|
January 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.
The LEGO Company and Planetary Society are sponsoring an exciting new NASA contest for students. Name the Rovers challenges students to research names that are appropriate for two Mars Exploration Rovers slated to be launched in summer 2003, then write essays (50-500 words) explaining why these names should be selected. Entries are divided into three categories (ages 5-7, 8-12, and 13-18), each group with age-appropriate requirements. The grand prize winner's entry will be used to name the two Mars Rovers, and s/he receives a 4-day/3-night, all-expenses-paid trip for four to Cape Canaveral, Fla., to see the launching of one of the new rovers. Entries are due by January 31. Further information is available online.
Girls ages 12-16 who are U.S. citizens are eligible to apply to the Girls Going Places College Scholarship Program, sponsored by Guardian Life Insurance. Three top college scholarship prizes of $10,000; $5,000; and $3,000-and 12 finalist scholarships of $1,000-will be awarded. If you know a girl who demonstrates budding entrepreneurship or financial acumen, who has taken first steps toward financial independence, and has made a difference at her school, within her community, or in other people's lives, you can nominate her by obtaining a form. Nominations close on February 28. Self-nominations are not accepted.
Oracle's Help Us Help Foundation has recently acquired ThinkQuest, Inc., and will be sponsoring the 2003 ThinkQuest USA competition for students in grades 3-12. ThinkQuest encourages students to work together in teams to create educational tools on the Internet while enhancing their ability to communicate and cooperate in a global, interconnected environment. Prizes include computers, laptops, and cameras, as well as scholarships and cash stipends. Details about the contest and the ThinkQuest Library of Entries with hundreds of student-produced educational resources are all available. The deadline for registration is January 24.
The National Education Association Foundation is offering 10 Fine Arts Grants to teachers who are arts specialists in grades K-6. The $2,000 grants are awarded to enable fine arts teachers to develop and implement programs for at-risk students. The programs must address the fine arts, and funds may be used for materials, supplies, software, professional development, transportation, and equipment. The grants are ongoing and alternate eligibility each year between elementary and secondary fine arts teachers. In addition to other posted application requirements, proposals must include a letter of support from the local NEA affiliate president. Learn more about the grant program. Applications are due February 3.
Secondary-level arts specialists aren't forgotten either! The National Education Association Foundation, supported in part by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, is also sponsoring the Arts@Work Grant Program, offering up to 12 awards to public school arts teachers in grades 7-12. The $5,000 grants encourage arts teachers to collaborate with technology teachers and members of the business community to develop and implement a curriculum that integrates arts education standards with technology standards. Additional information and application materials are available. The deadline for applications is March 3.
Inspiration Software, Inc., is sponsoring the fifth annual Inspired Teacher Scholarships for Visual Learning. Thirty educator scholarships of $750 each will be awarded to support ongoing professional development training in technology and visual learning for teachers across the United States who recognize the importance of teaching students critical thinking skills through the integration of visual learning and technology use. For additional information, and to see how last year's winners are using their awards. Entry forms are due February 28.
 Visit the Grants Database to search through the extensive listings of grants and contests.
Read other articles from the January Issue
Send a letter to the Editor in response to this article.
|
