DEADLINES
Following is a list of application deadlines for grants, fellowships, and honors available to individuals. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
- October 1. Summer Stipends.
The National Endowment for the Humanities invites teachers, independent scholars, and staff members of libraries, museums, and historical societies to apply for the NEH Summer Stipends. Approximately 200 stipends of $4,000 each will be awarded for two months of full-time independent study in a significant area of the humanities. Applicants whose projects necessitate travel may apply for a $4,750 stipend. For application guidelines, contact: National Endowment for the Humanities, Division of Fellowships and Seminars, Room 316, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20506; (202) 606-8551; fax (202) 606-8558.
October 10. Library.
The American Library Association invites librarians to apply for its 1995 Grolier National Library Week Grant. The $2,000 grant, sponsored by the Grolier Educational Corp., will be awarded for a local or statewide public-awareness campaign that supports the theme “Libraries Change Lives’’ and the goals of the 1995 National Library Week. All libraries are eligible to apply. Contact: ALA Public Information Office, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; (800) 545-2433, ext. 5044 or 5041.
October 15. Learning Disabilities.
The International Reading Association offers the Albert J. Harris Award. One $500 grant will be awarded for an outstanding contribution to the understanding of reading or learning disabilities. Eligible are all reading educators, researchers, students, and others who are IRA members. Contact: Gail Keating, Division of Research, IRA, 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139; (302) 731-1600, ext. 226.
October 25. Energy Research.
The Energy Department invites middle and high school math and science teachers to apply for the Teacher Research Associate program. The eight-week seminar, to be held during the summer of 1995, will take place at 28 different research facilities across the country and will allow teachers to study such disciplines as chemistry, physics, and ecology. Nearly 300 grants will be awarded; each provides travel costs, a $550-per-week stipend, and up to $1,000 in housing expenses for those who live 50 miles or more from the site. Eligible are grade 7-12 math, science, and technology teachers. Contact: Jaye Melcher or Chase Hathaway, Program Manager, Energy Department-TRAC Program, Associated Western Universities Inc., 4190 S. Highland Drive, Suite 211, Salt Lake City, UT 84124; (801) 273-8931.
October 31. Reading Research.
The International Reading Association offers the Elva Knight Research Grant. Four to seven grants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded for outstanding research in reading and literacy. Eligible are all reading educators, researchers, students, and others who are IRA members. Contact: Gail Keating, Division of Research, IRA, 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139; (302) 731-1600, ext. 226.
October 31. Foreign Language.
The National Endowment for the Humanities offers its Fellows Program for Foreign Language Teachers. Approximately 70 fellowships of up to $3,750 each will be awarded for six weeks of study abroad during the summer of 1995. Eligible are K-12 foreign language teachers who have spent at least three years teaching full time prior to the fellowship summer. ESL teachers are not eligible to apply. To request an application form, contact: NEH Fellowship Program for Foreign Language Teachers K-12, Connecticut College, 270 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320-4196; (203) 439-2282.
November 30. Crafts.
The Association of Crafts and Creative Industries invites applications for the ACCI Create-a-Craft School Grant Program. More than $120,000 worth of materials, including instructional videotapes, project guides, and activity sheets, will be distributed to approximately 600 schools for the introduction of crafts projects. Eligible are all schools in the United States and Canada that are committed to encouraging student creativity through crafts. Contact: ACCI Create-a-Craft School Grant Program, 1100-H Brandywine Blvd., P.O. Box 2188, Zanesville, OH 43702-2188; (800) 294-5680.
December 22. Education Research.
The National Academy of Education seeks applicants for the Spencer Postdoctoral Fellowships. Individuals who have, or will have, earned a doctorate or equivalent degree between Jan. 1, 1989, and Dec. 31, 1994, in the humanities, social and behavioral sciences, or education are eligible to submit research proposals that are directly related to education issues. Up to 30 fellows receive $40,000 for one year of academic study or $20,000 for two years if studying part time. Contact: NAE, Stanford University, School of Education, CERAS 507, Stanford, CA 94305; (415) 725-1003.
