Promote the boys (and girls) of summer
Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association are seeking candidates for their Baseball Tomorrow Fund grant. All applicants should submit projects that would help to increase the number of youth participating in baseball and softball programs; improve the quality of youth baseball and softball programs; create new or innovative ways of expanding and improving baseball or softball programs; generate matching funds for programs; address programs for children aged 10–16; support existing programs which have demonstrated success in providing a quality baseball or softball experience for youth; and address opportunities for minorities and women. Funds: $50,000. All public schools are eligible.
DEADLINE: July 1.
CONTACT: Baseball Tomorrow Fund
Take a (class) trip
Learning opportunities extend far beyond the classroom, but it’s becoming more difficult for schools to fund trips to museums, historical sites and other cultural destinations. Throughout the year, Target provides education grants to local K–12 schools to support educational field trips. Funds: $700. Program areas: arts, early childhood, general education, science/environmental, social studies.
DEADLINE: Sept. 30.
CONTACT: Target Field Trip Grants
Get your kicks
The U.S. Soccer Foundation awards grants to support soccer programs and field-building initiatives nationwide. Grants are provided to support all aspects of the game — from assisting programs with operational costs to creating safe places to play. Program grants are awarded to grantees to purchase soccer equipment and/or cover operating expenses, and to attend the annual Urban Soccer Symposium held by the U.S. Soccer Foundation in Washington, D.C. Funds: $50,000. All public schools are eligible to apply. Program areas: facilities/maintenance, health/physical education, professional development.
DEADLINE: Oct. 2.
CONTACT: U.S. Soccer Foundation
Science lab challenge
The National Science Teachers Association is seeking applications for the Shell Science Lab Challenge. The challenge gives teachers a chance to show how they approach science lab instruction with minimal equipment. Middle and high school science teachers can apply for a chance to win science lab prizes ranging from $3,000 to $20,000. To enter, applicants are asked to share their philosophy of science teaching; the school’s current limited laboratory facilities and resources and why they might be classified as “limited;” and an innovative use of limited laboratory equipment and resources that the instructor has implemented in their classroom.
DEADLINE: Dec. 16.
CONTACT: NSTA
Touch the sky
The Skyscraper Museum in Battery Park City, which showcases the rich architectural heritage of tall buildings around the world, offers free open houses throughout the year for educators. You can tour the gallery and attend an information session about their free classroom resources, such as Tower Tubes featuring historic images, blueprints and a user guide with lesson plans and activities. During select school holidays, the museum offers free admission to educators and their families. The museum is located at 39 Battery Place and is open to the public Wednesday–Sunday, 12–6 p.m.
CONTACT: www.skyscraper.org or 1-212-945-6324.