Select :
Student contests
CELEBRATE TEXAS 2010 ART AND ESSAY CONTESTS
Celebrate Texas Student Contests (4th, 7th, and 10th grade) are held to promote awareness of Texas Independence Day, the history of Texas and its people and of course for fun and prizes.
The deadline for Student Contest entries is no later than Midnight, March 2, 2010.
In order to better serve our History and Social Studies Teachers, we have changed some of our rules, entry qualifications and formats. Please read all instructions, carefully!
CITIZEN BEE - Regional Competition
The Regional Competition is April 10, at the Texas Law Center!
Contact Janie Maldonado ASAP to register your students, 414-4223.
Each school may bring a team of two contestants and one alternate to the April Regional Citizen Bee competition. Regional prizes include gift cards for $200, $100, $50, and $25. Winners at Regional move on to the State Competition set for May 15, 2010.
The Texas Citizen Bee is a statewide civic education program and competition offering teachers and high school students (Grades 9-12) an exciting way to reach and study America's heritage. The students use the on-line study program created by the Bill of Rights Institute. The guide covers the U.S. Constitution, important documents, people, issues, civic values and skills as well as a Bill of Rights Institute article / current events category.
See 2009 Texas Citizen Bee winners on texaslre.org
Austin Bar Association's LAW DAY 2010 Essay Contest
The Austin Bar Association's local Law Day Poster Contest celebrates the Law Day 2010 theme:
"Law in the 21st Century: Enduring Traditions, Emerging Challenges"
As we begin the second decade of the twenty-first century, the law is changing dramatically as it seeks to shape and adapt to new conditions. Thanks to the Internet and accessible transportation, populations are more mobile - both literally and virtually. In a global economy, interactions require cultural tolerance and understanding.
In this global era, matters such as human rights, criminal justice, intellectual property, business transactions, dispute resolution, human migration, and environmental regulation become everyone's concerns. Law Day 2010 provides us with an opportunity to understand and appreciate the emerging challenges and enduring traditions of law in the 21st century.
For more information on rules & prizes,
DOWNLOAD Registration flyer
Deadline: 5:00 p.m. Friday, March 26
_________________________________
- Visit the official American Bar Association 2010 LAW DAY Website
- Download the 2010 Law Day Planning Guide
Education in action
Nominate your outstanding 5th-8th graders to join delegations of distinguished students from across the state of Texas at the Lone Star Leadership Academy, a weeklong, TEKS-based, experiential learning leadership development program to Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin or Houston/Galveston during spring break or summer.
The Lone Star Leadership Academy provides opportunities for students to experience grade level curriculum during visits to historically, politically, scientifically and environmentally significant sites with a focus on leadership throughout. Participants must be in 5th-8th grade, maintain an 85 or higher average, be active in school and/or community activities and receive an educator recommendation (your nomination) based on demonstrated leadership ability. There is no limit to the number of students you may nominate as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.
For more information, click here. visit www.educationinaction.org or call 817-562-4957.
Nominations, click here.
FINAL NOMINATION DEADLINE: FRIDAY, MARCH 12, 2010.
THE CHOICES PROGRAM Video Contest
Challenge your students to take global issues beyond the classroom!
The Choices Program Student Video Contest invites students in grades 9-12 to create a 2-minute video detailing a global issue that matters to them and what they are doing to make a change in their school, neighborhood, or beyond. We are looking for videos that are creative, compelling, and informative.
Three winners will be selected to receive a Flip Ultra video camera. For more details click here.
Videos must be submitted by April 16, 2010.
First Amendment Cartoon Contest
Since the earliest days of the American republic, cartoonists have entertained us, provided significant and persuasive social commentaries, and contributed to our civic life.
In that spirit, celebrate Bill of Rights Day with the First Amendment Cartoon Contest! Celebrate First Amendment freedoms with your own cartoon on:
Freedom of Speech! | Freedom of the Press! | Freedom of Religion! |
Freedom of Assembly! | Freedom to Petition the Government! |
Freedom of Association!