- January 9. Gender Equity.
The American Association of Uni-versity Women offers the 1995-96 Eleanor Roosevelt Teacher Fellowships. The fellowship program gives female teachers the opportunity to learn techniques that will increase girls’ self-confidence and academic performance, especially in math and science. Approximately 13 teachers who have demonstrated a commitment to gender equity in the classroom each receive stipends ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Eligible are women who have taught full time in a K-12 public school for at least three consecutive years; at least part of their teaching assignments must include math, science, or technology. For more information, contact: AAUW Educational Foundation, Dept. 14, 2201 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52243-4030; (319) 337-1716, ext. 14.
- January 26. Science.
Toyota’s Appreciation Program for Excellence to Science Teachers Reaching Youth, a partnership program of Toyota Motor Sales USA and the National Science Teachers Association, offers grants to science teachers of grades 6-12. Forty teachers each receive yearlong grants of up to $10,000 that support the implementation of innovative environmental or physical science projects in their school or school district; projects should motivate students to learn about the practical aspects of science. Both individuals and teams of up to five teachers may submit proposals. In addition to the grants, award winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to the 1995 NSTA convention in Philadelphia. Contact: TAPESTRY, 1840 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22201-3000; (703) 243-7100.
March 1. U.S. Constitution.
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation awards fellowships to teachers or prospective teachers. Each $24,000 award supports full- or part-time graduate study leading to a master’s degree in American history, political science, or education, with a concentration on the U.S. Constitution. Eligible are grade 7-12 teachers of American history, American government, and social studies, as well as recent college graduates who plan to teach the same subjects. Fellowships will be awarded to at least one recipient from each state, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and, taken together, the other U.S. territories. Contact: James Madison Fellowship Program, P.O. Box 4030, Iowa City, IA 52243-4030; (800) 525-6928.
HONORS
- October 1. Private Enterprise.
The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, a nonprofit organization that promotes American heritage, invites educators to apply for the Leavey Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education. Up to 20 awards of $7,500 each will be given to teachers who have conceived and implemented a program that gives students a greater understanding of the American private enterprise system. Eligible are teachers of grade 7-12 whose program was initiated during the 1993-1994 academic year. Contact: Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Valley Forge, PA 19481;
(610) 933-8825.
December 1. Children’s Poetry.
The International Reading Association invites submissions for its first Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award. The award, named for the American author and anthologist, will be given every three years, starting in 1995, to honor promising new writers of children’s poetry. One winner receives a $500 cash prize at the 1995 annual convention, to be held April 30-May 5 in Anaheim, Calif. Eligible are educators and writers who have published no more than two books of children’s poetry. Contact: Eileen Burke, Chairwoman, IRA Lee Bennett Hopkins Promising Poet Award Committee, 48 Bayberry Road, Trenton, NJ 08618.
December 1. Multicultural Leadership.
Gale Research and the American Library Association Ethnic Materials Information Exchange Round Table invite school librarians to apply for the 1995 Multicultural Award, which recognizes outstanding leadership and achievement of librarians in serving the multicultural community. One winner receives a $1,000 cash prize and a citation. Contact: David Cohen, Chairman, Gale Research/EMIE Round Table Multicultural Award, Queens College Library School, NSF Building 316, Flushing, NY 12367.
January 15. Gifted Children.
The Intertel Foundation Inc. invites individuals and organizations to apply for the 1995 International Hollingworth Award Competition. Applicants must submit a research proposal in the field of education or psychology of gifted children. One winner receives a $2,000 cash prize and a certificate. For more information, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Roxanne Cramer, Chairwoman, HAC, 4300 Sideburn Road, Fairfax, VA 22030-3507.
CALL FOR PAPERS
October 5. Educational Computing.
