21st Century Community Learning Centers Regional STEM Service-Learning - California Department of Education

Grant Name: 21st Century Community Learning Centers Regional STEM Service-Learning

Funding Organization: California Department of Education

Grant Cycle: November 21

Contact: Mike Brugh

 

Phone: 916-319-0543

 

Website: http://www.cde.ca.gov/fg/fo/profile.asp?id=2115

 

Email: mbrugh@cde.ca.gov

Eligibility: The goal of the Regional STEM Service-Learning Consortium (Consortium) is to increase the region’s capacity for the design and implementation of STEM-related service-learning programming in secondary schools, districts, and communities. Additional funding is being made available to the Consortium in regions 3, 4, 5, 10, and 11 (Los Angeles Unified School District only).

How to Apply: See RFA

Background: The 21st Century Community Learning Centers (CCLC) Regional Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Service-Learning pilot project will promote STEM-based service-learning opportunities for students especially female and underrepresented minorities to increase student interest in pursuing STEM related careers and postsecondary study. STEM content and concepts are introduced in a nontraditional setting, thereby increasing the relevance to the experience of the student. This instructional methodology has been shown to increase academic engagement significantly. A key focus of the Initiative is to better engage participants in the civic lives of their community.

Other Important Information:

The Purpose Prize - Civic Ventures

Grant Name: The Purpose Prize

Funding Organization: Civic Ventures

Grant Cycle: March 31

Phone: 415-430-0141

 

Address: Civic Ventures
114 Sansome St., Suite 850
San Francisco, CA 94104

Website: http://www.encore.org/prize/about

Eligibility: Nominations are welcome from any organization or individual with knowledge of a potential candidate. You can nominate someone from your own organization or you can nominate yourself.

How to Apply: Nominate candidates here

Application Materials: Whether you are applying for The Purpose Prize yourself or nominating someone, you will need to know the following:

The candidate's birthdate
The candidate's area of interest
The candidate's complete email, phone, and contact information
Re-Nominate
someone you nominated in a prior year by using the 'Getting Started' form below. Information from your previous nomination will be pre-filled for you.
You will be asked to write, in 250-500 words, the inspiring story of the nominee's work. You will also be asked to cover in shorter responses:

The circumstance and exactly when the candidate's important work began
The impact the candidate's work is currently having
The candidate's plans for the future

Background: The Purpose Prize®, Now In Its Fifth Year, Is The Nation's Only Large-scale Investment In People Over 60 Who Are Combining Their Passion And Experience For Social Good. The Prize Awards Up To $100,000 Each To 10 People In Encore Careers Creating New Ways To Solve Tough Social Problems.

The Purpose Prize Is Striving To Highlight A Diverse Group Of Social Innovators, Whose Stories Represent Multiple Ways That People Over 60 Arrive At And Carry Out Important Work Addressing Tough Social Problems. We Are Drawing On The Expertise Of Independent Reviewers And Prominent Judges In Selecting A Group Of Winners Who Collectively Will Inspire Others By The Diversity Of Their Stories And Will Demonstrate The Value Of Investing In Social Innovators After Midlife.

Grant - Kids In Need Foundation

Grant Name: Grant

Funding Organization: Kids In Need Foundation

Grant Cycle: September 30

Contact: Penny Hawk

Phone: 877-296-1231, ext. 303

Website: http://www.kinf.org/grants/

Email: pennyh@kinf.org

Eligibility: All certified K-12 teachers in the U.S. are eligible.

How to Apply: Go to this website : http://www.kinf.org/grants/grant_applications.php and complete ONE application per project.

Background: The Purpose Of The Grants Is To Provide Funds For Classroom Teachers Who Have Innovative, Meritorious Ideas. Your Project May Qualify For Funding If It Makes Creative Use Of Common Teaching Aids, Approaches The Curriculum From An Imaginative Angle, Or Ties Nontraditional Concepts Together For The Purpose Of Illustrating Commonalities. Innovation And Merit Account For 40% Of The Evaluation.

