Award Sources

For Individuals who during their careers demonstrate extraordinary leadership to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in science and engineering fields and careers
Deadline: Various

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Mentor Awards (Lifetime Mentor Award and Mentor Award) honor individuals who demonstrate extraordinary leadership to increase the participation of underrepresented groups (women of all racial or ethnic groups; African American, Native American, and Hispanic men; and people with disabilities) in science and engineering fields and careers. Both awards recognize an individual who has mentored and guided significant numbers of students from underrepresented groups to the completion of doctoral studies or who has impacted the climate of a department, college, or institution to significantly increase the diversity of students pursuing and completing doctoral studies. More information is on online.

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For K-12 teachers
Deadline: check web site for details

Attention current K-12 teachers: Are you an experienced educator who is ready to make a difference on a national scale? If so, consider applying for an Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship and prepare for a year of unique opportunities. As a Fellow you will spend a school year in Washington, DC sharing your expertise with policy makers. You may serve your Fellowship with Congress or one of several government agencies such as the Department of Energy, the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or NASA.

The goal of the Einstein Fellows program is to provide an opportunity for teachers to inform national policy and improve communication between the K-12 STEM education community and national leaders. The Fellowship program was created in 1990 with support from the MacArthur Foundation. Congress formalized the program in 1994 by passing the Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellowship Act. The Triangle Coalition administers the program under the direction of the Department of Energy. To learn more about becoming an Einstein Fellow, please visit www.trianglecoalition.org/ein.htm.

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For K-12 teachers
Deadline: January 31, 2008

The Amgen Award for Science Teaching Excellence (AASTE) is an annual awards program that recognizes extraordinary contributions by educators across the United States and Puerto Rico who are elevating the level of science literacy through creativity in the classroom and motivation of students. An independent panel of judges selects the winners based on the following criteria: creativity of teaching methods, effectiveness in the classroom, plans for the use of grant money to improve science education resources in their schools, submission of an innovative science lesson plan showcasing innovative methods in the classroom, and a plan for dissemination/sharing the lesson plan with other teachers. Since the program's inception in 1992, Amgen has awarded more than $1 million to public and private school science teachers, grades K-12, in communities in which Amgen operates.

Nominations are solicited every fall. Following an extensive judging process, 30 science teachers will be chosen for the award. The selected winners will receive an unrestricted cash award of $5,000 and the recipient's school will receive a restricted grant of $5,000 to be utilized for the expansion or enhancement of a school science program, for science resources, or for the professional development of the school's science teachers. Amgen is a biotechnology company that discovers, develops, manufactures, and markets human therapeutics for serious illnesses. To learn more, please visit the AASTE web site.

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For K-12 Teachers
Deadline: March 31, 2008

Education Department Seeks Nominations for "American Stars Of Teaching"

The U.S. Department of Education plans to honor outstanding classroom teachers through the American Stars of Teaching program. The Department's Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative is seeking nominations and information about teachers who are improving student achievement, using innovative strategies in the classroom, and making a difference in the lives of their students. Teachers across all grade levels and disciplines will be honored in the fall as American Stars of Teaching. Parents, students, colleagues, school administrators and others can nominate an exemplary teacher who they believe has the qualities to be an American Star of Teaching. One teacher will be recognized from each state. To learn more or nominate a teacher to become an American Star of Teaching, please visit the Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative Web site.

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For K-12 Teachers
Deadline: check web site for details

Through the Best Buy Teach Award program, Best Buy will present $3.5 million in total awards to more than fifteen hundred schools in the United States.

The Best Buy Teach Award program recognizes creative uses of interactive technology in K-12 classrooms. Winning Teach Award programs focus on kids using technology to learn standards-based curriculum, rather than on teaching students to use technology or educators using technology that children are not able to use hands-on. The purpose of the Best Buy Teach Award program is to reward schools for the successful interactive programs they have launched using available technology.

K-12 public, private, parochial, magnet, and charter schools in the U.S. using interactive technology in classrooms are eligible to apply. Schools must be located within fifty miles of a Best Buy store to apply. Applications must be completed by educators who have been at the school for a minimum of one full academic year, and the program or project must have been in existence for at least one full school year.