The National Educational Computing Association invites computer educators and administrators to submit papers and workshop proposals for the 16th National Educational Computing Conference, to be held June 15-17, 1995, in Baltimore. The conference theme is “Emerging Technologies--Lifelong Learning’'; of particular interest are papers that address the present and future uses of technology in the educational process. Papers can represent any area of computer education, including business and industry training. For more information, contact: NECC ‘95, 1787 Agate St., Eugene, OR 97403-1923; (503) 346-2834.
December 1. Children And Pollution.
The Children’s Environments Research Group, an organization that studies children in the physical environment, seeks submissions for the “Children, Pollution, and Environmental Health’’ special issue of Children’s Environments, an international journal. Educators are urged to submit papers, book reviews, and work-in-progress reports that explore the health risks children face as a result of environmental pollution. Papers can address research applications, theories, or environmental policy. For submission guidelines, contact: Children’s Environments Research Group, City University of New York Graduate School and University Center, 33 W. 42nd St., New York, NY 10036; (212) 642-2970.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Julene Swenson received the 1994 Teacher of the Year Award from the American Home Economics Association Foundation. Swenson, a home economics teacher at Woodbury (Minn.) Senior High School, was given the award for creating the “Education for Employment’’ program at her school. The program helps students prepare educationally for their career goals. In addition to a $1,000 cash award and a plaque, Swenson received $500 to attend the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences’ annual meeting, where she was honored.
American Express has presented educator Angela Paige Cook with the Platinum Card Leadership Award. Cook was honored for her outstanding leadership in urban education, most notably for establishing the Paige Academy, an alternative school in Boston. The Academy provides an African-American arts and science curriculum for preschool and elementary school children. Cook received a plaque and was featured in the July/August issue of Departures magazine.
TEACHING TOOLS
Following is a list of free or inexpensive resources that teachers can order.
Practical Ideas.
Publisher DC Heath and Co. has re-issued the Helping Your Child...book series, developed by the U.S. Department of Education. Each of the eight softcover books ranges from 24 to 58 pages and contains practical advice, activities, and ideas for teachers to help children ages 3-8 succeed in such areas as reading, math, science, fitness, and health. Cost: $10 for the series. Contact: DC Heath and Co., School Division, 125 Spring St., Lexington, MA 02173; (800) 334-3284.
Assessment.
Teacher Created Materials Inc. has released Middle School Assessment, as part of a new series on student assessment. The 176-page softcover book offers a variety of assessment strategies, including portfolios, observation, and record-keeping. The text is accompanied by numerous examples and practical methods for the classroom. Cost: $14.95. Contact: Teacher Created Materials Inc., 6421 Industry Way, Westminster, CA 92683; (714) 891-7895.
Conflict Resolution.
The Peace Education Foundation Inc., a nonprofit educational organization, has published Fighting Fair for Families. The 28-page softcover book is designed to teach elementary school students skills that can help them deal with conflicts nonviolently, including how to mediate, negotiate, and solve problems. Accompanying the book is a full-color poster that reinforces the main points of the text. The book is also available in Spanish, French, and Haitian Creole editions. Cost: $12.95, which includes ship-ping and handling. Contact: Peace Education Foundation Inc., 2627 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33137-4532; (305) 576-5075.
Environmental Action.
Global Response, an international letter-writing network, offers a monthly environmental education newsletter for young people in elementary and junior high school. Young Environmentalist’s Action, available in English, Spanish, and Braille, focuses on current inter-national events in the sciences, social studies, and geography. Students interested in environmental awareness and activism can take part in letter-writing campaigns and other activities suggested in the newsletter. A $9 donation for a subscription is suggested. To receive YEA, contact: Global Response, P.O. Box 7490, Boulder, CO 80306-7490; (303) 444-0306.
Study Skills.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has published The Parent’s Guide to Learning and Study Skills, by Andrew Hanson. This 23-page booklet offers ways parents can help their children develop good study habits. The booklet discusses such skills as organization, effective listening, and test preparation, and emphasizes the need for children to take responsibility for their own learning. Cost: $3. Contact: NASSP Publications Sales, 1904 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091; (800) 253-7746.
