DEADLINES
Following is a list of application deadlines for grants, fellowships, and honors available to individuals. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
- March 1. Humanities.
The National Endowment for the Humanities offers its 1996 summer seminars for teachers. Groups of 15 teachers spend four, five, or six weeks studying a particular humanities topic with a distinguished scholar. All participating teachers receive a stipend of up to $3,200, depending on the length of the seminar, to cover travel costs, books, and living expenses. Eligible are full-time teachers of grades K-12 and other school personnel. For more information on this year’s seminar topics, contact: Summer Seminars for School Teachers, Division of Research and Education, Room 316, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20506; (202) 606-8463.
- March 1. Tolerance Fellowship.
Teaching Tolerance magazine invites classroom teachers with an interest in equity issues to apply for a one-year research fellowship. The position, which begins the summer of 1996, offers a salary and full benefits and requires relocation to Montgomery, Ala. Send a cover letter, résumé, and writing samples to: Research Fellowship, Teaching Tolerance, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104.
March 1. Shakespeare.
The National Endowment for the Humanities, in conjunction with Southern Oregon State College, is accepting applications for the NEH Summer Institute, which will be held June 30-July 26, 1996, in Ashland, Ore. Twenty-five high school English teachers will be chosen to explore new approaches to Shakespeare while studying plays performed by the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. All participating teachers receive transportation, room and board, and a $1,000 stipend. For more information, contact: Center for Shakespeare Studies, Southern Oregon State College, Ashland, OR 97520; (503) 552-6905.
March 1. U.S. Constitution.
The James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation offers 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, 2201 N. Dodge St., Iowa City, IA 52243-4030; (800) 525-6928; fax (319) 337-1204; e-mail Recogprog@ACT-ACT4-PO.act.org.
March 15. Field Research.
Earthwatch, a nonprofit organization that supports scientists worldwide, offers a fellowship program for K-12 teachers interested in working on one of approximately 100 field research projects. Affiliated projects in such subject areas as zoology, art, health care, marine biology, and archaeology are under way in 22 U.S. states and more than 69 countries. Most fellowship expeditions last about two weeks. Full and partial fellowships are available. For more information, contact: Earthwatch, 680 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02172; (800) 776-0188.
- March 29. Professional Development.
The National Foundation for the Improvement of Education offers the 1996 Hilda Maehling Grants Program. The one-year program supports projects designed to improve professional development, enhance classroom skills and activities, or advance professional association work. Five grants of $5,000 each will be awarded. Eligible are all National Education Association members and state and local affiliates. Contact: National Foundation for the Improvement of Education, 1201 16th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 822-7840.
- March 29. Global Education.
The National Foundation for the Improvement of Education also offers the 1996 William G. Carr Grants Program. The one-year program supports projects designed to contribute to international cooperation, global education, or peace. Five grants of $5,000 each will be awarded. Eligible are NEA members, state and local affiliates, and members of international education organizations. Contact: National Foundation for the Improvement of Education, 1201 16th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036; (202) 822-7840.
- March 31. Professional Development.
The Murdock-Thompson Center for Teachers, a nonprofit organization, offers a $1,500 summer fellowship for teachers who wish to develop innovative classroom techniques, curricular reform ideas, or programs that emphasize student motivation. Eligible are all K-12 classroom teachers. For more information, contact: Murdock-Thompson Center for Teachers, 178 Gano St., Providence, RI 02906; (401) 621-9033.
HONORS
March 1. Arts Education.
Heldref Publications offers two prizes for articles written about arts education. The 1996 Young Writers Award will go to the best article on any aspect of K-12 arts education policy written by a teacher under the age of 35; the winner receives a $500 cash prize. The 1996 Reston Prize will be awarded to the best article analyzing the relationship between precollegiate and collegiate arts education; the writer receives a $1,000 cash award. Manuscripts should be previously unpublished and be between 3,000 and 3,500 words in length. For more information, contact: Arts Education Policy Review Competitions, Heldref Publications, 1319 18th St. N.W., Washington, DC 20036-1802; (202) 296-6267; fax (202) 296-5149.