Fuel Up to Play 60 - National Dairy Council And The National Football League

Grant Name: Fuel Up to Play 60

Funding Organization: National Dairy Council And The National Football League

Grant Cycle: December 1, February 1, June 1

Phone: (800) 752-4337

Website: www.fueluptoplay60.com

Eligibility: Any public or private K-12 school in the USA.

Schools applying for Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 must:
Be enrolled in Fuel Up to Play 60 for the 2011-12 school year (if your school is not enrolled, enroll here)
Participate in the National School Lunch Program
Complete and submit an online Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 application form (download a PDF of the application form here)
Complete the School Wellness Investigation (schools may work on the funding application before completing the School Wellness Investigation, but before the funding application may be submitted, the School Wellness Investigation must be completed and submitted online)
Have support and involvement from the school principal, school nutrition professional, lead physical education teacher and the school’s Fuel Up to Play 60 Program Advisor

How to Apply: Apply online

Application Materials: Before you complete the downloadable application worksheet, you’ll find it helpful to identity existing resources and pinpoint areas where Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 might help fill the gaps.
Identify existing resources.
What resources does your school already have that you can use for free? You might be surprised at the valuable resources that are available for the asking – meeting and event space, computer access and communication methods (e.g., school announcements, newsletters, newspapers and websites). Be sure to ask your principal or school administration if there are any additional resources you can use.
How can your school nutrition staff help? If these staff members are not already part of your team, introduce yourself and the Fuel Up to Play 60 program. Find out how you can work together to make the program a success. Remember that these folks are very knowledgeable about nutrition and that they can serve a variety of roles in the program, from helping to plan the Healthy Eating Plays to speaking to students, families and community members.
Pinpoint areas where Funds for Fuel Up to Play 60 might help fill the gaps.
What will you do to spread the word about your activities, and how much will that cost? Will you have to pay for printing and copying? Will you need to buy paper or posterboard? Find out whether any areas in your school or community have materials that can be recycled and used for your purposes.
Can you find adults to volunteer to work with you and your students – or will you need to pay for some of that time? People in your school and community really do care about being healthy. Find out if there are people who can volunteer their time. Visit Who Can Help and How for resources that can help you identify and recruit volunteers. The experience of helping you with this program may be just what some people are looking for – but sometimes you’ll need to pay for someone’s time.
What equipment will you need? Will you borrow it or purchase it?As you work out the details of your plan, think about any equipment you’ll need. Is it equipment you’ll use over and over again (like a milk cooler or a football)? Or is it equipment that will get used up and need to be repurchased (like paper cups and napkins)? Can you get someone in your community to donate the materials you need – or will you need to purchase the equipment?
Do you need to reward students for participation? A pat on the back is nice, but some situations require a little something more. As you consider whether you’ll need to provide awards or giveaways as part of your program, make sure they are tied to very specific outcomes. Awards or giveaways should drive actions, not simply be something nice to have.
How will you know it’s working? No matter what your team is working on, it’s important to measure change so that you know if your program is working. We want you to have something to celebrate at the end of the school year! Think about ways to track your team’s progress – surveys, polls or other data collection can be useful ways to assess the changes you’ve made. Will you need to pay someone to help you gather or analyze this information?

Background: The Competitive Funding Initiative Provides Money To Help Schools Jumpstart And Sustain Healthy Nutrition And Physical Activity Improvements. Any U.S. School Can Enroll In The Free Program And Thus Be Eligible To Apply For Up To $4,000 To Help Increase Access To And Consumption Of Nutrient-rich Foods And Participation In Physical Activity Opportunities For Students.

The Funds Can Be Used For A Variety Of Activities And Tools, From Resources That Help Enhance Students’ Healthy Eating (such As Foodservice Equipment And Nutrition Education Materials) To Items That Help Schools Address Students’ Physical Activity Needs (such As Exercise Equipment And Student And Staff Incentives).