Computer Tutorials.
RMI Media Productions Inc., developer of instructional videos, offers a free catalog of computer education and training videos. This 40-page catalog lists video tutorials for some of the most widely used computer programs, such as Microsoft Word, Quattro Pro, Pagemaker, and dBase. Contact: RMI Media Productions Inc., 2807 W. 47th St., Shawnee Mission, KS 66205; (800) 745-5480.
Multicultural Posters.
Knowledge Unlimited Inc., distributor of educational materials, offers a series of cultural heritage poster sets: Great Black Americans, Great Hispanic Americans, and Great Asian Americans. Each 17-by-22-inch poster features a person such as Thurgood Marshall, Cesar Chavez, and I.M. Pei and includes a full-color portrait and a description of his or her life and accomplishments. Cost: $7.95 each for individual posters; $34.95 each for the set of Black Americans and Hispanic Americans; $17.50 for the set of Asian Americans. Sets include five posters and a teachers’ guide. Contact: Knowledge Unlimited Inc., P.O. Box 52, Dept. M94, Madison, WI 53701-0052; (800) 356-2303.
Multicultural Education.
Heinemann, a book publishing company, has released Learning Together in the Multicultural Classroom, by Elizabeth Coelho, a consultant with the North York Board of Education in Canada. This 108-page paperback provides methods and strategies for educating a diverse student body. Cost: $15. Contact: Heinemann, 361 Hanover St., Portsmouth, NH 03801-3912; (800) 541-2086.
Nutrition.
The education department of the National Live Stock and Meat Board has developed “MVE-TV: The Channel for Moderation, Variety, and Exercise,’' a free teaching kit designed to educate teenagers about nutrition. The kit includes a 10-minute videotape, a teachers’ guide containing student
activities, diet and nutrition charts, and facts about exercise. It is available to health and physical education teachers of grades 7-12. Requests must be sent on school letterhead. Contact: National Live Stock and Meat Board, Dept. EMAG94, 444 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611; (800) 368-3138.
Technology Catalog.
The International Society for Technology in Education offers a free catalog of resources and materials for educators who use computers in the classroom. The 52-page catalog lists, among other things, instructional guides on various software programs, the Internet, and other online systems. Also featured are books designed to help educators integrate computer technology into the curriculum. Contact: International Society for Technology in Education, 1787 Agate St., Eugene, OR 97403-1923; (800) 336-5191; e-mail ISTE@oregon.uoregon.edu.
Rain Forest Poster.
The Children’s Book Council offers the Rain Forest Color-In Poster for students in grades K-6. The 37-by-24-inch poster, printed on recycled paper, features more than 25 animals that are indigenous to rain forests and can be colored in with crayons, markers, pens, or colored chalk. Each poster comes with a key that identifies the names of the animals. Cost: $7.50, which includes shipping and handling. Contact: Children’s Book Council, Order Center, 350 Scotland Road, Orange, NJ 07050; (800) 999-2160.
Science Experiments.
TAB Books, publisher of science education materials, offers What?: Experiments for the Young Scientist, by Robert Wood. This 143-page paperback is designed to answer questions about science that children ages 8-13 typically ask, such as how do airplanes fly and what causes a rainbow? Wood suggests projects and experiments that can help answer those questions. Black-and-white illustrations accompany the text. Cost: $10.95. Order No. 0-07-051636-7. Contact: TAB Books, McGraw-Hill Inc., Blue Ridge Summit, PA 17294-0850; (717) 794-2191.
Global Environment.
The environmental education department of the World Resources Institute has released a new video, Introduction to Our Global Environment. This 12-minute videotape provides high school students with information on global environmental problems, such as climate change, pollution, and overpopulation. The program also looks at possible solutions to these problems as well as social and political changes that could make a difference. Cost: $15.95, which includes shipping and handling. Contact: WRI Publications, P.O. Box 4852, Hampden Station, Baltimore, MD 21211; (800) 822-0504.