March 15. Biology.
The National Association of Biology Teachers, in conjunction with Prentice Hall publishers, is accepting nominations for its Outstanding Biology Teacher Awards. One winner from each state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada, and the overseas territories will each receive a free one-year membership in the NABT, a plaque to be presented at the 1996 NABT annual convention in Charlotte, N.C., and a $1,500 certificate for travel expenses and the purchase of biology supplies and equipment. Eligible are current biology and life science teachers of grades 7-12 with at least three years’ teaching in a public or parochial school. For more information, contact: National Associ-ation of Biology Teachers, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, #19, Reston, VA 22090-5202; (703) 471-1134.
March 15. Campaign Programming.
C-SPAN is accepting entries for its 1995-96 Equipment-For-Education Grant. Entries should highlight creative and effective uses of C-SPAN’s Campaign ’96 programming in the classroom. They can consist of videotape, student artwork, photographs of classroom activities, student testimonials, and any other appropriate material. Two grand prizes will be awarded: one expense-paid trip to the Democratic National Convention in Chicago and one to the Republican National Convention in San Diego. Winners will have the opportunity to participate in C-SPAN’s coverage of the convention. C-SPAN will award up to 30 televisions and VCRs to additional winners. To receive an application, contact: C-SPAN in the Classroom, 1995-96 Equipment-For-Education Grant Program, 400 N. Capitol St. N.W., Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001; (202) 737-3220.
- March 22. Social Studies.
The National Council for the Social Studies is accepting nominations for its Outstanding Social Studies Teacher of the Year Award, sponsored by the Weekly Reader Corp., Scholastic Inc., and the Time Educational Program. One teacher at the elementary and middle school levels and two teachers at the secondary level will be selected for national recognition and will receive $2,500, a complimentary NCSS membership, and a commemorative plaque. Nominees must teach social studies at least part time in a departmentalized school setting or full time in an elementary school setting and have maintained current NCSS membership status for at least two years. For nomination applications, contact: National Council for the Social Studies, 3501 Newark St., N.W., Washington DC 20016; (202) 966-7840; fax (202) 966-2061; e-mail information@ncss.org.
March 31. First-Year Teachers.
Sallie Mae is accepting nominations for its First-Class Teacher Awards Program. Eligible are first-year teachers who have shown outstanding instructional skills and have interacted effectively with faculty, staff, students, parents, and the community. Teachers must be nominated by their district’s superintendent. As many as 53 winners, one from each state, the District of Columbia, and the eastern and western territories, will each receive a $1,500 cash award and a personalized lucite sculpture. For a nomination form, contact: Sallie Mae, Corporate Communications, 1050 Thomas Jefferson St. N.W., Washington, DC 20007; (202) 298-3019; fax (202) 298-3160.
April 1. PTA.
The National PTA, in conjunction with the Hearst Foundation, invites nominations for the Phoebe Apperson Hearst Outstanding Educator Award. Educators currently employed in preschool through senior high school who have demonstrated professional excellence and commitment to the objectives of the PTA are eligible. A local PTA unit nominates one individual for the competition. The winner will be awarded an expense-paid trip to the 1996 National PTA Convention in Washington, D.C., and a cash award of $2,000. The local PTA that prepared the application will receive $2,000 for a project of special interest to the winner. Three honorable-mention winners will receive plaques of recognition. Contact: National PTA, 330 N. Wabash Ave., Suite 2100, Chicago, IL 60611-3690; (312) 670-6782.
April 1. Theater.
Tekgod Publications invites high school theater teachers in communities of less than 10,000 residents to apply for the Rural Theater Teacher of the Year Award. One $500 cash award will be given for outstanding and selfless service in isolated, financially limited, and culturally unsupportive environments. For applications, contact: Tekgod Publications, 10400 Connecticut Ave., Suite 100-222, Kensington, MD 20895; (800) 293-TEKI.
April 19. Principals.
MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, in association with the United States Department of Education, invite applications for the 1997 Principal of the Year. Outstanding private and public school principals of grades 6-12 who involve their teachers, students, and communities in educational improvement are eligible. One Principal of the Year will be chosen from each state, the District of Columbia, New York City, and the Department of Defense schools. Four national finalists will then be selected and will each receive $2,500. The National Principal of the Year will be selected from among the finalists at a ban-quet in January 1997. He or she will be honored at the association’s annual convention in Orlando, Fla., in March 1997 and will receive an additional $7,500. Contact: National Association of Secondary School Principals, 1904 Association Drive, Reston, VA 22091; (703) 860-0200.
- May 15. Computers.
Proxima Corp., a desktop projection company, announces the Win With Proxima Contest for Educators. Applicants must submit their ideas for combining desktop projection with other state-of-the-art technologies to enhance classroom instruction. The first-prize winner will receive a Mobile Media Center featuring a Proxima 5100 Desktop Projector, laptop computer, and media cart, plus an expense-paid trip to the National Educational Computing Conference in June. Second prize is a Proxima 2400 Desktop Projector, and third prize is a Proxima Ovation LCD panel and overhead projector. Eligible are classroom teachers, media center directors, principals, and administrators. To receive a contest kit, call: (800) 447-7692, ext. 672.
CALL FOR PAPERS
- March 1. Language Arts.
Language Arts, the official journal of the National Council of Teachers of English, invites manuscripts that examine where the study of language arts is in respect to other disciplines and where it is heading. Personal stories from the classroom and profession, as well as reviews of trends and research, are encouraged. For more information, contact: William Teale, Editor, Language Arts, College of Education, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1040 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-7133.
- March 1. Private Practice.
The American Association of Educators in Private Practice invite program and speaker proposals for the EDVentures ’96 Conference, to be held Aug. 1-3 in Milwaukee. Proposals on charter school organization and operation; creating your own professional practice; schools contracting with private providers; using new technologies; and school reform legislation are welcome. Please send a one-page proposal to: Chris Yelich, American Association of Educators in Private Practice, N7425 Switzke Road, Watertown, WI 53094.
March 1. Children’s Literature.
Children’s Literature in the Secondary Classroom, an edited collection that explores the ways teachers use children’s literature with young adults, is accepting essays for publication. Topics may include using children’s literature to teach literary criticism, gender issues, or composition. Other topics will be considered, as well. Papers should be double-spaced and between five and 15 pages in length. For more information, contact: Bruce Goebel, Department of English, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112; (801) 581-6168.
March 1. Biology.
The National Association of Biology Teachers’ publication department is seeking life science and biology activities for a new How-To-Do-It publication designed for teachers of grades K-6. Anyone with experience teaching students in this age group is encouraged to send his or her original lab exercises, teaching tips, and ideas. Of special interest are hands-on, investigative exercises dealing with living organisms. Submissions should be typed and double-spaced. For more information, contact: Sherry Grimm, National Association of Biology Teachers, 11250 Roger Bacon Drive, #19, Reston, VA 22090-5202; (703) 471-1134; (800) 406-0775.
- June 3. Censorship.
English Journal, the periodical of the secondary division of the National Council of Teachers of English, is accepting essays on censorship. Personal stories, advice for beginning teachers, and recommended resources are requested. For more information, contact: English Journal, Leila Christenbury, Editor, School of Education, Virginia Commonwealth University, P.O. Box 842020, Richmond, VA 23284-2020.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
MetLife and the National Association of Secondary School Principals have named Mary Jarvis as the National Principal of the Year. As principal of Smoky Hill High School in Cherry Creek, Colo., Jarvis has achieved an attendance and graduation rate of more than 90 percent by targeting at-risk students. She was honored at a dinner in January in Washington, D.C., and received $7,500 for her school. She was chosen from a group of four finalists, who each received a $2,500 grant. The other finalists were: Keith Taton of Central Junior High School of Science in Anchorage, Alaska; Robert Mackin of Souhegan High School in Amherst, N.H.; and Alan Veach of Conroe (Texas) High School.