Up to fifteen hundred schools will receive Best Buy Teach Awards of $2,000 each, up to fifty schools will receive $10,000 each, and eight school districts will receive $100,000 each.

Visit the Best Buy Web site for complete program information and a store locator.

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For Youth ages 13 to 22
Deadline: various

Earth Island Institute established the Brower Youth Awards to honor the organization's founder, environmental activist David R. Brower, and to recognize young people for their activism and achievements in the fields of environmental and social justice advocacy.

The annual awards program recognizes the outstanding leadership efforts of six young people from across the United States who are working for Conservation, Preservation, and Restoration (CPR for the Earth and Community). The awards not only promote the accomplishments of these new leaders, but also invest in their continued success by providing ongoing access to resources, mentors, and opportunities to develop their leadership skills.

The award winners each receive a $3,000 cash prize, a trip to California for the award ceremony and a Yosemite camping trip, and ongoing access to resources and opportunities to further their work at Earth Island Institute.

The Brower Youth Awards recognize youth between the ages of 13 and 22 who have shown outstanding leadership on a project with positive environmental or social impact. Applicants must be residents of the United States or Puerto Rico.

Visit the Brower Youth Awards Web site for complete awards program criteria, eligibility information, and application procedures.

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For K-12 Teachers
Deadline: Various

Butler-Cooley Excellence in Teaching Award to Honor Teachers Who Have Turned Around Students' Lives

The Turnaround Management Association, an international nonprofit for professionals worldwide who are dedicated to corporate renewal and turning around under-performing businesses, is now accepting nominations for the Butler-Cooley Excellence in Teaching Awards.

This program, made possible through the John William Butler Foundation, honors teachers who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill in shaping the lives of children and teens through education. The program provides $5,000 cash stipends to three to five public or private school teachers and travel and lodging expenses to the TMA Annual Convention.

The award is open to currently licensed and active pri- mary or secondary school teachers employed by accredited schools for at least five years. Teachers or other qualified people may submit a nomination.

Nomination guidelines and applications are available online at the TMA Web site.

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For Middle School Students
Deadline: March 17,2008

With the help of an adult coach, middle school students work in teams to identify an issue they care about and use science and technology to develop an innovative solution. They work with experts, conduct research and put their ideas to the test. A cross-curricular awards program that meets science education standards. Every team receives certificates of participation. Eight finalist teams and their coaches will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Walt Disney World to attend National Championship Week, plus a $200 grant to further develop their ideas. Two Gold M edal winning teams will receive a $2,000 U.S. Savings Bond. One team will receive $25,000 grant as seed money to help bring its idea to life in the community. More information can be found on the web site.

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For students in grades 5-8
Deadline: Various check web site for details

The Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge (DCYSC) is a science contest that gives students in grades 5-8 the opportunity to test their knowledge and push their limits as they explore the world of science. The young scientists will use their scientific know-how to find solutions to the five-part challenge. The students will compete for more than $100,000 worth of scholarships and special prizes, as well as the title of "America's Top Young Scientist of the Year."

More information can be found on the web site.

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Award for: K-12 Teachers
Deadline: Check web site for details, applications usually available in November

In celebration of their creativity, innovative teaching methods and ability to inspire students while actively engaging them in learning, Disney created the Disney Teacher Awards. Chosen from more than 50,000 nominations nationwide, each Honoree will receive $10,000 from The Walt Disney Company and a trip to Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., in July, for a week of festivities that includes an awards gala, professional development and fun in the theme park. In addition, each Honoree's school will receive $5,000 from Disney. Congratulations to each teacher on a job well done! For more information or to download an application, visit their web site.

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For K-12 students and teachers
Deadline: Jan. 29, 2008

Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Award

Start off your new year by submitting your application today for NSTA's premier student award program, The Toshiba/NSTA ExploraVision Awards. Geared for all K-12 students in the United States and Canada, ExploraVision rewards students for their creativity and ingenuity in envisioning the future in science and technology. Students can win up to $10,000 in savings bonds.

Visit the web site for more details.