Arts And Humanities.
The CHART Network, an organization that develops educational materials, offers Resources for Teaching the Arts and Humanities. This free, 58-page catalog lists a variety of packets and videos that K-12 teachers can order to supplement their curriculum. Contact: The CHART Network Coordinator, c/o International Education Consortium, 13157 Olive Spur Road, St. Louis, MO 63141; (314) 576-3535.
Teacher Resumes.
Barron’s Educational Series Inc., publisher of educational materials, has issued 101 Grade A Resumes for Teachers, by Rebecca Anthony and Gerald Roe, career-placement specialists at the University of Iowa. This 183-page softcover book contains 101 sample resumes that reflect nearly all areas of teaching and administration in public and private schools. Also provided are practical tips for creating a winning resume, including graphics, layout, and effective language. Cost: $9.95. Contact: Barron’s Educational Series Inc., 250 Wireless Blvd., Hauppauge, NY 11788; (800) 645-3476.
Teens And Computers.
Prima Publishing offers Windows for Teens, a 272-page softcover book, written by 16-year-old Brittanney Trebnik, that is designed to show teenagers how to use windows for school work or recreation. Included are tips for doing homework, keeping a calendar, creating computer artwork, and more. Cost: $18.95, which includes shipping and handling. Bulk rates are available. Contact: Prima Publishing, 3875 Atherton Road, Rocklin, CA 95765; (916) 632-4400.
Violence And Children.
New Society Publishers and Educators for Social Responsibility offer Teaching Young Children in Violent Times, by Diane Levin, an expert on the effects of violence on children ages 2-8. The 192-page softcover book explains how violence affects children’s learning, behavior, and development and tells how to teach conflict-resolution techniques. Cost: $16.95. Contact: New Society Publishers, 4527 Springfield Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19143; (215) 382-6543.
Science Materials.
Learning Technologies Inc., distributor of educational resources, offers the Project STAR catalog. The free, 14-page catalog lists hands-on astronomy-related materials and activity books developed by teachers and scientists at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. All of the materials have been tested by high school students and teachers and are suitable for science classes other than astronomy. Contact: Learning Technologies Inc., 59 Walden St., Cambridge, MA 02140; (800) 537-8703.
Children And Reading.
The Center for the Study of Reading at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has published Reading and Your Adolescent. The free, 12-page brochure offers tips on how to get children in grades 3-8 to read. The pamphlet suggests, for example, to always have reading materials readily available and to allow kids to read what interests them. To receive the brochure, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Dissemination Director, Center for the Study of Reading, 51 Gerty Drive, Champaign, IL 61820.
Creative Writing.
Writes of Passage Inc., a nonprofit educational organization, has published Writes of Passage, a literary journal for teenagers. This quarterly magazine, intended to promote creative expression among teenagers, features poetry and short fiction written by students nationwide. Each issue also contains interviews with young adult novelists and brief biographies of the contributors. Cost: $12 for a one-year subscription. Contact: Writes of Passage Inc., P.O. Box 7676, Greenwich, CT 06836; (212) 674-5706.
Food And Science.
John Wiley & Sons Inc. has published The Science Chef: 100 Fun Food Experiments and Recipes for Kids, by Joan D’Amico and Karen Eich Drummond. This 192-page softcover book, written for students ages 7-14, takes a hands-on approach to science education. Kids learn, for example, why popcorn pops, how cheese is made, and how they can prevent fruit from browning. The book also includes nutritional information, tips on reading food labels, and ways to avoid food poisoning. Cost: $12.95. Order No. 0471-310-45-X. Contact: John Wiley & Sons Inc., 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158; (800) 225-5945.
Hands-On Science.