If you are creative and like to draw, this is your chance to illustrate principles of freedom and perhaps win a prize! Deadline for submissions is March 30, 2010.
The contest is open to all students nationwide - high school, middle school, and elementary school.
Winners will each receive a $50* gift certificate and will be chosen in each of six categories, one winner per category. In addition, up to five entries will receive honorable mentions.
The six categories are:
High School - Single Panel Cartoon| Comic Strip
Middle School - Single Panel Cartoon| Comic Strip
Elementary School - Single Panel Cartoon | Comic Strip
Winners and honorable mentions will be announced on Law Day, May 1, 2010 and posted on the sponsor's web site!
2009-2010
HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Enter the American Fire Sprinkler Association contest for the opportunity to win 1 of 10:
$2,000 Scholarships
Deadline to Enter:
May 3, 2010
Dallas Fed's 20th Annual Essay Contest
2010 Essay Topic: "Economics Outside the Box"
Students often think economics is crammed inside a box that looks like a textbook. The 2010 Economic Essay Contest challenges you to jump out of the box and find economics in the world around you. The lessons that economics teach can be found almost anywhere.
Maybe you read a news story or heard a report on television. Many current events have an economic angle. Perhaps you read a novel, saw a movie or heard a song. Characters are often challenged by limited resources and faced with difficult decisions with significant opportunity costs. You might consider sports. How do incentives challenge professional and amateur athletes? Think about an entrepreneur. What resources are required for a new business?
The Task
Choose a narrative that illustrates an economic lesson. Remember that the narrative can come from any source, but you must describe it for a reader who is unfamiliar with the story. Identify the economic lesson or lessons that are present in your narrative. Give a thorough explanation of the economic concepts.
Essays may be submitted now through February 26, 2010.
Essay must be accompanied by student entry form.
Click here for more details.
Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes
The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes is an annual award that honors outstanding young leaders who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet.
Each year, the Barron Prize selects ten winners nationwide. Half of the winners have focused on helping their communities and fellow human beings; half have focused on protecting the health and sustainability of the environment. Since its founding, the Barron Prize has won the support of the National Geographic Education Foundation, Girl Scouts of America, National Youth Leadership Council, and many other national organizations.
Nominators must submit a completed Nomination Packet, completed packets must be received in our Colorado office by April 30, 2010.
Learn More About...
NEW from BRI: "First 5 in my Life" Video Contest
Students in grades 7 - 12 will create a video report
or public service announcement of no more than
2 minutes in length in one of two categories:
First Amendment in Your Community
- Identify a First Amendment issue in your community
- Conduct interview(s) to gather information
- Analyze First Amendment implications and draw a conclusion
- Persuade viewers to accept your conclusionFirst Amendment in the United States
- Respond to a prompt about a current First Amendment controversy
- Inform viewers about the facts of the issue
- Analyze the constitutional question and draw a conclusion
- Persuade viewers to accept your conclusion
Submit your video and supporting materials at DoYouHaveTheRight.org/first5
between January 15 and March 15, 2010!
Anthem
Essay Contest
8th, 9th and 10th Grade Deadline: March 20, 2010
The Fountainhead
Essay Contest
11th and 12th Grade Deadline: April 26, 2010
Atlas Shrugged
Essay Contest
12th Grade and College Deadline: Sept. 17, 2010
Texas Coalition for Holocaust Education Contest
The Texas Coalition for Holocaust Education sponsors an annual statewide art, writing and video contest to mark Holocaust Commemoration Day, or Yom Hashoah in remembrance of the 6 million Jewish victims and the millions of other innocents who suffered unjustly.
The 2010 theme is "Upstanders of the Holocaust." While 6 million Jews and millions of others were systematically and brutally murdered during the Holocaust, far too many people stood by and did nothing and far too few people stood up and acted in defiance.
Upstanders is a recently coined term used to identify those who stood up against that evil, who rescued innocents, who resisted against all odds, and who stood up for righteousness and fairness in the face of prejudice and hatred. An upstander is someone who does not stand by in the face of injustice, instead this person finds a way to stand up.
Students will be asked to respond creatively to upstanders in the Holocaust.
