Change the world: The Siemens Foundation and Discovery Education seeks entrants for the 2014 We Can Change the World Challenge. The challenge asks K-12 students, under the guidance of an adviser, to identify an environmental issue in their classroom, school or community and to create a replicable green solution. More than $300,000 in scholarships, savings bonds, school grants and more are available. K-12 schools can apply.
DEADLINE: March 4.
CONTACT: Discovery Education, One Discovery Place, Silver Spring, MD 20910; 1-800-323-9084; We Can Change the World Challenge
Be rewarded for patriotism: The Veterans of Foreign Wars is accepting nominations for the Maher National Citizenship Teacher of the Year Awards. The awards recognize teachers who promote civic responsibility, flag etiquette and patriotism. Awardees receive a national $1,000 Past Commander-in-Chief John Smart Award for professional development expenses; a $1,000 award for each winning teacher’s school; plaques for both the winning teacher and school; and an all-expenses-paid trip to attend a VFW and Ladies Auxiliary national event. K-12 teachers can apply. Nominators are asked to describe (in no more than 350 words) why they feel their nominee should be selected for the VFW National Citizenship Education Teacher Award.
DEADLINE: Nov. 1.
CONTACT: 1-816-756-3390, ext. 287; kharmer@vfw.org; VFW Community Teacher of the Year
Start a learning garden program: Grow to Learn NYC is accepting applications for mini-grants of $500 to $2,000 to start or enhance a learning garden program at New York City public and charter schools. To apply, schools must register the garden and submit the mini-grant application.
DEADLINE: Nov. 1.
CONTACT: Grow to Learn
Opportunities to learn abroad: Sponsored by the United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program provides funding for highly accomplished U.S. primary and secondary level teachers to take part in an intensive professional development program for three to four months abroad. The Institute of International Education administers the Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program on behalf of the U.S. Department of State. The grant covers program costs, including transportation, lodging, host institution fees and related expenses. While abroad, grantees will receive a maintenance allowance designed to assist with the costs of living during the program. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for professional development funds to support development and research or to cover the expenses of attending a conference or workshop related to their field of teaching expertise. Participating countries include Chile, Finland, India, Israel, Mexico, Morocco, Palestinian Territories, Singapore and the United Kingdom. More details can be obtained on the program’s website.
DEADLINE: Dec. 15.
CONTACT: Fulbright Distinguished Awards in Teaching Program
Video documentary competition: StudentCam is C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation. StudentCam’s theme for 2014 is: “A Message to the U.S. Congress: What’s the most important issue the U.S. Congress should consider in 2014?” Maximum award: $5,000, plus $750 to spend on digital video equipment for his/her school. Students in grades 6-12 can enter individually or in teams.
DEADLINE: Jan. 20.
CONTACT: C-SPAN's Student Cam
Recognition for teaching science: The Shell Science Teaching Award recognizes one outstanding classroom science teacher (K-12) who has had a positive impact on his or her students, school and community through exemplary classroom science teaching. Maximum award: $10,000. Eligibility: K-12 classroom science teachers.
DEADLINE: Nov. 8.
CONTACT: Shell Science Teaching Award
Win a wireless network for your school: NETGEAR solicits applications for the WIFI My School program. The program gives schools a chance to win a wireless network and storage. One grand prize winner receives up to 50 NETGEAR ProSAFE Access Points, a ReadyNAS 516 6-Bay Storage Device and a wireless controller. Four first-place winners receive two NETGEAR ProSAFE Access Points and a ReadyNAS 314 4-Bay Storage Device. Eligibility: K-12 schools. Entries will be scored on creativity, originality and overall content.
DEADLINE: Oct. 31.
CONTACT: contest@netgear.com; WIFI My School