Seeds for science workshop
Each year the City Gardens Club of New York City pays program fees for a limited number of New York City public school teachers to attend activity-oriented summer workshops at the New York Botanical Garden, Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Queens Botanical Garden, the Horticultural Society of New York and a residential program on Hog Island, Maine, offered by National Audubon Society. Scholarships cover the costs of tuition, “P” in-service credit where available, course materials, and room and board when applicable. Elementary, middle and high school teachers who teach science in the classroom are eligible.
DEADLINE: May 5.
CONTACT: City Gardens Club
Did someone say thanks?
Farmers Insurance is accepting applications for the 2016 Thank America’s Teachers grant programs. The $2,500 grant program provides support for teachers’ day-to-day classroom needs. K–12 teachers can submit their proposals for the grant contest now. Teachers interested in applying must have received a thank you note through Thank America’s Teachers to be eligible (you can even thank yourself). Vote daily throughout the month of March and encourage your friends and family to vote for your proposal.
DEADLINE: Feb. 29.
CONTACT: Thank America's Teachers
Big dreams can come true
The $100,000 Dream Big Teacher Challenge, also offered by Farmers Insurance, is a grant program that provides support to empower teachers’ educational visions for their schools and the community at large. K–12 teachers can apply. Teachers interested in applying for the classroom grants must have received a thank you note through Thank America’s Teachers to be eligible.
DEADLINE: June 30.
CONTACT: Dream Big Teacher Challenge
Fertile soil
The Nutrients for Life Foundation is looking for entrants for the Let It Grow Contest. The contest seeks to highlight the important role soil science plays in feeding the growing world. One grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 grant, an introduction to a local agronomist, one half-day professional development session provided by a Nutrients for Life regional representative, a prize pack and an in-school celebratory winner event on or around Earth Day. Five runners-up will receive $1,000 grants and a prize package. K–12 schools can apply. To enter the contest, schools are asked to register and answer a five-question multiple choice quiz about soil. Winners are chosen through a daily vote.
DEADLINE: March 7 (winners will be announced in April).
CONTACT: info@nutrientsforlife.org; Science of Soil
Immigration projects wanted
In an effort to support educators and community organizers in engaging their students and communities in thoughtful dialogues centered on the issue of immigration and multiculturalism, the American Immigration Council’s Community Education Center awards biannual grants for immigration-themed classroom and community-based projects. Schools or organizations working with students ages 7 to 18 can apply for grants in the amount of $100 to $500 to fund a limited number of projects that provide education about immigrants and immigration. The following categories will be funded this year: innovative use of technology and/or service-learning; professional development and team teaching; community outreach and partnerships with community-based organizations; math, science and the arts; service-learning; and grants focused on the teaching and learning of fundamental constitutional rights (due process) and/or border issues.
DEADLINE: July 1 and Nov. 7.
CONTACT: Community Grants
Enriching experience
The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation is offering Academic Enrichment Grants designed to develop in-class and extra-curricular programs that improve student learning. The foundation considers proposals that foster understanding, deepen students’ knowledge and provide opportunities to expand awareness of the world around them. Funding will be provided for programs that nurture the intellectual, artistic and creative abilities of children from low-income households. The foundation awards grants to individuals in amounts up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $30,000 over three years, provided the eligibility requirements continue to be met. You should consider applying for a grant if you have a unique idea for a project that will supplement your regular classroom curriculum or after-school activity; your students have ideas for enrichment activities or a need for strengthening their academic experiences; or you have facilities, expertise and community endorsement, but need additional resources for materials, time and transportation. Eligibility requirements: you are employed by schools or nonprofit organizations such as community centers, museums, etc.; have the background and experience to complete the project successfully; have direct and regular contact with students in grades pre-K to 12; work with students from low-income households; and are willing to work in collaboration with the foundation.
DEADLINE: April 15.
CONTACT: Academic Enrichment Grants