School Garden Grants - Whole Kids Foundation

Grant Name: School Garden Grants

Funding Organization: Whole Kids Foundation

Grant Cycle: 5 pm, December 31

Contact: Nona Evans

Address: 550 Bowie Street; Austin, TX 78703

 

Website: http://wholekidsfoundation.org/gardengrants.php

Email: whole.kids@wholefoods.com

Eligibility: To be eligible for a garden grant, applicants must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or nonprofit K-12 school that is developing or currently maintaining a school garden project that will help children engage with fresh fruits and vegetables. Garden projects may be at any stage of development; planning, construction or operation. For cases in which an applicant facilitates garden projects in more than one school, multiple garden grants may be requested under a single application. In occasional cases, additional funds may be awarded for special projects. In selecting grant recipients, priority will be given to both limited-resource communities and to projects that demonstrate strong buy-in from stakeholders. There is a limit of one garden grant per school. Must have the capacity to manage grant funds responsibly and the skills and experience necessary to undertake a project involving school gardens. Must demonstrate that the garden project has strong participation from stakeholders, including the school principal, volunteers and a community partner. Must demonstrate that thoughtful consideration is being given to the technical challenges of school garden construction and maintenance: soil testing, water availability, tool storage and municipal regulations. Must articulate a compelling plan for integrating the garden into the life of the school and community, including plans to put the garden's produce to good use.

How to Apply: Complete the online application

Application Materials: 

• Tax ID number for the applicant
• PDF of the applicant's IRS Tax Exempt Letter (for uploading)
• Goals for the garden project
• Letter of authorization and support from the school principal on school letterhead
• Participating garden coordinator and volunteers
• School enrollment total, with free and reduced lunch percentages
• Community partner supporting the garden project
• Photo of the garden site
• Information on local, city, state policies related to school gardens
• Plan for the garden harvest
• Understanding of curriculum integration – specify subjects
• Communication plan
• Budget and timeline
• Plan to engage students in the garden
• Plan for sustaining the garden over multiple years

Background: Learning about the process of growing food helps children develop a deep understanding of the connection between healthy eating and a healthy body. School gardens offer an opportunity to integrate math, science and health curriculum into a dynamic, interactive setting. They also provide a base of knowledge that allows children to take an active role in healthy food choices.

Other Important Information: School gardens are a vital educational tool. Every seed planted sprouts a new opportunity for kids to cultivate healthy eating habits. Teaching kids to garden helps them learn about complex topics like sustainability and conservation, food systems and community awareness. Not to mention an appreciation for food from seed to plate.

Grant - Solon E. Summerfield Foundation, Inc.

Grant Name: Grant

Funding Organization: Solon E. Summerfield Foundation, Inc.

Grant Cycle: Letter of inquiry: no later than 5:00 pm Eastern Time on February 1 and August 1
Invited applications: no later than February 28 [for Spring grant cycle] or August 31 [for Fall grant cycle]

Website: http://summerfieldfoundation.org/grantmaking.html

 

Email: info@summerfieldfoundation.org

Eligibility: The Foundation awards grants only to nonprofit, charitable organizations designated as exempt from income taxes under Section 501[c][3] of the Internal Revenue Code and identified by the IRS as a public charity, and whose activities and programs are compatible with the mission and objectives of the Solon E. Summerfield Foundation.

How to Apply: Apply Online

Application Materials: Follow the link to begin the Application Process and submit a Letter of Inquiry (LOI) Form to the Foundation. LOI forms are due no later than 5:00 pm Eastern Time on February 1 and August 1 for consideration in the June and November funding cycles, respectively.
To begin the Application Process, you will need to Create a New Account, and follow the prompts. After you have created your account (the next time you log on) you will use your email address and password to access your application information.
The online LOI Form will require the following information:

• Project Name
• Summary of Grant Request
• Amount Requested
• Program Area (Arts, Education, Medical Research, Social Services)
• Geographic Area (DC, MD, MO, NC, NY, VA)
• Funding Type (General Operating, Program Support, Capacity Building, Capital Campaign, Other)
• Project Budget
• Project Overview
• Tax Status (501(c)3 Upload)
• Year Funded
• Total of Annual Operating Budget
• New Project
• Target Population
• Total Number of Individuals Served
• Geographic Area Detail
• Electronic Signature