Prize Information
Entries will be judged by a committee of educators, professionals and Museum members who will judge the work on adherence to theme, historical representation, creativity and presentation.
Prizes will be awarded in six divisions:
Middle School Art (6-8)
Middle School Writing (6-8)
Middle School Video (6-8)
High School Art (9-12)
High School Writing (9-12)
High School Video (9-12)
Entry deadline for video submissions is March 11, 2010.
Deadline for all art entries is March 25, 2010 and for writing entries is March 11, 2010.
Doors to Diplomacy Competition
The Department of State and the Global SchoolNet Foundation announce the 2010 "Doors to Diplomacy" award competition, recognizing the student-created Global SchoolNet Web projects that best teach others about the importance of international affairs and diplomacy.
To qualify, middle school and high school students will work in small teams with teacher-coaches. Every team that enters a project will receive a special "Doors to Diplomacy" certificate recognizing their achievement. Each student member of the two winning teams - one American and one international - will also receive a $2,000 scholarship, and the winning coaches' schools will each receive a $500 cash award.
For a complete description and information about eligibility and judging criteria, visit:
http://globalschoolnet.org/gsndoors/
For more information, contact:
Dr. Yvonne Marie Andres
Global SchoolNet
Telephone: 760-635-0001
E-mail: diplomacy@globalschoolnet.org
or
Wanda Ramsey
U.S. Department of State
E-mail: ramseywc@state.gov
Register by Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Projects must be completed by March 15, 2010,
and
winners will be announced in May 2010.
Teacher Awards / Grant Info.
TIPS FOR GRANTS
STEP ONE:
Sign up today!
If you are serious about proudly turning "wish list" items for classroom or campus into "checked off" items you need to take advantage of the frequent updates regarding current funding opportunities provided on T.E.A.'s Grants Announcements listserve, click here.
In addition,
T.E.A.'s Grants Opportunities website is a central resource for and link to all State and Federal grant opportunities administered by TEA. Grant seeking opportunities, grant management and administrative guidance, and other tools and resources are also included on the site.
Essential as well, check frequently e-GRANTS,
the Department of Education's (ED) portal site for electronic grants. From e-GRANTS you may access all of the Department's
web-based grant systems.
______
TIP:
Teachers Network is a non-profit, by and for teachers, with a 26-year track record dedicated to improving student learning. They provide a selective listing of social studies grants.
Make it a habit to frequently check out GrantsAlert.com.
Here you'll find national and regional funding opportunities that you can pursue that typically don't require an extraordinary investment of time on your part in writing and submitting a proposal. However, look closely at the site and you'll even find Grant Writing Tips and Resources.
____
TIP:
Don't forget to check into the Awards and Grant opportunities made available by many of your professional organizations.
The National Council for the Social Studies is currently accepting nominations of colleagues.
_____
TIP:
Involve your students' parents / community by sending home a detailed list at the beginning of the school year of some of your wish list items or by posting a list or innovative learning project idea
you have on your classroom Teacher website.
____
By signing up for Education World's Grants mailing list you will be sent info. biweekly. In the "Grants Newsletter," grants expert Don Peek provides a brief article of interest to grant seekers, a tool of interest to grant writers, and at least five current grants of interest to educators.
____
TIP:
Are you taking advantage of retailers and online stores educator discounts - Target Education, Office Depot's Star Teacher program are examples and some offer store discounts of as much as 20%!
____
Teachers should also investigate the Funding for Texas Nonprofits list in the database provided by the Austin Public Library system - click here.
In addition, The Foundation Directory Online Platinum Edition can be accessed in an Austin Public Library only but provides information on more than 80,000 grantmakers and over half a million grants for grantseekers.
And finally, the Central Texas Library System is a great resource for grants and grant-writing information.
____
TIP:
Did you know Scholastic has a great book order program that allows teachers to accrue points as their students place book orders? Teachers can then use their points toward free Scholastic purchases.
____
TIP:
Remember that qualifying educators are able to deduct $250 on their federal tax return for certain education expenditures, thanks to a recent extension of this deduction from the IRS!