Teacher Created Materials Inc. has released a new science series, Hands-On Minds-On Science, for both the primary and intermediate levels. Each of the 21 96-page, softcover books contains student activities along with strategies for integrating science education into existing curricula. Titles include Animals, Rocks and Minerals, and Space. The text is accompanied by black-and-white illustrations, maps, and a detailed glossary. Cost: $10.95 for each book. Contact: Teacher Created Materials Inc., 6421 Industry Way, Westminster, CA 92683; (714) 891-7895.
Sexual Harassment.
Business & Legal Reports Inc. offers free review copies of their two new activity booklets: We All Deserve Respect and Girls and Boys Together. Each eight-page, full-color booklet contains illustrations, word games, and other activities for K-6 students on such topics as gender stereotyping, sexual harassment, and respectful behavior. Additional copies are available at a discount bulk rate. Contact: Business & Legal Reports Inc., 39 Academy St., Madison, CT 06443-1513; (800) 727-5257.
Sex Education.
The Search Institute, an organization dedicated to promoting children’s well-being, offers a free preview kit of its new human sexuality program for grades 7-8. The “Values & Choices’’ kit features an 18-minute introductory videotape and includes sample activities. Contact: Search Institute, 700 S. Third St., Suite 210, Minneapolis, MN 55415; (800) 888-7828.
Philanthropy.
The Surdna Foundation and the New York City Board of Education have developed the Student Service and Philanthropy Project, a free, 104-page resource guide that provides information on how to start and operate a student-run foundation. Contact: Linda Frank, Student Service and Philanthropy Project, 310 W. End Ave., Apt. 10B, New York, NY 10023.
Attention Deficit Disorder.
Magination Press, a book publisher, has introduced Brakes: The Interactive Newsletter for Kids with ADHD, to be published six times a year. Written for children ages 7-14 who have been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, the newsletter contains advice from teachers and professionals on how students can manage problems related to ADHD at school and at home. The eight-page premiere issue also includes mazes, puzzles, word games, and other activities designed to aid in the development of organizational and learning skills. Cost: $24 for a one-year subscription. Contact: Magination Press, 19 Union Square W., New York, NY 10003; (800) 825-3089.
FOR YOUR STUDENTS
Following is a list of contests, scholarships, and internships for students organized by application deadline. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
October 1. Ballet.
The National Federation of Music Clubs invites young male and female dancers between the ages of 13 and 16 to apply for the Thelma A. Robinson Scholarship in Ballet. One $1,500 scholarship will be awarded to a serious student of ballet who plans to pursue a professional dance career. Applicants must submit a videotape of their repertoire, along with a recommendation from a school administrator. For more information, contact: Jimme-Jean Ekwurzel, NFMC Thelma A. Robinson Scholarship in Ballet Chairman, 1648 S.E. Sixth St., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441-4997; (305) 428-0890.
October 1. Peace Poster.
Lions Clubs International invites children ages 11-13 to enter its Seventh Annual International Peace Poster Contest. Participants must submit a poster depicting their interpretation of this year’s theme, “Peace in My World,’' in pencil, pen, crayon, marker, paint, or chalk. One grand-prize winner receives a $1,500 cash award, along with an all-expenses-paid trip to New York City to visit the United Nations building. All participants must be sponsored by their schools and local Lions club. For more information, contact Janet McMahan at (708) 571-5466, ext. 371, or the Lions Club International headquarters at (800) 288-8846.
October 3. Business Competition.
An Income of Her Own, a national program of entrepreneurial education for young women, announces its 1994 National Business Plan Competition. AIOHO invites young women ages 13-19 to submit plans for a viable business, including marketing strategies, operational structure, and financing. Six winners receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for the awards ceremony, cash grants for their business plans, membership in AIOHO, and a business resource kit. For an application, contact: Lynn Karlson, Competition Director, P.O. Box 987, Santa Barbara, CA 93102; (800) 350-2978.
October 14. Technology Scholars.