After review, and upon acceptance, the Foundation will invite you to complete the formal Grant Application. Unless you are otherwise notified, Grant Applications are due 5:00 pm Eastern Time on February 28 and August 31 for consideration in the June and November funding cycles, respectively.
The online Application Form will require the following information:

• Mission Statement
• Organization History
• Board Size and Participation
• Organization Challenges
• Primary Purpose of Project
• Population Impact
• Project Sustainability
• Project Support / Other Sources of Funding
• Define Success

Supporting Documents (to be uploaded):

• IRS 501(c)3 letter
• Project Budget
• Financial Audit
• Current Operating Budget
• IRS Form 990

The Solon E. Summerfield Foundation will acknowledge receipt of your submitted Grant Application via email.

Background: In addition to the mandated grants required to be disbursed each year by the Foundation, grants to other organizations may be awarded for general operating support and for specific programs, capital campaigns and endowment funds. The Foundation does not make grants to individuals, for special events, or for fundraising benefits. The grant making highlights four program areas and a dedicated program to endowment funds; general grant categories have been allocated as follows:

• Arts
• Education
• Medical Research
• Social Services

ING Unsung Heroes - ING

Grant Name: ING Unsung Heroes

Funding Organization: ING

Grant Cycle: April 30, 2012

Phone: (800) 537-4180

Website: http://ing.us/about-ing/citizenship/childrens-education/ing-unsung-heroes/about-ing-unsung-heroes

Eligibility:

All K-12 education professionals are eligible to apply. Applicants must be employed by an accredited K-12 public or private school located in the U.S. and be a full-time educator, teacher, principal, paraprofessional, or classified staff member working on a project with demonstrated effectiveness in improving student learning.

Background:

ING Unsung Heroes Began In 1995 As A Way For ING To Demonstrate Its Commitment To The Education Community. Grants Are Given To K-12 Educators Utilizing New Teaching Methods And Techniques That Improve Learning.

Each Year, Educators Submit Applications For An ING Unsung Heroes Grant By Describing Projects They Have Initiated Or Would Like To Pursue. Each Project Is Judged On Its:
Innovative Method
Creativity
Ability To Positively Influence The Students

GreenWorks Grants Program - GreenWorks

Grant Name: GreenWorks Grants Program

Funding Organization: GreenWorks

Grant Cycle: September 30

Contact: Jackie Stallard

Phone: 202-463-2754

Website: http://www.plt.org/applyforagrant

Email: jstallard@plt.org

Eligibility: Educators and their students in grades PreK-12.

Background: GreenWorks! Is A Grant Program Managed By Project Learning Tree. This Service-learning, Community Action Program Partners Educators, Students, And Communities In Environmental Neighborhood Improvement Projects. GreenWorks! Blends Service Activities With The Academic Curriculum And Addresses Real Community Needs As Students "learn By Doing." GreenWorks!is the service-learning, community action program of PLT that partners, PLT educators, students, and communities in environmental neighborhood improvement projects. GreenWorks! blends service activities with the academic curriculum and addresses real community needs as students "learn by doing."  GreenWorks! action projects make a difference in young people's sense of responsibility toward their communities, and in their understanding of their relationship to the environment.  Some examples of past grant projects include habitat restoration, watershed improvement, outdoor classrooms, and energy conservation.

Henkel Helps Get Kids Fit - Henkel Corporation

Grant Name: Henkel Helps Get Kids Fit

Funding Organization: Henkel Corporation

Grant Cycle: September 30

Website: http://www.henkelhelps.com/default.aspx

Email: info@henkelhelps.com

Application Materials:

To enter the 2011 Henkel Helps Get Kids Fit contest, and nominate your school, you will answer the following:
1.What is your school doing right now to stay fit and healthy?
2.Why does your school need help to do more?
3.How do you think your school could put $10,000 to good fitness use?