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For K-12 students and Teachers
Deadline: Various

Automaker Lexus has announced the launch of the lexus environmental challenge, a program designed to educate and empower students to take action to improve the environment. The program encourages middle and high school students across the united states to develop and implement environmental programs that positively impact their communities. More than $1 million in total scholarships and grants will be awarded to students, teachers, and schools. Lexus has joined with Scholastic, the global children's publishing, education, and media company, to create the program.

The Lexus Environmental Challenge has two distinct elements: standards-based supplementary educational materials and a contest to reward environmental action. The contest helps young people apply what they've learned in class through the program and empowers them to make improvements in their community by participating in any of the four environmental team challenges.

Middle and high school teams comprised of five to ten students and one teacher advisor are invited to participate in four initial challenges, each addressing a different environmental element -- land, water, air, and climate.

For each of the challenges, teams will define an environmental issue that is important to them, develop an action plan to address the issue, implement the plan, and report on the results. Teams are invited to participate in as many of the four challenges as they choose.

There will be sixteen winning teams for each of the four challenges -- eight middle school and eight high school teams. The winning teams will each receive a total of $3,000 in scholarships and grants. The sixty-four winners of the first four challenges will be invited to participate in the Final Challenge, where teams will develop an environmental program with the potential to impact the world in a dramatic way. From the Final Challenge entries, fourteen finalists and two grand-prize-winning teams will be selected. Each of the fourteen finalists will receive a total of $50,000 in grants and scholarships, and the two grand-prize-winning teams will each receive $75,000. The money will be shared by the students, teacher advisor, and school.

Full program information, including rules and entry details, can be viewed at the Scholastic web site.

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For Youth Ages 8-18
Deadline: check web site for details

The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes honors young people between the ages of 8 and 18 who have shown leadership and courage in public service to people and our planet.

Each year, ten national winners each receive $2,000 to support their service work or higher education.

Winners must have organized and led a truly extraordinary service activity that has clearly benefited other people, our fellow creatures, or the planet we share. The winner's service activity must have been initiated and motivated primarily by the winner him or herself. Winners must have participated in their heroic work within the twelve months prior to the nomination deadline and must be legal residents of the United States or Canada.

Nominations can be made by responsible adults who have solid knowledge of a young person's heroic activities and who are not related to the nominee.

For complete program information and to nominate a young person, visit the Barron Prize Web site.

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For K-12 Teachers
Deadline: check web site for details

Do you know an educator who inspires in their students an appreciation for and understanding of mathematics, science, and technology and the engineering process? Why not recognize them for their efforts by nominating them for the IEEE Pre-university Educator Award. The IEEE Educational Activities Board is accepting nominations for the Pre-university Educator Award. The award is a way to applaud dedicated teachers for their efforts. IEEE recognizes that educators are a critical factor in upholding and increasing technological literacy and comprehension in our society. This will be the sixth annual presentation of the award to a member of the pre-university education teaching community. To date, Triangle Coalition member, IEEE, has awarded educators whose endeavors include: developing a three-year engineering high school curriculum in areas such as aerospace, satellite communication, and computer technology; using hands-on experiments in physics to generate student interest and enthusiasm; and creating high school engineering courses. Each candidate must be nominated by an IEEE Section. In addition to recognition, the educator will receive $1000. For more details, click here.

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For: teachers in K-12
Deadline: Various

ING AWARDS MORE THAN $245,000 TO THE MOST INNOVATIVE U.S. EDUCATORS

Each day in classrooms across the country, educators work hard to develop creative lesson plans and offer unique and effective ways to help their students succeed -- often times dipping into their own pockets to help fund projects. However, these efforts may go unnoticed outside the classroom walls. ING, a global financial services company, has taken notice of these "unsung heroes" for more than a decade and is committed to recognizing and rewarding educators for their hard work. The ING Unsung Heroes awards program recognizes kindergarten through 12th grade educators nationwide for their innovative teaching methods, creative educational projects, and ability to make a positive influence on the children they teach. Since handing out the first award in 1996, the program has now awarded more than $2.5 million to more than 1000 educators across the United States.

To learn more about this year's winning projects, as well as those from previous years, visit the ING Unsung Heroes web site.