Radio Shack, Tandy Corp., and Texas Christian University invite nationally accredited high schools to nominate their top mathematics, science, or computer science student from the senior class for the Tandy Technology Scholars program. The program awards $1,000 scholarships to 100 students annually. Trophies are awarded to schools with prize recipients. For more information, contact: Tandy Technology Scholars, TCU Box 32897, Fort Worth, TX 76129; (817) 924-4087.
October 15. Young Playwrights.
Young Playwrights Inc. invites students ages 18 or younger to submit their original plays for its annual Young Playwrights Festival National Playwriting Competition. Students must enter one or more plays of any style, length, and subject. Selected writers will be invited to the Young Playwrights Spring Conference, to be held in New York in April 1995, during which several plays will be chosen for off-Broadway production. For more information, contact: 1995 Young Playwrights Festival, Dept. PR, 321 W. 44th St., Suite 906, New York, NY 10036.
October 28. Water-Quality Posters.
EcoWater Systems, manufacturers of residential water-treatment equipment, invites students in grades 6-8 to enter the World of Water contest. Students must submit a public-service poster designed to educate others about water-quality issues, such as pollution and conservation. Three national winners each receive a $500 cash prize; their teachers receive either an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Science Teachers Association Convention or the cash equivalent to buy classroom supplies and equipment. For an entry form, call: (800) 86-WATER.
November 1. Humanities.
The National Endowment for the Humanities announces its 1995 High School Younger Scholars Awards. Roughly one out of six applicants will be selected to work full time for nine weeks during the summer on a project in the humanities. A participating student might interpret literary works, explore historical events, or analyze philosophical and religious texts. Each participant will work with a teacher acting as project adviser. Students selected receive $2,100 to cover expenses, including $500 for the project adviser. Contact: Younger Scholars Guidelines, Room 316, Division of Fellowships and Seminars, National Endowment for the Humanities, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20506; (202) 606-8459.
November 11. Art Of Caring.
The Caring Institute of Washington, D.C., announces the Fourth Annual Art of Caring Poster and Essay contests. Students in grades 1-6 should submit posters they’ve created that express their feelings on the importance of caring for others. Students in grades 7-12 should submit essays, short stories, or poems that describe what caring really means. Entries in both contests will be judged on originality, creativity, technique, feeling, and effort. First-place winners in each contest receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond and a trip to Washington, D.C., to see their work exhibited at the Frederick Douglass Museum and Hall of Fame for Caring Americans. Second- and third-place winners receive a $75 and $50 U.S. Savings Bond, respectively. Contact: Art of Caring Poster and Essay Contest, Caring Institute, 519 C St., N.E., Washington, DC 20002-5809.
November 15. Gardening.
The National Gardening Association offers its 12th Annual Youth Garden Grants. Groups of at least 15 children between the ages of 3 and 18 are eligible to receive more than $500 worth of tools, seeds, plants, and garden products for their school, youth club, or community organization. Three hundred grants will be awarded to groups whose proposals are innovative, sustainable, and based on need, among other things. Contact: Garden Grants, Dept. PS, NGA, 180 Flynn Ave., Burlington, VT 05401.
December 9. Literature.
Read magazine, in conjunction with Center for the Book at the Library of Congress, invites students in grades 6-10 to enter the 1995 Letters About Literature Writing Contest. Students are asked to write a letter in 1,000 words or less to their favorite author (living or dead), explaining how that author’s book influenced their lives. The grand-prize winner receives an all-expenses-paid trip for two to Washington, D.C., to attend a ceremony at the Library of Congress, during which he or she will read the winning letter. For an entry form, contact: Letters About Literature, Read magazine, The Weekly Reader Corp., 245 Long Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457-9291; (203) 638-2622.
- December 16. Writing And Art.