Background: Your Enthusiasm Was Our Inspiration To Bring The Henkel Helps Get Kids Fit Program Back In 2011…this Time We’re Working With The Alliance For A Healthier Generation, Whose Efforts Create Environments Where Physical Activity And Healthy Eating Are The Norm.

IRA Routman Teacher Recognition Grant - International Reading Association

Grant Name: IRA Routman Teacher Recognition Grant

Funding Organization: International Reading Association

Grant Cycle: November 15, 2011

Address:

International Reading Association
IRA Regie Routman Teacher Recogniton Grant
800 Barksdale Road
Newark DE 19711

Website: http://www.reading.org/Resources/AwardsandGrants/teachers_routman.aspx

Email: committees@reading.org

Eligibility:

The International Reading Association will honor an outstanding mainstream, elementary classroom teacher dedicated to improving the teaching and learning of reading and writing, across the curriculum in real world contexts in grades K–6 (ages 5–12). At least 60% of the school's students must be eligible for free or reduced lunch. The grant may not be used for purchase of commercial programs.

All applicants must be IRA members, and at least 60% of the school’s students must be eligible for free or reduced lunch. 

How to Apply: Apply online at http://fs6.formsite.com/intntlreading/form49/index.html or if you are unable to upload your materials, send them to the address above.

Application Materials:

1. A three-page (maximum) proposal outlining how you will support, improve, enhance, and accelerate teaching and learning for students.  For example, funds may be used for, but are not limited to:  building a classroom library, attending the IRA annual convention to increase professional knowledge, creating a home school partnership, increasing collegial collaboration, improving reading and writing in authentic literacy contexts, or publishing student work. 
2. A one-page personal statement (beliefs statements and how your beliefs align with your practices including your professional vision for this project.) 
3. Upto three (3) letters of recommendation. One letter of recommendation should be from a principal, superintendent, and/or curriculum coordinator, one letter should be from a peer. Each recommendation must include the participant’s leadership skills, collegial interactions, effective teaching practices, successful teaching/learning/relationships with students and an understanding of the intentions and/or support of the project detailed by the applicant. 
4. Include a budget outline.

Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships - Knowles Science Teaching Foundation

Grant Name: Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships

Funding Organization: Knowles Science Teaching Foundation

Grant Cycle: January 11

Website: http://www.kstf.org/

Email: teachers@kstf.org

Eligibility: Individuals are eligible to apply for a Teaching Fellowship if they will have earned at least a bachelor's degree in an area relevant to the subjects they plan to teach before the fellowship begins in June, such as biological science, physical science, mathematics or engineering. Candidates for Physical Science, Mathematics, or Biological Science Teaching Fellowships must enroll in a secondary teacher credential program before the fellowship is awarded. Individuals who have completed the fourth year of a five-year combined bachelor’s and credential program by the start of the fellowship are also eligible to apply. Those who are currently enrolled in a teacher education program and will be first year teachers in the fall are also welcome to apply

How to Apply:

Application Materials:

Background: Knowles Science Teaching Foundation Fellowships Program Is Designed To Support Exceptional Beginning Teachers Through The Pivotal Early Years Of Their Careers,” Said Dr. Nicole Gillespie, KSTF’s Director For Teaching Fellowships. “We Welcome Young Men And Women Who Are Passionate About Becoming Masterful Teachers And Are Committed To Math And Science Education For The Long Term.”

Other Important Information: KSTF Teaching Fellowships are awarded based on four selection criteria: science or mathematics content knowledge, commitment to teaching, professional ability and leadership.