The National Association for Bilingual Education has named Maria Ramirez National Bilingual Teacher of the Year. Ramirez teaches 2nd grade at Alsup Elementary School in Commerce City, Colo. Her lessons emphasize group learning, team teaching, and intensive parental involvement. She will receive $4,000 worth of school supplies and be honored this month at the association’s national conference in Orlando, Fla.
TEACHING TOOLS
Following is a list of free or inexpensive resources that teachers can order.
Hearing Loss.
The Miracle-Ear Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is offering “Your Child’s Hearing Loss--First Tips for You and Your Family,” a free, 16-page color pamphlet that contains basic information on hearing loss, support tips, and a list of resources. For more information, contact: Miracle-Ear Children’s Foundation, P.O. Box 59261, Minneapolis, MN 55459-0261; (800) 234-5422.
Technology.
Davies-Black Publishing has issued Upgrade: The High-Tech Road to School Success, by Claudine Wirths and Mary Bowman-Kruhm. The 132-page book shows junior high and high school students how to use high-tech electronics--computers, modems, camcorders, and more--to prepare for tests, take notes, conduct research, write papers, and keep track of assignments. Cost: $11.95. To order, contact: Davies-Black Publishing, 3803 E. Bayshore Road, Palo Alto, CA 94303; (800) 624-1765; fax (415) 969-8608.
Math And Science.
The Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project offers “Building Better Math and Science: A Resource Catalog for Forward-Thinking Schools and Communities.” This free catalog lists multimedia materials for math and science teachers of grades K-12, including CD-ROMs, videos, resource guides, and brochures. Contact: The Annenberg/CPB Math and Science Project, 901 E St. N.W., Washington, DC 20004; (800) 965-7373.
Art.
Teacher Ideas Press, a division of Libraries Unlimited, has published Art Projects Made Easy, by Linda Arons. The 165-page book presents a variety of art techniques and activities for grades 1-6. Chapters cover art principles, drawing, painting, crafts, and holiday, seasonal, and multicultural projects. Cost: $16. To order, contact: Teacher Ideas Press, P.O. Box 6633, Englewood, CO 80155-6633; (800) 237-6124.
Journalism.
The Dow Jones Newspaper Fund offers The Journalist’s Road to Success: A Career and Scholarship Guide. The 163-page resource lists scholarships, fellowships, grants, and internship programs in the field of journalism, as well as more than 400 colleges and universities offering majors in journalism or mass communications. Cost: $3; orders must be prepaid. Contact: The Journalist’s Road to Success: A Career and Scholarship Guide, Dow Jones Newspaper Fund, P.O. Box 300, Princeton, NJ 08543-0300; (609) 452-2820; fax (609) 520-5804.
Film Catalog.
California Newsreel, a film production company, offers a free catalog, Black Is . . . Black Ain’t, which includes a variety of discounted videos for public libraries and high schools. Among its selections, the catalog includes videos on literature, history, and sociology. Contact: California Newsreel, 149 Ninth St., San Francisco, CA 94103; (415) 621-6196; e-mail Newsreel@ix.netcom.com.
Toll-Free Hot Line.
The National Association of Elementary School Principals, Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, and Family Circle magazine are sponsoring the National Principals’ Hot Line from March 24-26. One-hundred fifty principals will operate the toll-free service during the NAESP’s meeting in Washington, D.C., to promote family involvement in schools. Parents and others can call principals with questions from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) March 24; from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST) March 25; and from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. (EST) March 26. The toll-free number is (800) 944-1601.
Summer Jobs.
Peterson’s Publishing Group has released Peterson’s Summer Jobs for Students 1996, a 358-page book that lists 20,000 job opportunities for students at more than 500 locations nationwide, as well as summer employment opportunities overseas. It features employer profiles, salaries, benefits, and how, where, and when to apply. Also included are tips on how to contact prospective employers, write résumés and cover letters, and conduct good interviews. Cost $13.95, plus $5.75 shipping and handling. Contact: Peterson Publishing Group, P.O. Box 2123, Princeton, NJ 08543-2123; (800) 338-3282.
FOR YOUR STUDENTS
Following is a list of contests, scholarships, and internships for students organized by application deadline. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
- Open. AIDS Pen Pals.