Read magazine also announces the 17th annual Writing and Art Awards Contest. Students in grades 6-12 are asked to submit entries in one of three categories: fiction, essay, or art. Young fiction writers are asked to tell a tale with intriguing conflicts and well-defined characters; essay entrants must write using a first-person anecdote; and artists can submit their work in any medium they chose: photography, painting, woodcut, etc. The first-place winner in each category receives $100; second- and third-place winners receive $75 and $50, respectively. In addition, the first-place entries will be featured in the April 1995 issue of Read magazine. Contact: Read, The Weekly Reader Corp., 245 Long Hill Road, Middletown, CT 06457-9291; (203) 638-2400.
January 31. Letter Writing.
RespecTeen invites students in grades 7-8 to enter the 1995 Speak For Yourself competition. Entrants are asked to submit a copy of a letter they have written to their U.S. representative on an important issue concerning young people. One winner from each state and the District of Columbia will be selected to attend the 1995 RespecTeen National Youth Forum, to be held April 22-27 in Washington, D.C. For more information, call: (800) 888-3820.
- February 15. Geography.
American Express invites students in grades 6-12 to enter the 6th annual American Express Geography Competition. Students must examine an issue or problem related to one of three themes--travel and trade, cultural diversity, and the environment--and then develop a written solution. Students may enter as individuals or in teams, but they must be sponsored by a teacher and principal. Two first-place winners each receive a $7,500 cash award; second- and third-place winners also receive cash awards. The sponsoring teacher of each winner receives $1,000. For more information, contact: American Express Geography Competition, P.O. Box 672227, Marietta, GA 30067-0038; (800) 395-GLOBE.
- March 1. Student Filmmakers.
Students ages 19 and younger are encouraged to submit original films and videos to the New York National High School Film Festival, to be held April 9, 1995. The festival is being organized entirely by students to provide a showcase for student filmmakers. Students may submit any style or genre of film or video; the judging categories will be determined by the entries. Selected filmmakers will receive certificates, promotional items, and written evaluations of their work. A $10 entry fee must accompany each submission. Contact: New York National High School Film Festival, c/o Trinity School, 101 W. 91st St., New York, NY 10024.
- March 15. Handwriting.
The Peterson Directed Handwriting Co. invites students in grades 3-8 to enter the 1995 National Cursive Handwriting Contest. Applicants must submit at least four lines of cursive handwriting to be judged based on letter forms, spacing, and line quality. One winner from each grade level will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond and a certificate. All students who demonstrate superior handwriting skills will be named to the National Cursive Handwriting Honor Society and will receive a certificate. For entry guidelines, contact: Contest Entry, Peterson Directed Handwriting, 315 S. Maple Ave., P.O. Box 249, Greensburg, PA 15601-0249.
March 15. Editorial Cartoon.
Knowledge Unlimited Inc. invites K-12 students to submit original cartoons for the 1995 NewsCurrents Student Editorial Cartoon Contest. Students may enter as many cartoons as they like on any topic of nationwide interest. Winners will be chosen in three categories: grades K-6, 7-9, and 10-12. Each first-place winner receives a $100 U.S. Savings Bond; the second- and third-place winners receive a $75 and $50 U.S. Savings Bond, respectively. Contact: Knowledge Unlimited Inc., P.O. Box 52, Madison, WI 53701; (800) 356-2303.
- April 3. Drunk Driving.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, in conjunction with 7-Eleven stores, announces the 1995 MADD Poster/Essay Contest. Students in grades 1-12 are asked to incorporate this year’s theme, “Take a Drive on the Safe Side--Steer Clear of Alcohol,’' into either a 250-word essay or a poster created in any medium. Entries will first be judged by local MADD affiliates; local first-place winners will then be entered in a national contest. First-place winners in that contest receive a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and a free trip for two to the awards ceremony to be held in June of 1995 in Dallas; second- and third-place winners receive a $500 and $250 U.S. Savings Bond, respectively. Contact: Programs Department, MADD National Office, (214) 744-6233.
--Adrienne Coles, Michael Goldberg, and Cheryl Landrith