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For: K-12 Schools
Deadline: February 14, 2008

INTEL SCHOOLS OF DISTINCTION AWARDS TO FOCUS ON MATH AND SCIENCE

The Intel Schools of Distinction Program is now in its fourth year. The program's mission has always been to identify schools that exemplify the best of the best and serve as role models to other schools across the nation. Schools of Distinction has undergone a transformation focusing on two subject areas which are key to our nation's future -- math and science. This year's program will focus on identifying schools with learning environments that promote 21st century learning skills, such as digital literacy, problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration as a benchmark for academic excellence in mathematic and scientific achievement. Programs for either math or science should be designed to ensure high levels of achievement for all students in all program areas. Exemplary applicants will be selected by examining the extent to which they represent the intersection of the benchmarks laid out by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills in their ICT literacy maps for each content area (math and science) and national content standards for that content area.

Applicants must complete an application which is submitted online. Six winners will be selected -- one from each grade range, K-5, 6-8, and 9-12, in each of the two categories of math and science. Each winning school will receive a $10,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation, as well as $150,000 in products and services from the program awards sponsors. One of the final six winners will be identified as the Star Innovator. This school will receive an additional $15,000 cash grant from the Intel Foundation, as well as supplemental services and products from the award sponsors.

More details and application instructions for the Intel Schools of Distinction Awards are at the web site.

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For: students grades 9-12
Deadline: Various

The Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) announces the Thacher Scholars Award. This national competition for high school students was founded in honor of late IGES Board member Peter Thacher, a leader in promoting the use of satellite remote sensing. Prizes will be awarded to students (grades 9-12) designing and conducting the best projects using satellite remote sensing of the Earth.

Satellite remote sensing has numerous uses in science research, ranging from climate prediction to archaeology. It can improve our understanding of the Earth system, including interactions among the atmosphere, biosphere, geosphere and hydrosphere. And it can improve the quality of our lives by supporting weather prediction, natural hazards monitoring, transportation, land-use planning, agriculture, coastal management, public health and emergency response. The Thacher Scholars Award is an excellent opportunity for student-designed investigations using satellite remote sensing data and imagery.

Three cash awards will be given to students - 1st place - $2,000, 2nd place - $1,000 and 3rd place - $500, while teachers/coaches of winning students will receive $200 amazon.com gift cards. For full competition information visit the web site.

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For: students grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Quebec
Deadline: Check web site for details

The annual Igniting Creative Energy Challenge, an educational competition that encourages students to learn more about energy and the environment. Students selected as top winners will receive national recognition for their ideas as they meet with government and industry leaders at the Energy Efficiency Forum in Washington, DC. Winners will also enjoy an educational trip to Hawaii. The contest calls for students to submit entries that reflect the competition theme, Igniting Creative Energy, by demonstrating an understanding of what an individual, family, or group can do to make a difference in their home, school, or community. Students may express their ideas on energy conservation and the environment in the form of science projects, essays, stories, artwork, photographs, music, video, or web site projects.

The Challenge is open to students grades K-12 in the U.S. and Canada, excluding Quebec. Official rules and entry forms are available on the web site. The National Energy Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide teaching and learning opportunities which promote a better understanding of energy, natural resources, and the environment.

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For Educators in grades K-12
Deadline: Various

The International Reading Association is accepting applications for the Presidential Award for Reading and Technology, an annual award designed to honor educators in grades K-12 or equivalent who are making an outstanding and innovative contribution to the use of technology in reading education. This award is sponsored by PLATO Learning and presented at the International Reading Association Annual Convention.

The grand prize winner, selected as the best application from across all the eligible regions, will receive a $1,000 prize plus expenses ($2,000 maximum) to attend the IRA Annual Convention. Nine additional winners -- seven U.S. regional winners (Southeast, Plains, Rocky Mountain, Southwest, West, East, and Great Lakes), one Canadian winner, and one winner from outside North America -- will each receive a $500 prize.

All entrants must be educators who work directly with students ages 5-18 for all or part of the working day. Educators who work in public, parochial, or private elementary, middle, or high schools in the United States are eligible for the U.S. regional awards. Educators who work with students ages 5-18 in a public or private school in Canada are eligible for the Canadian award. Educators in all other countries, including U.S. Territories and APO schools, are eligible for the international award. All entries are eligible for the grand prize.