The Whitney Project, named for an 11-year-old Chicago girl with AIDS, invites K-12 classrooms to exchange letters, phone calls, artwork, or videos with children with HIV/AIDS. For more information, contact: Stella Reed, Whitney Project, P.O. Box 2511, Sante Fe, NM 87504; (505) 473-7721.
- March 1. Student Filmmakers.
High school students are encouraged to submit original films and videos to the New York National High School Film Festival, to be held April 12, 1996. The festival is being organized entirely by students to provide a showcase for young 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 and promotional items; all entrants will receive a typed evaluation of their work. A $10 entry fee must accompany each submission. For more information, contact: James Deutsch, New York National High School Film Festival, c/o Trinity School, 139 W. 91st St., New York, NY 10024; (212) 288-4419.
March 1. Historical Figures.
Cobblestone Publishing Inc., publisher of Cobblestone magazine, announces its Person of the Year Contest. Students ages 8-15 are asked to choose a person from a list of four historical figures--Geronimo, Anne Hutchinson, Stonewall Jackson, and John Philip Sousa--and prepare a video, poster, or essay on the individual. Entries, which will serve as ballots, should consist of a description of the person within the medium of the chosen category. The winner in each category will receive a $200 U.S. Savings Bond; his or her winning work will be published in the Cobblestone issue that highlights the 1995 Person of the Year. Contact: 1995 Person of the Year Contest, Cobblestone Publishing Inc., 7 School St., Peterborough, NH 03458.
March 1. Epilepsy Scholarship.
Parke-Davis, a national pharmaceutical company, invites nominations for the 1996 Parke-Davis Epilepsy Scholarship. Nominees must be college-bound high school seniors with a record of academic and extracurricular excellence who are undergoing treatment by a physician for epilepsy. Fourteen scholarships of $3,000 each will be awarded. Contact: Parke-Davis Epilepsy Scholarship Program, c/o InterMed, 1180 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036; (800) 292-7373.
March 1. Handwriting.
Zaner-Bloser Educational Publishers and Parker Pens invite elementary schools that use Zaner-Bloser materials to enter its 1996 National Handwriting Contest. Zaner-Bloser will provide the contest materials to each participating school, which then selects one winning entry per grade level for submission. Six national contest winners each receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond, a Parker Pen, and a plaque. The class of the winning student will receive a plaque and T-shirts. Only entries made through the classroom will be considered. For an information packet, call: (800) 924-9233.
- March 15. Values.
The Skirball Institute on American Values of the American Jewish Committee invites students in grades 10-12 to enter the 1996 Skirball Essay Contest. Students are asked to submit essays on an American value that can be documented in the nation’s history. One grand-prize winner receives $5,000 and an expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., for both the winner and sponsoring teacher. One first-prize and one second-prize winner receives $1,000 and $500, respectively. Fifty third-prize winners receive $100 each. For more information, contact: Skirball Institute on American Values, 635 S. Harvard Blvd., Suite 214, Los Angeles, CA 90005-2511; (213) 381-1719.
- March 15. Hall of Fame.
Pizza Hut and National Geographic World magazine sponsor the second annual Kids’ Hall of Fame. Students ages 14 and under may be nominated for some outstanding act or contribution to their family, school, state, country, or world. Six winners will each receive a $10,000 scholarship for post-high school education and a two-day trip to Washington, D.C., where they will be honored. Six runners-up will each receive a $500 U.S. Savings Bond. Fifty first-prize winners will receive $100 U.S. Savings Bonds, and 100 second-prize winners will receive $50 U.S. Savings Bonds. Nomination forms are available at all Pizza Hut restaurants or contact: National Geographic World, Dept. Hall of Fame--JG, P.O. Box 9600, Washington, DC 20090-6000.
March 15. Handwriting.
Peterson Directed Handwriting announces the 1996 National Cursive Handwriting Contest. Students in grades 3-8 are invited to submit an example of their best cursive handwriting. One winner from each grade level will receive a $50 U.S. Savings Bond. All entries judged excellent will be elected to the National Cursive Handwriting Honor Society and will be awarded a membership certificate. Grade 3 entries may be in pencil; entries from grades 4-8 must be in ink. For an entry form, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Peterson Handwriting, 315 S. Maple Ave., P.O. Box 249, Greenburg, PA 15601-0249; (800) 541-6328; fax (412) 836-4110.
