Young Heroes awards

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes invites nominations for its 2011 awards. The Barron Prize honors young people in the United States and Canada who have made a significant positive difference to people and our planet.

Each year, the awards program selects ten national winners to receive $2,500 each to support their service work or higher education.

Nominees must be between 8 and 18 years of age, must have been the prime mover of a service activity and have demonstrated positive spirit and high moral purpose in accomplishing their goals.

Nominees must be legal, current and residents of the United States or Canada at the time of nomination. Nominees must have participated in the work for which they are nominated within the twelve months prior to the nomination deadline.

Nominees must be nominated by an adult who is familiar with the young person's service activity (teacher or librarian, school counselor, youth service official, religious leader, etc.). Members of the young person's family may not submit nominations or letters of reference. Nominees must be nominated as individuals. The prize program cannot accept nominations for groups of young people.

For complete program guidelines, nomination instructions, and information on previous winners, visit the Barron Prize Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Global Service Leaders Scholarships

The Alcoa Foundation, the corporate foundation of global aluminum producer Alcoa, has announced a partnership with the Institute for Civic Leadership to establish the Alcoa Global Service Leaders Scholarship Program. The new program invites students between the ages of 15 and 18 anywhere in the world to apply for full scholarships of up to $5,000 to attend ICL's 2011 Summer Academy, a comprehensive, two-week hands-on summer leadership program for students who have passion for leadership and service.

The scholarship winners will have a unique opportunity to study and learn together at Dwight International School in Vancouver Island, Canada. Students will learn about sustainable leadership and will master key leadership skills through workshops, team-building exercises, games, and excursions.

The scholarship winners will have a unique opportunity to study and learn together at Dwight International School in Vancouver Island, Canada. Students will learn about sustainable leadership and will master key leadership skills through workshops, team-building exercises, games, and excursions.

For complete program information and the scholarship application, visit the Alcoa Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (FIPSE)--Special Focus Competition: Program for North American Mobility in Higher Education 84.116

Eligible Applicants: Institutions of higher education (IHEs), other public and private nonprofit institutions and agencies, and combinations of these institutions and agencies. The application must designate a lead U.S. applicant and the lead Mexican and Canadian applicants and must clearly specify its partner applicants in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Purpose of Program: To provide grants for or to enter into cooperative agreements to improve postsecondary education opportunities by focusing on problem areas or improvement approaches in postsecondary education.

Deadline: May 17, 2011

Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM

The Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation programs authorized under section 371 of the Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended (HEA) provide grants to assist Hispanic-Serving institutions (HSIs) to develop and carry out activities to improve and expand their capacity to serve Hispanic and other low-income students. Applications for grants under the Hispanic-Serving Institutions STEM and Articulation Programs.

Expected Number of Awards:	104
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$99,900,000

Deadline: April 29, 2011.

Full announcement here.

2011 Professional Exchange Program

The Office of Citizen Exchanges (ECA/PE/C), Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), announces an open competition for grants to conduct the 2011 professional exchange programs. This opportunity is designed to bring young foreign professionals to the United States for four week to six week-long fellowships in organizations related to their field of work, followed by American counterparts who will travel overseas for reciprocal fellowships. Projects should take place over the course of one to two years, and engage up-and-coming and mid-level government or civil society professionals who will effect positive change in their institutions and communities through the following initiatives: the Legislative Fellows Program, the Women's Empowerment Program, and the Young Entrepreneurs Program. U.S. public and non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c) (3) may submit proposals that support the goals of these professional exchange programs (the Legislative Fellows Program, the Women‟s Empowerment Program, and the Young Entrepreneurs Program).

CAREER grants

CAREER: The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program is a Foundation-wide activity that offers the National Science Foundation's most prestigious awards in support of junior faculty who exemplify the role of teacher-scholars through outstanding research, excellent education and the integration of education and research within the context of the mission of their organizations. Such activities should build a firm foundation for a lifetime of leadership in integrating education and research. NSF encourages submission of CAREER proposals from junior faculty members at all CAREER-eligible organizations and especially encourages women, members of underrepresented minority groups, and persons with disabilities to apply.

Expected Number of Awards:	600
Estimated Total Program Funding:	$220,000,000

Northwest PA STEM teacher awards

NWPA STEM will recognize three teachers from NWPA schools (elementary, middle and high school levels) who have modeled Inspiration, Innovation and Leadership in STEM education within their classrooms. Special consideration will be given to those who have created partnerships with higher education and/or business. Teacher nominations should be completed by a school administrator and submitted by noon on April 15, 2011 electronically to kim_zippie@miu4.k12.pa.us or faxed to Kim Zippie’s attention at 724-458-5083. STEM teacher award nomination

From a White House press release: Increasing International Programs

Education and innovation are keys to progress in the Americas. By fostering more educational exchanges and more effectively tapping into the connection between education and innovation, the United States and its partners throughout the Americas can foster greater economic growth.
By working in partnership with governments, civil society, and private sectors throughout the Americas, the United States can enhance competitiveness. To fulfill our part of this shared responsibility, President Obama announced two initiatives – 100,000 Strong in the Americas and NEXUS – to double educational exchanges between the United States and the Americas while enhancing the connection between education and innovation.