• Science or mathematics content knowledge
  A KSTF Teaching Fellow is expected to have exceptional content knowledge in science or mathematics. By the time the fellowship is awarded, the Fellow will have earned at least a bachelor's degree in science, mathematics or a discipline related to the subject(s) they intend to teach. In addition, KSTF considers grades in science and/or mathematics courses, the selection (depth and breadth) of coursework, participation in research, teaching experience in that discipline and awards and honors in the discipline as indicators of a Fellow’s content knowledge. A Teaching Fellow is also able to participate in an informed discussion about his/her discipline and the specific content that he/she plans to teach, both with experts in the field as well as lay persons.
• Commitment to Teaching
  Teaching Fellows can articulate meaningful reasons for choosing high school science or mathematics teaching and have realistic ideas about and respect for the work of teachers. They recognize that teaching is complex and that learning to teach takes significant time and effort.  Teaching Fellows have gained satisfaction and insight from working with children and have a clear rationale for choosing to work with adolescents in high school.  
• professional Ability
  Teaching Fellows understand the need for and have begun to develop the skills critical for teaching, such as the ability to plan and be flexible, to deal with failure and learn from new situations, to deal with diverse individuals and to transform knowledge into forms available to students. They have demonstrated a mastery of written and oral communication and have shown commitment and achievement in a variety of areas. Furthermore, Fellows have developed a habit of being reflective and recognize that reflective practice is critical to becoming an outstanding professional teacher. 
• Leadership
  Teaching Fellows have the potential to become the leaders and change agents in education. They have demonstrated their potential as leaders through previous leadership roles, including positions of accountability, instances of demonstrated initiative and the ability to be a team player. Fellows also display leadership in their manner of personal interactions, exhibiting evidence of responsibility and maturity, as well as ethical and professional behavior.

National Science Teachers Association Grants and Awards - National Science Teachers Association MULTIPLE AWARDS

Grant Name: National Science Teachers Association Grants and Awards

Funding Organization: National Science Teachers Association

Grant Cycle: Award deadlines are November 30, with the exception of Shell on October 17 and SeaWorld on December 1, 2011.

Website: http://www.nsta.org/about/awards.aspx?lid=tnavhp#shell

Eligibility: Multiple opportunities with various eligibility requirements

How to Apply: Online or download application at their website

“Angela” Award

This award honors one female student in grades 5–8, who is involved in or has a strong connection to science. The award has been established in honor of Gerry Wheeler, Executive Director Emeritus, and his outstanding dedication to NTSA and lifelong commitment to science education.

Eligibility: Any female student in grades 5–8 who is a resident of the United States, US Territories, or Canada, and is enrolled in full time public, private, or home school. NSTA employees, NSTA Board and Council members, award judges, and their immediate families are NOT eligible to apply.
Award: $1,000 US EE Savings Bond or Canadian Savings Bond purchased for the equivalent issue price. The awardee will be honored at the Teacher Awards Banquet at NSTA's National Conference.

DCAT “Making a Difference” Award

This award will recognize and honor excellence in a science program developed and implemented by middle- or high school-level science teachers, grades 6–12. Entries must show innovative and effective teaching strategies combined with a science program that has influenced students to explore and investigate science and its application to global problems.

Eligibility: Innovative middle- or high school-level science programs
Award: $2,500 to be used to enhance or expand the winning science program; the winning school’s lead science teacher and principal will be awarded coach airfare and two nights’ hotel accommodation to attend NSTA’s National Conference

Delta Education/Frey-Neo/CPO Science Education Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-based Science Teaching

The Delta Education/Frey-Neo/CPO Science Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-based Science Teaching will recognize and honor three (3) full-time PreK–12 teachers of science who successfully use inquiry-based science to enhance teaching and learning in their classroom.

Eligibility:PreK–12 teachers
Award: $1,500 towards expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference, and $1,500 for the awardee

Distinguished Informal Science Education Award

This award honors one NSTA member who has made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of science education in an informal or nontraditional school setting, such as a science-technology center, museum, or community science center.

Eligibility: NSTA members who are not classroom teachers and who have demonstrated their dedication to informal science education
Award: Formal citation, three nights’ hotel accommodation, and $500 towards expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference

Distinguished Service to Science Education Awards

These awards honor NSTA members who, through active leadership and scholarly endeavor over a significant period of time, have made extraordinary contributions to the advancement of education in the sciences and science teaching.