March 22. Drunk Driving.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving announces the 1996 MADD PosterEssay Contest. The theme is “Drinking and Driving Is a Road to Nowhere.” The poster contest is open to children in grades 1-12; posters may be created using crayon, marker, paint, ink, or pencil. Children in grades 4-12 are eligible for the essay contest; entries should be about 250 words long and written in English or Spanish. Seven first-place winners in both categories will each be awarded a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque, a ribbon, and an expense-paid trip to an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. Seven second-place winners in both categories will each be given a $500 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque, and a ribbon. Seven third-place winners in both categories will receive a $250 U.S. Savings Bond, a plaque, and a ribbon. For more information, contact: MADD National Office, Programs Department, 511 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 700, Irving, TX 75062; (214) 744-6233, ext. 217.
March 30. Letter Writing.
Conari Press and the National Collaboration of Youth invite students ages 6-18 to enter the Who’s Your Hero? National Essay Contest. Students must write a letter of 1,000 or fewer words to a person who has made a positive difference in their lives. Fifty to 100 winning letters will be published as a collection on the heroes of American youth; writers will receive a complimentary copy of the final publication and a Kodak disposable camera. Entrants must be participants in an agency affiliated with the National Collaboration for Youth, such as the Boy or Girl scouts, 4-H, or the Salvation Army. For more information, contact: Who’s Your Hero? National Essay Contest, c/o Conari Press, 2550 Ninth St., Suite 101, Berkeley, CA 94710; (800) 685-9595.
- March 31. Zinc.
The American Zinc Association invites students in grades 7-12 to enter the William J. Gage National Student Zinc Essay Contest. Students must research the metal zinc and write a 5- to 10-page essay on its importance in our society and in our daily lives. One winner from grades 7-10 and one from grades 10-12 will each win a $200 U.S. Savings Bond, a two-day trip to Washington, D.C., and a $100 contribution to their school’s science department. For more information, contact: American Zinc Association, 1112 16th St. N.W., Suite 240, Washington, DC 20036.
March 31. Drawing.
The American Lung Association and the Triaminic Parents Club invite children ages 6-15 to submit original drawings for the Christmas Seals Kids’ Drawing Contest. Drawings must be submitted in color on an 8 1/2-by-11-inch sheet of white paper. One winner from each state will receive My First SONY Electronic Sketch Pad. One grand-prize winner will receive a multimedia computer, color inkjet printer, and graphics software. In addition, his or her drawing will be turned into a Christmas Seal. Contact: American Lung Association/Triaminic; (800) LUNG-USA.
- April 1. Art.
The Tandy Leather Co., a supplier of leather-craft products, invites high school seniors to compete in the Leather Art Scholarship Program. The program is designed to encourage the use of leather in art. Students must submit a work of art made of at least 50 percent leather and a written summary of their project. First- through fourth-place winners will receive $2,000, $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. For entry applications, contact: Tandy Leather Co., Attn.: Art Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 791, Fort Worth, TX 76101.
- April 1. Automotive Scholarships.
The National Hot Rod Association, in conjunction with Sears Craftsman, invites high school seniors to enter the 1996 Sears Craftsman Scholarship competition. Fourteen scholarships of $1,200 each will be awarded to students who have excelled in the technical fields of automotive mechanics, engineering, design, or related courses of study. Applicants must be high school seniors graduating from public, private, or parochial high schools between Jan. 1 and June 30, 1996. For more information, contact: Pat Talaska, NHRA Youth and Education Services, 2035 Financial Way, Glendora, CA 91741; (818) 914-4761, ext. 289.
- April 1. Expeditions.