Entries incorporating any brand of computers, operating systems, software applications, and other technologies such as TV or video are acceptable.

Program information and applications are available at the International Reading Association Web site.

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For High School Students
Deadline: Various check web site for details

The Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (Intel ISEF) is the world's largest pre-college celebration of science. Held annually in May, the Intel ISEF brings together over 1,400 students from more than 40 nations to compete for scholarships, tuition grants, internships, scientific field trips and the grand prize: a $50,000 college scholarship. Science Service founded the ISEF in 1950 and is very proud to have Intel as the title sponsor of this prestigious, international competition.

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For public school teachers or paraprofessionals working with students in grades one through 12
Deadline: Various check web site for details

The Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program was established with proceeds from the Jordan Brand, a division of Nike, Inc., to recognize outstanding teaching and instructional creativity in U.S. public schools that serve economically disadvantaged students.

As part of the program's restructuring, grants will be targeted at selected geographic areas and grade levels, and will be made at multi-tier funding levels. Grants will be provided at the following levels:

Innovation Grants: A minimum of two hundred small grants, averaging $2,500 each, will be awarded to individual teachers or paraprofessionals to support the development of more effective approaches or implementation of traditional strategies to engage students and foster improved outcomes at the classroom level.

Inspiration Grants: Medium-sized grants, averaging $10,000 each, may be awarded to teams of teachers to support scaling-up the implementation of approaches developed with Innovation Grants that hold promise for scalability and being replicated. Multi-year funding for Inspiration Grants will require evidence of sustainability.

Applicants must be public school teachers or paraprofessionals working with students in grades one through 12. At least 50 percent of the school's student population must be eligible for the free or reduced school lunch program.

Visit the Jordan Fundamentals Grant Program Web site for a list of eligible cities, program guidelines, and application instructions.

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For exemplary partnerships between schools and businesses around the United States. Partnerships involving K-12 grade
Deadline: Various check web site for details

National School and Business Partnership Awards Program Accepting Applications

A program of the Council for Corporate & School Partnerships, the National School and Business Partnerships Award recognizes exemplary partnerships between schools and businesses around the United States. Partnerships involving kindergarten through 12th-grade public schools and/or school districts and businesses are eligible to apply.

The council presents six awards per year. Those selected for the award receive national recognition and their schools or districts receive $10,000 to support partnership efforts.

Applications are judged using a number of criteria, including the strength of the partnership's foundation, as evidenced by shared values, and the school and business partner's ability to define mutually beneficial goals; the success of the partnership's implementation, as evidenced by such factors as the management process and determination of specific, measurable outcomes; the partnership's sustainability, based on such factors as support by school and business leaders and by teachers, employees, students, and other constituents; and the partners' ability to present a clear evaluation of the partnership's impact, as measured by evidence that the partnership was developed with clear definitions of success for all parties and that it has resulted in improvements of the academic, social, or physical well-being of students.

Partnerships between kindergarten through 12th-grade public schools and/or school districts and businesses are eligible to participate in the program. The following partnerships are not eligible: nonprofits (except business foundations and organizations established by businesses to support community involvement), faith-based organizations, governmental agencies, universities, independent schools, or international schools.

Visit the Council for Corporate & School Partnerships Web site for complete program information and application procedures.

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The National Science Bowl® is a highly visible educational event and academic competition among teams of high school students who attend science seminars and compete in a verbal forum to solve technical problems and answer questions in all branches of science and math. The regional and national events encourage student involvement in math and science activities, improve awareness of career options in science and technology, and provide an avenue of enrichment and reward for academic science achievement.

For more information on the high school science bowl visit their web site.

For more information on the middle school science bowl visit their web site.

Deadline: Check web site for details

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For High School Students
Deadline: Various check web site for details

The Naval High School Science Awards Program (NSAP) was established to encourage the interest of high school students in science and engineering, to reward their scientific achievements, and to encourage them to pursue careers in science or engineering.

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For K-16 Teachers and Students
Deadline: check web site for details.

Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge

The ability to convey the essence and excitement of research in digitized images, color diagrams, multimedia and animation has given researchers the perspective needed to set new research directions and equipped other citizens to see and understand complex science concepts.

The National Science Foundation and Science, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, invite you to participate in the fourth annual Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge. The competition recognizes scientists, engineers, visualization specialists, and artists for producing or commissioning innovative work in visual communication.

Award categories: Photographs, Illustrations, Interactive Media, Non-Interactive Media and Informational Graphics. Winners in each category will be published in an issue of Science Magazine and Science Online and displayed on the NSF web site.

Complete Entry Information available on the web site.

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For exemplary teachers (K–college), principals (middle level and high school), and students (K–12)
Deadline: various

NSTA and its sponsors recognize and reward exemplary teachers (K–college), principals (middle level and high school), and students (K–12) with valuable support and professional development resources to improve and enhance their education. These awards also offer opportunities to share your school’s science education success stories. To learn more about the awards and to download or print application forms, go to http://www.nsta.org/awardscomp.

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For exemplary teachers (K–college), principals (middle level and high school), and students (K–12)
Deadline: check web site for details

Technology and consumer electronics company Olympus has announced the Olympus Innovation Award Program for 2008. The program, executed by Olympus in partnership with the National Collegiate Inventors and Innovators Alliance, recognizes individuals who have fostered or demonstrated innovative think- ing in education.

The awards will be given to faculty nominees chosen from among the nearly two hundred member institutions of NCIIA, a national alliance of colleges and universities fostering invention, innovation, and entrepreneurship in U.S. higher education.

The Olympus Innovation Award Program includes three awards:

• The Olympus Innovation Award recognizes a faculty member who fosters an environment of innovative thinking among students through inventive teaching methods and hands-on educational opportunities. The winner will receive a $10,000 award.
• The Olympus Lifetime of Educational Innovation Award recognizes a faculty member who has demonstrated a sustained contribution throughout his or her career to stimulating innovative thinking in students in their own universities and throughout academia. The winner will receive a $2,500 award.
• The Olympus Emerging Educational Leader Award recognizes an in- dividual who has inspired innovative thinking in students in a discrete area and who has the potential to make even greater contributions to the field in the future. The winner will receive a $1,000 prize.

Students, faculty, and others at NCIIA institutions of higher learning in the U.S. may nominate qualified educators through the NCIIA Web site. Program information and a list of NCIIA member institutions are also available at the site.

To learn more about the awards and to download or print application forms, go to the web site.

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For Schools Grades K-12
Deadline: various

School gardens that use organic methods are eligible to enter the Organic School Garden Awards program, sponsored by the Rodale Institute.

Teams of students and teachers (grades K-12) nationwide are asked to submit an essay and poster that express how they use their school garden as a learning tool, how they use the pro- duce they grow, and what impact it has for the students and community. Any school within the fifty United States with an organic garden may enter the contest.

Three winning schools will receive cash prizes of $250, $500, and $1,000.

Visit the Web site for entry forms, guidelines, and information on previous winners.

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For teachers of K-6 even numbered years, 7-12 odd numbered years
Deadline: March 1, 2008

National Science Foundation provides this program recognizes outstanding mathematics and science teachers from across the United States and four U.S. jurisdictions for their contributions in the classroom and to their profession. In even numbered years this award is for grades K-6. In odd numbered years this award is for grades 7-12.

Check the web site for details.

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For K-12 Educators
Deadline: various

Triangle Coalition member, the Entomological Foundation, is seeking applicants for the President's Prizes in Outstanding Achievement in Primary & Secondary Education Program. The program recognizes educators who have gone beyond the traditional teaching methods by using insects as educational tools to teach science education. One winner will be chosen from primary teachers (grades K-6) and one from secondary teachers (grades 7-12). Each recipient will receive a $400 donation made payable to the winner's school to purchase teaching materials to expand the use of insects as teaching tools, $400 paid to the winner for expenses associated with travel to present a paper or poster on the use of insects in educational programs at a peer professional venue of their choosing, and more. Applications are now being accepted.