Eligibility: NSTA members who have shown long-term dedication to science education
Award: Formal citation, three nights’ hotel accommodation, and up to $500 towards expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference

Distinguished Teaching Awards

This award honors NSTA members who are teachers that have made extraordinary contributions to the field of science teaching.

Eligibility: K–college-level teachers
Award: Formal citation, three nights’ hotel accommodation, and $500 toward expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference

Faraday Science Communicator Award

This award, named in honor of Michael Faraday (1791–1867), the English chemist and physicist who is known for his pioneering experiments in electricity and magnetism. Through lectures and letters, Faraday led people of all ages to a greater understanding of the natural scientific laws that govern us all. The Faraday Science Communicator Award will recognize and reward an individual or organization that has inspired and elevated the public's interest in and appreciation of science.

Eligibility: Individual—The individual will not be a classroom teacher, but will work in, or have developed a compatible setting for science communication: i.e., museum, nature center, zoo, state park, aquarium, radio, television, internet, or other science-rich institutions or media. The individual may also be connected to a science setting through his or her involvement with civic organizations and child-education facilities: e.g., preK child-development centers, 4-H clubs, Girl and Boy Scouts, Girls and Boys Clubs of America, and so on. Organizational—The organization will facilitate and provide exemplary opportunities for science communication to the public. The organization will desire to instill in the public an appreciation for science through communication efforts at the local, state, and national levels.
Award: Awardee will be honored at the Awards Banquet during the NSTA National Conference on Science Education; the awardee receives an all-expense-paid trip (up to $2,500) to attend the Conference; all awardees will receive recognition in NSTA publications and will be given an opportunity to participate in a poster session during the conference

Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers

The Maitland P. Simmons Memorial Award for New Teachers provides selected K–12 teachers (up to 25) in their first five years of teaching with funds to attend the annual National Conference on Science Education. Award recipients will be mentored, tracked, and provided with continuing opportunities for meaningful involvement with NSTA and its activities.

Eligibility: To be eligible, a teacher must be within the first five years full-time at the time of application and be an NSTA member in good standing; to the extent possible, recipients must have been a student member of NSTA as a preservice teacher
Award: The award consists of up to $1,000 to be used to attend the annual National Conference; recipients will be invited to attend a variety of workshops and presentations that are of particular interest to new teachers at the annual National Conference

Ron Mardigian Memorial Biotechnology Explorer Award

The Ron Mardigian Memorial Biotechnology Explorer Award will recognize and reward an outstanding high school teacher who has made biotechnology learning accessible to the classroom. This award has been established in memory of Ron Mardigian, the inspiration behind and founder of the Biotechnology Explorer program.

Eligibility: High school
Award: The award will consist of $750 towards expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference, $250 in cash for the teacher, and $500 in Bio-Rad products. The awardee will be honored at the Awards Banquet; the awardee and one teacher guest of the awardee will be invited to dinner with members of Bio-Rad's Explorer team.

NSTA Fellow Award

This award recognizes NSTA members who have made extraordinary contributions to science education through personal commitment to education, specifically science teaching or science; educational endeavors and original work that position recipients as exemplary leaders in their field; significant contributions to the profession that reflect dedication to NSTA as well the entire educational community.

Eligibility: This award is open to longstanding (at least 10 years) NSTA members
Award: Awardees will be recognized at the NSTA Awards Banquet in conjunction with the NSTA National Conference

NSTA Legacy Award

This NSTA award posthumously recognizes long-standing members of NSTA for significant lifelong service to NSTA and contributions to science education.

