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.
The Schools of Distinction Award, sponsored by Intel and Scholastic, Inc. and administered by the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Foundation, recognizes outstanding K-12 schools for achievement in a range of academic and technology categories. Twenty elementary and high schools will receive grants of $10,000. Two of them will receive $25,000 "Best of the Best" awards. Further information is available at www.schoolsofdistinction.com. Deadline for applications is December 1.
CDW Government, Inc. wants to know how technology enhances students' learning experiences. High school juniors and seniors are invited to enter the 4th Annual Education Contest. Contestants design a two-dimensional artwork that demonstrates how technology has enhanced their learning and also write an accompanying 250-word essay. Winning entries are awarded technology products from top manufacturers, and the first place winner's school receives a $1,000 gift certificate from CDW-G. The entry form and additional information are available at www.cdwg.com/artcontest.asp. The deadline for entries is December 15.
Do you know an educator who has done a single extraordinary act or who is involved in an ongoing project that significantly improves the safety, quality of life, or environment of others? If so he or she may be eligible for recognition for a Volvo for Life Award, sponsored by Volvo Cars of North America. Awards include certificates of merit, cash donations to charities designated by recipients, national recognition, and a Volvo for life to the grand prize winner. For additional information, visit www.volvoforlifeawards.com/cgi-bin/iowa/english/home.html. Nominations are due January 10, 2005.
Tip of the Month
Whether you submit a grant proposal using U.S. Priority Mail or a delivery service such as UPS or FedEx, make certain that a signature is required on delivery and that you receive a receipt. The granting agency is likely to be swamped with proposals as the deadline approaches, and packages do get misplaced. If your proposal goes astray, a signature on the receiving end documents actual delivery.
A receipt provides tracking information, if needed.
Educators are invited to nominate African American, American Indian/Alaska Natives, Asian Pacific Islander Americans, and Hispanic American students entering a degree program in fall 2005 to become Gates Millennium Scholars. Sponsored by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the award amount varies and is based on the cost of tuition, fees, books, and living expenses for the academic year. To access nomination materials visit www.gmsp.org. The deadline for nominations is January 14, 2005.
Community Action Grants, offered by the American Association of University Women Educational Foundation, are available to individual women who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Topic areas for one-year grants are not restricted, but must include an activity that promotes education and equity for girls and women. Winning two-year grant proposals focus on activities supporting K-12 girls' interest and achievement in math, science, and technology, as well as school and community partnerships. Grant awards range from $2,000-$7,000 for one-year projects, and $5,000-$10,000 for two-year projects. Application information is available at www.aauw.org/fga/fellowships_grants/community_action.cfm. Deadline for applications is January 15, 2005.
Resource
The U.S. Department of Education is providing funding to iEARN, a non-profit global network, to make scholarships available to U.S. teachers. The scholarships may be used for a variety of student activities as well as online professional development. The purpose of the scholarships is to encourage teachers to have their students engage in collaborative learning projects with youth in countries that have significant Muslim populations. More information and the application are available at www.iearn.org/join.
Visit www.techlearning.com to search through the extensive database of grants and contests.
