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.
ARRID Antiperspirant/Deodorant and The Women's Museum: An Institute for the Future are offering three scholarships to young women who are juniors or seniors in high school and legal residents of the United States. The award amounts are $10,000, $5,000, and $3,000. Nominators of the Arrid Total Women of Tomorrow winners also receive $1,000, $500, or $300, depending upon the award given their nominee. The nomination form and additional information are available at www.totalwomen.org. Nomination deadline is April 30.
The AlphaSmart Teacher4Teacher Lesson Plan Contest for K-12 educators runs through June 15. Each month, one teacher will win an AlphaSmart 3000, Dana by AlphaSmart, or Dana Wireless device. The original lesson plans must be based upon content area standards, include step-by-step directions; incorporate use of an AlphaSmart device; and match the theme for that month's contest. The required lesson plan format is available at www.alphasmart.com/k12/teacher4teacher. Submission dates and themes vary. Visit the Web site for more information.
Four Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year Awards are presented annually by the National Council for the Social Studies to exemplary K-12 social studies teachers who are members of NCSS. One elementary teacher (K-6), one middle-level teacher (5-8), and two secondary teachers (7-12) each receive $2,500, a one-year NCSS membership, national publicity, and a commemorative gift. Information and the application form are available at www.ncss.org/awards. Deadline for applications is April 1.
The National Council for the Social Studies is also sponsoring a grant program funded through the Corporation for National and Community Service. Teams of three teachers (grades 3-12) who teach in the same school district, are willing to join NCSS, are in partnership with at least one community agency, and engage at least 25 students per teacher in a 20-hour service learning project are eligible to apply for CiviConnections: Constructing the Past, Creating the Future grants. Each team selected receives $7,500 for program implementation. Further information is available at www.ncss.org/civiconnections. Application deadline is April 30.
One hundred full-time K-12 educators will receive $2,000 awards from ING Financial Services through the Unsung Heroes Awards program. Awards are made to applicants who are trying new methods to improve student learning. Of the original grantees, three will be selected for additional financial awards. For additional information, visit www.ing-usa.com/us/about/connect/education/unsung_heroes.html. Deadline for applications is April 30.
Award amounts for Staples Foundation for Learning Grants vary, but funding typically ranges from $5,000 to $25,000. Successful proposals are for programs that provide job skills and education to all people, especially disadvantaged youth. Visit staplesfoundation.org for further information. Awards are made quarterly. The next application deadline for submitting proposals is April 2.
Tip of the Month
When writing a grant, follow the formatting directions provided in the Request for Proposals. Applicant information usually includes a section stating requirements for items such as margin width, font size, table formats, and page numbering. Follow these directions to the letter. A grantor can (and will) return a proposal unread when it does not comply.
Resource
The National Science Teachers Association offers a wide array of grants and awards to educators as well as student competitions. NSTA membership is a requirement for some, but not all, of the programs. Current listings include Ciba Exemplary Middle and High School Principal Awards; Craftsman/NSTA Young Inventors Awards (students, grades 2-8); the Distinguished Teaching Award (NSTA members, K-college level teachers); and the Estes Rocketry/Space Foundation Educator Award (teachers, grades 4-12). View all the listings at www.nsta.org/awardscomp.
Visit the Grants Database to search through the extensive listings of grants and contests.
Read other articles from the March Issue