• To view the fact sheet on Partnerships for Progress: Education and Innovation click HERE.
• To view the fact sheet on Existing Education Exchanges click HERE.
• To view the fact sheet on the NEXUS Innovation Initiative click HERE.

Toyota Education Grants

The Toyota USA Foundation has announced eight grants totaling more than $5.2 million to support organizations working to improve K-12 math, science, and environmental education.

The foundation aims to support a diverse set of programs that are broad in scope, incorporate interdisciplinary learning, and are innovative as well as cost-effective. Grant recipients include the Red Cloud Indian School, which was awarded $420,000 to upgrade its science equipment, curriculum, and facilities; SAE International, which will receive $300,000 to expand its A World In Motion science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program; the College Entrance Examination Board, which was awarded $350,000 for efforts to support the educational success of high-need students by enabling districts and schools to hire Advanced Placement STEM teachers; and the Nature Conservancy, which was awarded $3.1 million to expand its Leaders in Environmental Action for the Future program.

"Today's youth are more urban, more diverse, and more technologically advanced than any previous generation in history," said Nature Conservancy president and CEO Mark Tercek. "They are also more disconnected from nature than any previous generation. This unprecedented gift from the Toyota USA Foundation will empower a new generation of environmental leaders across the nation, and ensures a hopeful future for the greater conservation movement."

For a complete list of grantees, visit the Toyota USA Foundation Web site.

“Toyota USA Foundation Announces $5.2 Million in New Grants.” Toyota USA Foundation Press Release 3/15/11.

IEF Microsoft Education / Technology grants

The annual US Innovative Education Forum (IEF), hosted by Microsoft, honors innovative teachers and schools. The forum provides teachers and schools the opportunity to showcase how technology furthers education transformation by being appropriately incorporated into curricula, pedagogy, and classrooms. The work of schools and teachers engaged in CTE often is at the vanguard of innovation and are eligible to apply.

The application process does not limit to a single application per school. There are opportunities for different innovative teachers, projects, or teams. Kelly Green, Academic Program Manager with US Partners in Learning, indicated, “IEF is a great way to promote the activities the students are engaged in . . . and if selected, this is a great way to showcase the school or district.”

More information about the application and process, including a video of past winners and is available at http://www.microsoft.com/education/uspil/USIEF/default.mspx.

Literacy Grants

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Better World Books, an online bookseller that collects and sells books to fund literacy initiatives worldwide, has announced the launch of the LEAP Grants (Literacy and Education in Action Program) for Libraries. LEAP provides funding for specific projects beyond the company's regular revenue contributions to Better World nonprofit partners.

Applicants are invited to propose a compelling literacy project in their community. Projects should address the literacy needs of underserved populations in their community. The program defines literacy needs broadly as "identifying, understanding, interpreting, creating, communicating, and computing information to live a more fulfilling and productive life." Successful applicants will use their funds to advance a compelling literacy project that Better World Books can follow, document, and share with its readers across the world. Projects that address the literacy needs of underserved populations in their community and involve partnerships with local government agencies are highly encouraged.

Interested libraries are invited to first submit a short two-page project overview. Those with the best proposals will be selected for a half-hour conversation with Better World Books during which they will pitch their idea. After reviewing all the pitches, Better World Books will select the winners whose projects are judged the most viable and ready to be implemented. Selected libraries will then be asked to complete a more detailed project plan. After project plans are complete, the grants will be awarded.

A total of $75,000 is available in this round of grants. Grants will range from $5,000 to $25,000.

Visit the Better World Books Web site for complete program information and application procedures.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Target Arts and Culture grants

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Every year, the Target Store Grant program provides grants to K-12 schools and other nonprofit organizations that provide reading and arts programs for children and youth.

Target Early Childhood Reading Grants are awarded to schools, libraries, and nonprofit organizations to support programs such as afterschool reading events and weekend book clubs. Grants are intended to support programs that help foster a love of reading and encourage children to read with their families.

Target Arts and Culture in Schools Grants are intended to enhance classroom curricula by bringing music, dance, drama, and visual arts programs into the classroom. These grants are designed to help bring performers to schools so children can experience the arts and learn new forms of self-expression.

Grants in both funding categories will be for $2,000 each.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools, libraries, and public agencies.

Visit the Target Web site for complete program guidelines and to submit an online application.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Green your school challenge

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Do Something and HP invites teams of U.S. students to help protect the environment and fight climate change by participating in the Green Your School campaign.

Students are invited to create and implement team projects to help make their school campuses more eco-friendly. Projects will be assessed on a number of criteria, including the number of people involved; creativity, innovation, and use of technology; and awareness raised.

Four winners will be selected to receive a $1,000 grant and an HP Pavilion DM1 laptop. One grand-prize winner will receive a $5,000 grant and five HP Pavilion DM1 laptop computers. Other prizes include scholarships of $1,000 each, mini -laptop computers, and smartphones.

