Win a playground makeover

Together Counts is seeking applications for the Healthy Playground Makeover Sweepstakes. The sweepstakes seeks to help schools improve their wellness programs. Two winners will receive $30,000 in prizes for their school’s wellness program and a new playground from Playworld Systems Inc. Three runners-up will receive $5,000 grants for their schools’ wellness programs. Eligibility: Pre-K–5 schools.

DEADLINE: March 19.
CONTACT: adelano@healthyweightcommit.org; Healthy Playground Makeover.

Promote preschool health

Together Counts is requesting applications for the Smart From the Start Awards program. The program seeks to encourage preschool teachers to create practical, long-term improvements in nutrition and physical activity at their preschool. The grand prize winner receives $20,000 and a pack of books. Ten runners-up will receive $2,500 grants and packs of books. Eligibility: Preschools and Head Start centers. To enter, applicants should outline how they plan to promote lifelong healthy habits.

DEADLINE: Feb. 27.
CONTACT: adelano@healthyweightcommit.org; Together Counts

Motivate young readers

The American Association of School Librarians wants proposals for the Innovative Reading Grant program. The program supports the planning and implementation of a unique and innovative program for children that motivates and encourages reading, especially with struggling readers. Eligibility: Applicant must be a personal member of AASL, and the reading program must be specifically designed for children in grades K–9 in the school library setting. The proposed project should demonstrate the potential for reading improvement in grades K–9 and should show improvement of reading in the students it is applied to. Funds: $2,500 grant.

DEADLINE: Feb. 1.
CONTACT: Jonna Ashley, 1-800-545-2433, ext. 4382; jashley@ala.org; Innovative Reading Grant

Access Library of Congress

The Library of Congress offers classroom materials and professional development to help teachers effectively use primary sources from the library’s vast digital collections in their teaching. Educators can find access to lesson plans that meet Common Core standards, state content standards and the standards of national organizations. For more information, visit www.loc.gov/teachers.

Are your students problem-solvers?

The Christopher Columbus Awards program combines science and technology with community problem-solving. Your students will work in teams with the help of an adult coach to identify an issue they care about and, using science and technology, work with experts, conduct research and put their ideas to the test to develop an innovative solution. Maximum award: $25,000 to bring the team’s idea to the community and an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World to attend the program’s National Championship Week. Eligibility: 6th-, 7th-, and 8th-graders; teams do not need to be affiliated with a school to enter.

DEADLINE: Feb. 2.
CONTACT: Christopher Columbus Awards

Chart a course on social values

Udemy is soliciting applications for its Social Innovation Grants program. The program seeks to provide organizations focused on social change with the tools they need to teach online and scale their impact. Eligibility: Nonprofit organizations, including K–12 school districts. Proposed projects should: recommend a course that will provide social value, creating benefits or reductions of cost for society, such as teacher training, empowering entrepreneurs, and educating community members; be innovative and measure impact. Funds: $2,500 grants.

DEADLINE: Monthly.
CONTACT: socialinnovation@udemy.com; Social Innovation Grants