Teachers,
As you come across Grants / Funding Ideas of your own we hope you'll contact us so we can share them here with your colleagues.
A+ Federal Credit Union
2009 not only marked a milestone anniversary for A+ Federal Credit Union, 60 years, it was also a monumental year for grants awarded - more than $60,000 to 66 recipients! Austin's
A+ Education Foundation, established and formed by A+FCU, has awarded over 200 grants for more than $181,000 since its inception.
The application window for 2010 is now open!
- For informational flyer, click here.
- View prior year's recipients.
- Download grant application
GILDER LEHRMAN HISTORY TEACHER OF THE YEAR
The nomination process is now open! The Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History awards the Preserve America History Teacher of the Year title each year in its effort to promote the study and love of American history. Nominate a teacher today!
- National winner receives a $10,000 prize presented at an award ceremony
- State winners receive a $1,000 prize and an archive of classroom resources
- Program honors outstanding history teachers across the United States
For more information, visit the eligibility page.
-
Nomination Deadline: March 15, 2010
-
Deadline for Additional Material: April 15, 2010
-
Winners Announced: June, 2010
NCSS Award for Global Understanding
The National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) is currently accepting nominations for the 2010 Global Understanding Award given out annually in honor of global education pioneer James M. Becker to a social studies educator (or team of educators) who has made notable contributions in helping social studies students increase their understanding of the world.
NCSS celebrates the efforts of these educators during its annual conference to spotlight the importance of global studies in the social studies classroom: cultivating the skills, knowledge and attitudes needed for responsible participation in an increasingly global 21st century community.
Award-winners receive a $2,000 cash award; commemorative gift; a session to present at the NCSS conference; complimentary NCSS conference registration; up to $700 in transportation/lodging reimbursement; and publicity.
For more information about eligibility and award criteria as well as submission and nomination requirements, click here.
Nominations must be postmarked by May 15, 2010.
PAY IT FORWARD Mini-Grants
Pay It Forward Mini-Grants fund one-time-only service-oriented projects identified by youth as activities they would like to perform to benefit their school, neighborhood, or greater community. Projects must contain a "pay it forward" focus - that is, they must be based on the concept of on e person doing a favor for others, who in turn do favors for others, with the results growing exponentially.
Mini-grants of up to $500 are available on a one-time-only basis. Projects requesting smaller amounts will be given priority. Proposals, including application and budget, must not exceed three pages. Applications received by September 15 will be considered for first semester funding on or about October 1st of each school year. Those received by February 15 will be considered for second semester funding by March 1st.
NEA Foundation Grants
The National Education Association Foundation has launched a web-based application process for its popular $2,000 and $5,000 grants to support public school educator's ideas to improve teaching and learning. Applicants can now link directly to the application from the NEA Foundation's web site. After responding to three questions that determine eligibility, applicants complete the process in five simple steps. Repeat applicants have the opportunity to save personal and school information, cutting down on time spent on the administrative portion of the application and allowing more time for the narrative section.
James Madison Graduate Fellowships
As much as $24,000 is available to secondary school teachers of American history, American government or social studies to undertake a master's degree program emphasizing the roots, principles, framing and development of the U.S. Constitution. Fellowships pay the actual cost of tuition, fees, books, and room and board.
For more information and to download an application,
click here.
ING UNSUNG HEROES PROGRAM
Educators are invited to apply for ING Unsung Heroes Program before
the April 30, 2010 deadline.
One hundred K-12 educators across the country will receive grants of up to $27,000 to help them fund innovative classroom projects.
Technology Grant News
Technology Grant News has granted your wish for a source that covers technology grants in one place. The “Grants for K-12” Index provides a guide to grants for school programs, curriculum development, and staff professional development for teachers, as well as grants for specific topic areas such as science, math, technology, social studies, geography, reading, learning via web quests, and other technological training. Build on the strengths of your present programs, expand your present offerings, or create new and challenging courses with the help of cash, hardware, software, computer/IT training, and staff professional development or funding for new programs and curriculum development. The “Grants for K-12” Index will show you how corporate funders are reaching out to educators with support for technology.