Full campaign information, project ideas, and participation guidelines are available at the Do Something Web site.

Contact:
Link to Complete RFP

Advanced Placement Incentive

Purpose of Program: The Advanced Placement Incentive (API) program awards competitive grants designed to increase the successful participation of low-income students in advanced placement courses and tests. The program expands opportunities for low-income students to take college-level classes and earn college credit while still in high school. The program also supports efforts to raise the rigor of the academic curriculum for all students attending high-poverty schools.

Link to Full Announcement

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE); Advanced Placement Incentive Program CFDA Number 84.330C; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011

Interdisciplinary Training for Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences

The goal of the Undergraduate Biology and Mathematics (UBM) activity is to enhance undergraduate education and training at the intersection of the biological and mathematical sciences and to better prepare undergraduate biology or mathematics students to pursue graduate study and careers in fields that integrate the mathematical and biological sciences. The core of the activity is jointly-conducted long-term research experiences for interdisciplinary balanced teams of at least two undergraduates from departments in the biological and mathematical sciences. Projects should focus on research at the intersection of the mathematical and biological sciences. Projects should provide students exposure to contemporary mathematics and biology, addressed with modern research tools and methods. That is, projects must be genuine research experiences rather than rehearsals of research methods. Projects must involve students from both areas in collaborative research experiences and include joint mentorship by faculty in both fields. In addition, it is expected that projects will strengthen the research and education capacity, infrastructure, and culture of the participating institutions. To this end, projects should create models for education in the mathematical and biological sciences and influence the direction of academic programs for a broad range of students. It is expected that project leadership will come from faculty in both the mathematical and biological sciences. UBM is a joint effort of the Education and Human Resources (EHR), Biological Sciences (BIO), and Mathematical and Physical Sciences (MPS) Directorates at the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Link to Full Announcement

NSF Publication 08-510

Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy Grant Program

Deadline for Notice of Intent to Apply: April 1, 2011.
   Deadline for Transmittal of Applications: May 9, 2011.
   Deadline for Intergovernmental Review: July 5, 2011.

Full Text of Announcement

I. Funding Opportunity Description

   Purpose of Program: The purpose of the Striving Readers Comprehensive Literacy
grant program (SRCL) is to advance literacy skills--including pre-literacy skills,
reading, and writing--for students from birth through grade 12, including limited-
English-proficient students and students with disabilities.
   Through this program, the Department will award competitive grants to State
educational agencies (SEAs) to support competitive subgrants to local educational
agencies (LEAs), including charter schools that are considered LEAs under State law,
or other eligible entities for the purpose of advancing literacy skills.
   Priorities: This notice contains three priorities, two of which are
absolute and one of which is competitive preference.
Priority 1: Improving Learning Outcomes
Priority 2: Enabling More Data-Based Decision-Making
Competitive Preference Priority: Effective Use of Technology

Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants

Youth Literacy Grants
Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grants provide funding to schools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations to help students who are below grade level or experiencing difficulty reading.

Click here to apply for the 2011 Dollar General Literacy Foundation Youth Literacy Grant.

Deadline to apply:	May 18, 2011
Grant Announcement:	August 24, 2011
Maximum grant amount:	$3,000

Para-professional training

Estimated Available Funds: The Administration has requested $90,653,000 for the Personnel
Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program for FY 2011, of which we intend to use an estimated $1,500,000 for the competition announced in this notice.

Estimated Range of Awards: $145,000–150,000.

Eligible Applicants: IHEs (as defined in section 101 of the Higher Education Act of 1965).

The purposes of this program are to (1) help address State-identified needs for highly qualified personnel—in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education—to
work with infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities; and (2) ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children.

USA Funds for post-secondary ed

[From Philanthropy News Digest]

Indianapolis-based USA Funds, a nonprofit corporation that works to enhance postsecondary education preparedness, access, and success, has announced fourth-quarter grants totaling more than $3 million to seventy-five organizations in twenty states and the District of Columbia.

Recipients include the University of Pennsylvania, which received $500,000 to conduct research that identifies and highlights models of success at minority-serving postsecondary institutions; the Hispanic Scholarship Fund, which was awarded $200,000 to provide need-based scholarships to Hispanic students; the Nevada System of Higher Education, which received $190,000 to implement Navigation 101, a Web-based college and career readiness program, in at least ten Nevada high schools; and the Indianapolis-based Mary Rigg Neighborhood Center, which was awarded $100,000 to continue its work improving postsecondary preparedness and access for low-income students.

In addition, the Arizona Community Foundation received $70,000 to continue its support for College Depot, which provides free college planning services to low-income students; the Indiana Latino Institute was awarded $60,000 for its Careers for the Future Education program, which works to provide Latino students with a framework that will help them succeed in postsecondary education; and Boys II Men, Inc. received $30,000 for a program that helps male African-American students develop skills for success in high school and beyond.

For a complete list of grantees, visit the USA Funds Web site.

“USA Funds Awards $3 Million in Higher Education Grants.” USA Funds Press Release 2/22/11.