DEADLINES
Following is a list of application deadlines for grants, fellowships, and honors available to individuals. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
GRANTS AND FELLOWSHIPS
Open. Organizations.
The Pew Charitable Trusts invites educational organizations to submit proposals for 1996 grants. Project proposals are accepted year-round and are reviewed on a rolling basis. Initially, applicants should submit a brief letter of inquiry--between two to three pages in length--which includes a description of the organization and the nature of its work; its achievements; a statement of the problem or need the organization plans to address; an explanation of how it is to be addressed; a time frame for the project; and an estimated budget, as well as the amount of money being requested. Only tax-exempt organizations are eligible for funding. For guidelines, contact: The Pew Charitable Trusts, 1 Commerce Square, 2005 Market St., Suite 1700, Philadelphia, PA 19103-7017; (215) 575-9050.
Open. 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.
- August 1. Science.
The Toshiba America Foundation invites teachers of grades 7-12 to submit proposals for grants of $5,000 or more for projects aimed at improving middle and high school science. (Requests of $5,000 or less may be submitted to the foundation at any time.) For guidelines, contact: The Toshiba America Foundation, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 4100, New York, NY 10020; (212) 596-0600.
- September 16. Humanities.
The National Endowment for the Humanities offers the Humanities Focus Grant, designed to support groups of educators working together to improve teaching and learning in the humanities. The maximum award is $25,000 and covers the cost of travel, materials, and administration. Schools, colleges, museums, and other nonprofit organizations are welcome to apply. For more information, contact: Division of Research and Education Programs, National Endowment for the Humanities, 1100 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., Washington, DC 20506; (202) 606-8380; e-mail education@neh.fed.us; World Wide Web http://www.neh.fed.us.
- September 16. Professional Development.
The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Spencer Foundation announce the availability of grants to support research on successful professional development for adults working in elementary and secondary schools. The grants, which range from $5,000 to $50,000 per year for a maximum of three years, are available to researchers, teachers, and education policy analysts; community groups and agencies supporting school development are also eligible. Applicants must be affiliated with a nonprofit agency through which the funds will be distributed. For application information, contact: Peggy Mueller, Professional Development Research and Documentation Program, Spencer Foundation, 900 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800, Chicago, IL 60611-1542; (312) 337-7000, ext. 604.
October 15. Literacy Research.
The International Reading Association is accepting applications for the Elva Knight Research Grant. Four to seven grants of up to $5,000 each will be awarded for research that addresses new and significant questions in literacy and reading. Eligible projects should be completed within two years. Applicants must be IRA members. Contact: Elva Knight Research Grant, Division of Research, International Reading Association, 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139; (302) 731-1600.
October 15. Research Dissemination.
The International Reading Association offers the Nila Banton Smith Research Dissemination Support Grant. One grant of up to $5,000 is intended to assist any IRA member spending two to 10 months working on a research dissemination activity. Contact: Gail Keating, Division of Research, International Reading Association, 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139; (302) 731-1600, ext. 226; fax (302) 732-1057.
- October 23. Fulbright.
The United States Information Agency, the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, and the Institute of International Education are seeking applications for the 1997-98 Fulbright Grants for graduate study or research abroad. All applicants must be U.S. citizens and should hold a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent; creative and performing artists need to have four years of relevant training or study. The grants provide round-trip travel, maintenance for the duration of the grant, a research allowance, and tuition waivers, if applicable. For more information, contact: U.S. Student Programs Division at the Institute of International Education; (212) 984-5330.
- December 1. Research.
The Spencer Research Program is offering general mentor and communications grants to groups of practitioner-researchers who are interested in improving educational quality. The goal of the grants, which range from $2,000 to $15,000, is to enhance the research skills of educational practitioners. Eligible are full-time teachers, communities of teachers and researchers, and university researchers affiliated with a nonprofit organization. For guidelines, contact: Marty Rutherford, Mentoring and Communications Grants, Spencer Foundation, 900 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2800, Chicago, IL 60611-1542; (312) 337-7000, ext. 630.
HONORS
August 1. Mentoring.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science seeks nominations of individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in increasing the participation of underrepresented groups in the fields of science and engineering. The Lifetime Mentor Award, which recognizes 10 years or more of mentoring in one of these two fields, comes with a $5,000 cash prize. The Mentor Award, which recognizes less than 10 years of service, comes with a $2,500 cash prize. For more information, contact: American Association for the Advancement of Science, 1333 H St. N.W., Washington, DC 20005; (202) 326-6670.
- October 1. Private Enterprise.
The Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge invites full-time senior and junior high school educators to apply for the Leavy Awards for Excellence in Private Enterprise Education. The program awards teachers who have conceived and implemented an innovative course, program, or project that fosters a better understanding of the American enterprise system. One grand-prize winner will be awarded $15,000; up to 20 others will receive cash gifts of $7,500 each. For more information, contact: Kristy Pierce, Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, Route 23, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0706; (610) 933-8825; e-mail kpierce@ffvf.org.
October 1. Dissertation.