The Entomological Society of America (ESA) serves the professional and scientific needs of entomologists and people in related disciplines. Founded in 1889, ESA today has more than 5,700 members affiliated with educational institutions, health agencies, private industry, and government agencies. The Entomological Foundation is a not-for-profit educational organization that uses private and public resources to excite young people about science through insects to build a future for entomology.

Check the web site for details.

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Award for: Public and Private schools
Deadline: various

Richard Riley Award to Honor Schools That Serve as Centers of Community

The KnowledgeWorks Foundation, in partnership with the American Architectural Foundation, seeks submissions for the Richard Riley Award. The award recognizes design and educational excellence in "schools as centers of community." The winning school will receive a $10,000 prize. Schools that serve as centers of community provide a rich array of social, civic, recreational, and artistic opportunities to the broader community and to students, often clustering educational and municipal buildings together. These additional services and opportunities often improve student achievement and help maximize local tax dollars.

All public schools, new and old, including charter schools, are eligible to submit entries for the award. Individuals are not eligible to receive the award.

For detailed information about criteria for the award and how to enter the competition, visit the program's web site.

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For K-12 students, K-12 teachers, and community groups across the United States who are working at the grassroots level to protect and preserve the environment
Deadline: check web site for details

Schools and Community Groups Invited to Apply for SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards

The SeaWorld/Busch Gardens/Fujifilm Environmental Excellence Awards will recognize the outstanding efforts of students, teachers, and community groups across the United States who are working at the grassroots level to protect and preserve the environment.

All schools (grades K-12) in the U.S. are eligible to apply. Projects must be sponsored by a formally recognized school group, such as a grade level, classroom, or club. Public, private, and licensed home schools are all eligible to apply. Individual students (i.e., science fair projects) and previous award-winning projects are not eligible to apply. Community- based projects, such as those managed and operated by community service organizations, public recreation centers, 4-H clubs, and other public, nonprofit groups working to protect the environ- ment at the grassroots level are also eligible to apply.

Eight projects will be selected. Each winning group will receive $10,000 to benefit the award-winning project; an all-expenses- paid trip for three students and one adult leader to an Anheuser-Busch theme park for a special awards event; a Fuji- film digital camera for use by award-winning group; a hundred T-shirts to share with school and community partners; and award trophy and certificates for every student/group leader parti- cipant. From the eight projects, one outstanding environmental educator/leader will be recognized. That educator will receive $5,000; an all-expenses-paid trip for themselves and one guest to an Anheuser-Busch theme park for a special awards event; a Fujifilm digital camera; an all-expenses- paid trip to the National Science Teachers Association national conference; and an award trophy and certificate.

Visit the program's web site for complete application information and examples of previous award winners.

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For K-16 Teachers and Students
Deadline: check web site for details

Global Call for Nominations of Innovators Using Technology to Benefit Humanity

The Tech Museum Awards program honors and awards innovators from around the world who use technology to benefit humanity in the categories of education, equality, economic development, environment, and health. The awards are a program of the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose, California.

Individuals, nonprofit organizations, and companies are eligible to enter the competition, and self-nominations are accepted and encouraged.

Each year, twenty-five laureates are honored at a gala dinner, invited to participate in press and media cover- age, and introduced to a network of influential advisors. The awards celebration will be held at the Tech Museum of Innovation. One laureate in each category will be granted a $50,000 cash prize.

Program details, including judging criteria, can be found at the Tech Museum Awards Web site.

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For people ages 9-19
Deadline: April 2, 2008

Oracle Education Foundation Invites Students and Teachers to Take Part in ThinkQuest International

The Oracle Education Foundation has announced the opening of a new ThinkQuest competition, ThinkQuest International 2007, and invites students and teachers from around the globe to take part in this collaborative learning experience.

The educational contest is open to students between the ages of 9 and 19 and their teacher-coaches from anywhere in the world. The program promotes collaboration and cross-cultural learning by encouraging students to team with peers in other regions to develop Web sites on educational topics. In the process of creating their site, students learn and practice their skills in research, writing, technology, and teamwork. Additionally, the competing teams have the opportunity to create Web sites that can be used as educational resources by students worldwide as part of the ThinkQuest Library, available online at: http://www.thinkquest.org/library.

