jhtml. Deadline for proposals is November 1.
Microsoft's Unlimited Potential Grants will provide up to $1 billion to fund projects that focus on developing technology skills in disadvantaged youth and adults through community technology and learning centers. School-based programs that offer public access during non-school hours are eligible to apply for funding. Proposals are accepted on an ongoing basis; funding decisions are made each March and October. More details are available at www.microsoft.com/mscorp/citizenship/giving/overview.