Eligibility: This award is open to long-standing members of NSTA (minimum 15 years) who have been deceased for no more than 10 years; an individual may be nominated within ten (10) years after their death; however, there may be variances to these criteria; the NSTA Awards and Recognitions Committee should be consulted in writing prior to recommending an individual more than ten (10) years after their death
Award: One or more individuals may be selected by the NSTA Awards and Recognitions Committee to be honored at the annual Awards Banquet during the NSTA National Conference; a plaque will be presented to the family of the honoree; NSTA will provide two nights' lodging, and up to $500 towards travel expenses for a family member to attend the NSTA National Conference; a permanent Legacy Award display, located at the NSTA headquarters, will include the honoree’s name

PASCO STEM Educator Awards

The PASCO STEM Educator awards, sponsored by PASCO scientific, in partnership with the National Science Teachers Association, recognizes excellence and innovation in the field of STEM education at the elementary, middle school, and high school levels.

Eligibility: The applicant must be a K–12 STEM educator. Individuals must have a minimum of 3 years teaching experience in the STEM fields, who implement innovative inquiry-based, technology infused STEM programs. One elementary level, two middle level, and two high school level recipients will be awarded annually.
Award: A total of 5 awardees will be selected annually. Each awardee will receive up to $1500 to cover travel expenses to attend the NSTA national conference and be part of a STEM share-a-thon workshop, a $1000 monetary gift, and a $2000 certificate for PASCO scientific products. The recipient of the award will be honored during the Awards Banquet at the NSTA national conference.

Robert H. Carleton Award

This is the most prestigious award an NSTA member can receive. The Robert H. Carleton Award recognizes one individual who has made outstanding contributions to, and provided leadership in, science education at the national level and to NSTA in particular. It is NSTA's highest honor. This award is sponsored by the Dow Chemical Company.

Eligibility: NSTA members who are K–college-level science educators
Award: $5,000, a formal citation, and an all-expenses-paid trip to NSTA's National Conference

SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Outstanding Environmental Educator of the Year

This award recognizes and rewards the outstanding teacher out of eight award winning programs selected to receive the SeaWorld Environmental Excellence Award.

Award: $10,000 and an expense-paid trip to attend the NSTA National Conference

For an application, or for more information, visit the SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment website.

Shell Science Teaching Award

This 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.

Eligibility: K–12 classroom science teachers
Award: $10,000 and an all-expense paid trip to attend NSTA’s National Conference; two finalists will also receive all-expense-paid trips to the conference

Sylvia Shugrue Award for Elementary School Teachers

This award honors one elementary school teacher who has established (or is establishing) an interdisciplinary, inquiry-based lesson plan. The lesson plan will fully reference sources of information and any relevant National Science Education Standards and benchmarks found in the Atlas of Science Literacy.

Eligibility: Elementary school teachers (grades K–6); applicants must be a full-time teacher with a minimum of five years of experience
Award: The award consists of $1,000 and up to $500 to attend the NSTA National Conference on Science Education; the recipient of the award will be honored during the Awards Banquet at the NSTA Conference

Vernier Technology Awards

The Vernier Technology Awards will recognize and reward the innovative use of data collection technology using a computer, graphing calculator, or other handheld in the science classroom. A total of seven awards are presented: one award at the elementary level (grades K–5); two awards at the middle level (grades 6–8); three awards at the high school level (grades 9–12); one award at the college level.

Eligibility: K–college. Applicants may not have won previously at their school.
Award: Each award will consist of $1,000 towards expenses to attend the NSTA National Conference, $1,000 in cash for the teacher, and $1,000 in Vernier products

Wendell G. Mohling Outstanding Aerospace Educator Award

This award recognizes excellence in the field of aerospace education. The recipient of the award will be honored during the Awards Banquet and the Aerospace Educators Luncheon at the NSTA Conference. This NSTA award is sponsored by Sally Ride Science.

Eligibility: Both K–12 teachers of science in formal education settings (e.g., elementary, middle, high school) and educators in informal education settings (e.g., museums, government, science centers) are eligible to apply in alternating years. For the 2012 award, only educators in an informal setting will be eligible for consideration. Individuals must be nominated for this award and have a minimum of three years teaching experience. Self-nominations will be accepted.
Award: $3,000, and $2,000 in expenses to attend NSTA’s national conference