All submitted Web sites for ThinkQuest International will be judged by professional educators.

Winners will receive prizes from the Oracle Education Foundation, including laptops and $1,000 school grants for the top ten teams in each age division, travel to the annual ThinkQuest Live event for the top three teams in each division, and digital cameras for the team that receives the Global Perspectives Award.

Students and educators interested in participating can find further information at the program's Web site.

Program details, can be found at the ThinkQuest web site .

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For Teachers
Deadline: various

The Thomson Gale TEAMS (Teachers and Media Specialists Influencing Student Achievement) Award recognizes and encourages the critical collaboration between the teacher and media specialist to promote learn- ing and increase student achievement.

Three winners will each receive a $2,500 cash award, Thomson Gale products, a one-year subscription to Library Media Connection, and the Educator's Professional Bookshelf from Linworth Publishing. In addition, the winners will be featured in an article in Library Media Connection .

A panel comprised of education industry professionals and Thomson Gale staff will evaluate the nominations based on demonstrated collaboration between media specialists and teachers; effective techniques that positively impact student learning and achievement; support received from school leadership; and ability for others to replicate this best practice.

All K-12 public and private schools in the United States and Canada are eligible to enter.

The nomination may be submitted by a library media specialist(s), teacher(s), principal(s), student(s), or parent(s). The program will begin accepting nominations.

Visit the Thomson Gale Web site for complete program information and nomination procedures.

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For K-12 Grade Teachers who teacher must have worked for at least three years in a literacy program that provides children's education, adult education, parenting education (Parent Time), and interactive literacy activities between parents and children (Parent and Child Together Time)
Deadline: Various

The Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year Award nomination process is now open.

Presented by the National Center for Family Literacy and Toyota, the award is given to educators who demonstrate exemplary efforts in family literacy to help parents and children achieve their academic, personal, and professional goals.

The nominated teacher must have worked for at least three years in a literacy program that provides children's education, adult education, parenting education (Parent Time), and interactive literacy activities between parents and children (Parent and Child Together Time).

The Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year will receive a $5,000 award for his or her program, courtesy of Toyota. He or she also will receive a trip to the Annual National Conference on Family Literacy in Orlando, Florida, where he or she will be recognized as the "Toyota Family Literacy Teacher of the Year."

Several finalists also will be selected and will receive free registration to the Annual National Conference on Family Literacy plus hotel and travel expenses.

To view the complete nomination guidelines and/or to download the application form, visit the NFCL Web site.

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For 7-12 Grade Teachers
Deadline: check web site for details

Teachers Invited to Apply for Toyota International Teacher Program

Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A. is launching a new chapter of its Toyota International Teacher Program with a fully funded ten-day study tour for twenty teachers to the Galapagos Islands.

The program is administered by the Institute of International Education in Washington, D.C. Toyota's first international program, a two-week cultural and educational study tour in Japan, is being offered this year as well.

Applications are being accepted from full-time secondary classroom teachers (grades 7-12) who work in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Texas, and Washington, D.C. Teachers must be American citizens at the time of application. The program is open to classroom teachers of all subjects.

Toyota will cover all expenses associated with the trip, including transportation, meals, lodging, and program materials. To help defray the cost of a teacher's absence, Toyota will also provide $500 to be used at the discretion of the school, either to help pay for a substitute teacher or purchase materials.

Full details and application instructions are available online at the IIE Web site.

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Deadline: Various

The National Center for Family Literacy is accepting nominations for the 2008 Verizon Tech Savvy Awards, the first national awards to honor programs that improve parents and children’s understanding and use of technology. The awards are designed to support sustainable programs that help parents bridge the widening gap between adults and children's understanding of technology. Programs should create innovative, readily replicable ways to employ technology as an important component in family literacy. Organizations with tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, including community-based nonprofits, libraries, and schools, are eligible to apply.

Four $5,000 regional awards and one $25,000 national award will be presented. The annual honor will be awarded March 31, 2008 in Louisville, Kentucky, at the National Conference on Family Literacy.

For further information and a copy of the 2008 Verizon Tech Savvy Awards nomination form, visit the National Center for Family Literacy Web site.

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