Outside magazine and Hi-Tec invite students ages 12-17 to dream up and organize their own expedition. A team of kids must write a letter describing an adventure they want to take anywhere in North America this summer. The expedition that best combines exploration, conservation, and adventure will be selected. The winning students will receive training, equipment, and support for their adventure. Professional outdoor instructors will accompany them on their trip. For essay guidelines, contact: Adventure Grants, Outside, 400 Market St., Santa Fe, NM 87501.
April 1. Scholarships.
The Presbyterian Church (USA) invites minority high school seniors to apply for its Student Opportunity Scholarships. Fifty to 60 scholarships will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, demonstrate financial need, plan to attend college full time, and belong to the Presbyterian Church. Awards range from $100 to $1,400 per academic year and can be renewed. For more information, contact: Presbyterian Church (USA), Office of Financial Aid for Studies, 100 Witherspoon St., Louisville, KY 40202-1396; (502) 569-5745; fax (502) 569-5018.
April 1. Community Service.
The Hitachi Foundation, a nonprofit and philanthropic organization, seeks nominations for the 1996 Yoshiyama Award for Exemplary Service to the Community. The award honors outstanding high school seniors who have distinguished themselves through extensive service and leadership. The person nominating the sen-ior must submit a completed nomination form, a letter of recommendation of less than five pages, and two supporting letters by individuals who are familiar with the student’s accomplishments. Six to 10 students will each receive a $5,000 award and participate in an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. For nomination materials, contact: The Yoshiyama Award, P.O. Box 19247, Washington, DC 20036-9247; (202) 457-0588.
April 1. Archaeology.
The National Science Foundation, in conjunction with the Center for American Archaeology, invites high school juniors and seniors to apply for the Young Scholars Program. Full and partial scholarships are available for the five-week program that includes excavations, lectures, and field trips. Students design and conduct their own research projects in bioanthropology, botany, geomorphology, lithics, ceramics, or zoology. For more information, contact: Center for American Archaeology, NSF-YS Program, P.O. Box 366, Kampsville, IL 62053; (618) 653-4316.
April 1. Essay.
The Ayn Rand Institute invites high school freshmen and sophomores to enter an essay contest on Rand’s novella Anthem. The best essayist receives a $1,000 cash award. Ten second-prize winners receive $200 each, and 20 third-prize winners receive $100 each. The essay, on one of three topics specified by the institute, must be between 600 and 1,200 words in length. Contact: Anthem Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6099, Inglewood, CA 90312; (310) 306-9232.
April 15. Young Playwrights.
Very Special Arts, an educational program of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, invites students ages 12-18 to enter the 1996 Young Playwrights Award contest. Entrants must submit an original script that focuses on some aspect of a disability. Up to two winning playwrights will travel to Washington, D.C., to participate in the final rehearsals of their plays and to attend the premiere production at the Kennedy Center. Students with or without disabilities are eligible to enter. Contact: Young Playwrights Program, Very Special Arts Education Office, JFK Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC 20566; (800) 933-8721.
April 15. Essay.
The Ayn Rand Institute invites high school juniors and seniors to enter an essay contest on Rand’s novel The Fountainhead. First prize is a $5,000 cash award. Five second-prize winners receive $1,000 each, and 10 third-prize winners receive $500 each. The essays, on one of three topics specified by the institute, must be between 800 and 1,600 words. For more information, contact: Fountainhead Essay Contest, Ayn Rand Institute, P.O. Box 6004, Inglewood, CA 90312; (310) 306-9232.
- May 1. Publishing.
Landmark Editions Inc. announces the 1996 National Written and Illustrated by . . . Awards Contest for Students. Youngsters may enter their original books in one of three age categories: 6-9; 10-13; or 14-19. Students must both write and illustrate their entries. One winner chosen from each age category will be awarded a publishing contract; winners receive an expense-paid trip to the offices of Landmark in Kansas City, Mo., where professional editors and art directors will assist them in the final preparation of the text and illustrations. The authors will be paid royalties on sales. For guidelines, send a self-addressed, business-size envelope with 64 cents postage to: 1996 NWIB Awards Contest, c/o Landmark Editions Inc., 1402 Kansas Ave., Kansas City, MO 64127.
--Arohi Pathak and Deborah L. Rouse