Grants Addressing Tolerance Education
Southern Poverty Law Center: Teaching Tolerance Grants
The Teaching Tolerance Grants Program, administered by the Southern
Poverty Law Center, offers grants of $500 to $2500 to pre-K-12 educators throughout the U.S. for rigorous innovative projects designed to reduce prejudice among
youth, improve intergroup relations and equitable school experiences,
and/or support educator professional development in these areas.
Proposals from community organizations and houses of worship will be considered on the basis of direct student impact. Projects funded by Teaching Tolerance tend to be focused on character/moral education, conflict resolution, multiculturalism, community service, and other aspects of tolerance education. Requests may be submitted throughout the year. Visit the Southern Poverty Law Center website to download the application form.
Teaching American History Grant
Purpose: The Teaching American History Grant Program supports projects that aim to raise student achievement by improving teachers' knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of traditional American history.
Grant awards assist local educational agencies (LEAs), in partnership with entities that have extensive content expertise, to develop, implement, document, evaluate, and disseminate
innovative, cohesive models of professional development. By helping teachers to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of traditional American history as a separate subject within the core curriculum, these programs are intended to improve instruction and raise student achievement.
Please Note:
In 2009 the Department awarded 123 grants under the FY 2009 TAH competition..
View the FY 2009 abstracts.
View the press release.
View the complete list of FY 2009 awards without abstracts.
Deadline for Notice of Intent To Apply: February 22, 2010.
Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: March 22, 2010.
Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: May 21, 2010.
Is it worth
taking the time?
Ask Austin ISD Teacher Stephanie LaMarca who teaches at Eastside Memorial High School at the Johnston Campus:
"I wrote the proposal to help secure funding for a classroom digital camera and mailing envelopes so that my Psychology students could participate fully in a correspondence program with Semester at Sea called "Vicarious Voyage". Within hours of posting my proposal on donorschoose, it was 100% funded. The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation funded half of the $365 proposal and four additional, anonymous donors made up the rest. My students are very grateful for the sincere kindness displayed by these near perfect strangers!"
DonorsChoose has been mentioned publicly by the likes of Bill Clinton and promoted by satirist Stephen Colbert, and donors have contributed more than $1 million to projects in Texas classrooms thus far.
Do you have a classroom project proposal that you need help funding? Send your idea to one of these nonprofit Web sites and you may be matched with donors willing to provide the necessary funds.
Also try:
Gilder-Lehrman Assistance with TAH Grant
With more than ninety-five successful TAH grant partnerships, the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History has an excellent track record of providing teachers with outstanding professional development. The Institute will partner with your school district to customize a grant application tailored to your needs. We will work with your district to manage all aspects of the grant application including a needs assessment, grant writing, and evaluation. Click here for more information.
For more information, contact Sarah Morgan at (646) 366-9666 or morgan@gilderlehrman.org
AIHE Provides TAH Grant Assistance
Pick up the phone and call The American Institute for History Education at 856-241-1990 or visit their website by clicking here and find out how AIHE can work with your school or district to design, write, and apply for a U.S. Dept. of Ed. Teaching American History (TAH) Grant free through the Liberty Fellowship Grant Program. AIHE currently directs and facilitates over 50 TAH Grants nationally.
Bill of Rights Institute TAH Grant Assistance
"Please let us know if we can be of any service to you as you put together your proposal!"
Call Pam Mickle at 575-312-7866,
or e-mail pmickle@billofrightsinstitute.org
Toyota International Teacher Program
The Toyota International Teacher Program offers fully funded professional development opportunities for educators. The program aims to advance environmental stewardship and global connectedness in U.S. schools and communities through creative, inter-disciplinary and solutions-based teaching methods.
Participants are selected through a competitive application and selection process. Recipients of the award participate in a two-week overseas study tour, during which they explore environmental and educational themes, through a variety of site visits, lectures, panel discussions and collaborative projects. More than 500 U.S. teachers have participated in the program since it began in 1998, with educational tours to the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, and Japan. To find out more, click here.
© AISD, 2008 /