The International Reading Association invites doctoral students in the field of reading/literacy research to apply for the Outstanding Dissertation of the Year Award. The $1,000 award is available to those who have completed dissertations between Sept. 1, 1995, and Aug. 31, 1996. The winner and finalists will be invited to present their research at the IRA’s annual convention. Applicants must be IRA members. Contact: Outstanding Dissertation of the Year Award, Division of Research, International Reading Association, 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139.
October 15. Learning Disabilities.
The International Reading Association invites its members to apply for the Albert J. Harris Award, which recognizes an outstanding contribution to the prevention and/or assessment of reading or learning disabilities. Those who have had publications appear in a professional journal or monograph between June 1, 1995, and June 1, 1996, are eligible for the $500 award. For guidelines, contact: Gail Keating, Division of Research, International Reading Association, 800 Barksdale Road, P.O. Box 8139, Newark, DE 19714-8139; (302) 731-1600, ext. 226; fax (302) 732-1057; e-mail 73314.1441@compuserve.com.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
Following are the 1996 State Teachers of the Year, selected by panels of educators in each state. From this group, the Council of Chief State School Officers, in partnership with Scholastic Inc., selected this year’s National Teacher of the Year, Mary Beth Blegen of Worthington (Minn.) Senior High School. (See page 9.) The three other national finalists are: Fie Budzinsky of Portland (Conn.) High School; Daniel Durbin of F.J. Reitz High School in Evansville, Ind.; and Patricia Cygan of Nathan Hale High School in Seattle.
The other state honorees are: Eva Thompson of Monrovia Middle School in Huntsville, Ala.; Barbara Jean Renoux of Cully School in Point Lay, Alaska; Robert Campbell of Cartwright Preschool and Gifted Center in Phoenix; Phyllis Orlicek of Stuttgart (Ark.) High School; Javier Gonzalez of Pioneer High School in Whittier, Calif.; Istvan Hornyak of Eaton (Colo.) High School; and Darryl Hudson of Sussex Central Middle School in Millsboro, Del.
Christine Lilian Cole of SHAPE American High School (representing the Department of Defense Dependent Schools); Sandra Carolyn Brooks Dobson of Job Barnard Elementary School in Washington, D.C.; David Williams of Suncoast Community High School in Riviera Beach, Fla.; Catherine Sylvia Pittman of Brunswick (Ga.) High School; Sandra Cam Bojtos of L.P. Untalan Middle School in Barrigada, Guam; Michael Dan Nakasone of Pearl City (Hawaii) High School; and Kit Bennett of Almo (Idaho) Elementary School.
Barbara Allen of Harrisburg (Ill.) High School; Jill Olsen-Virlee of Marion (Iowa) High School; Christy McNally of Saint Mary’s Elementary School in Pittsburg, Kan.; Mary Elizabeth Dunn of Shelby County East Middle School in Shelbyville, Ky.; Ronald John Cormier of Belle Place Middle School in New Iberia, La.; Robert Maurais of Frank H. Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth, Maine; and Edward Silver Jr. of Rock Hall (Md.) Elementary School.
Kathleen Sherman of East Falmouth (Mass.) Elementary School; Sharon Green of Graveraet Middle School in Marquette, Mich.; Julie Allen Ferriss of Webster Elementary School in Yazoo City, Miss.; Francis Reynolds of Nipher Middle School in Kirkwood, Mo.; George Beyer of Flathead High School in Kallispell, Mont.; Jean LaGrone of Westgate Elementary School in Omaha, Neb.; and Paula Naegle of Chaparral High School in Las Vegas.
Deborah Kelly Woelflein of Merrimack (N.H.) High School; Richard Ruffalo of Belleville (N.J.) High School; Martina Marquez of Mt. Taylor Elementary School in Grants, N.M.; Cynthia Appold of Hicksville (N.Y.) High School; Vernestine Kent Taylor of James B. Hunt High School in Wilson, N.C.; Marcia Kenyon of Eastwood Elementary School in West Fargo, N.D.; and Alan Arthur Taylor of San Vincente Elementary School in Saipan, North Mariana Islands.
Cathy Priest of Coshocton (Ohio) High School; Stephen Smallwood of Broken Bow (Okla.) High School; Raymond Hasart of Redmond (Ore.) High School; Susan Rodriguez of Overbrook Educational Center in Philadelphia; Luz Viera Maldonado of Santiago Torres Junior High School in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico; MaryKay Schnare of Nathan Bishop Middle School in Providence, R.I.; Debra Templin of Newberry (S.C.) Middle School; and Jacqueline Omland of Aberdeen (S.D.) Central High School.
Linda Cheek of Ingleside Elementary School in Athens, Tenn.; Ann Brock of Frazier Elementary School in Burleson, Texas; John Funk of Fox Hills Elementary School in Salt Lake City; Edward Barry of Milton (Vt.) Street School; Barbara Rivers of Venable Elementary School in Charlottesville, Va.; and Jo Ann Snyder Harman of Petersburg (W.Va.) High School; Thomas Howe of Monona Grove High School in Monona, Wis.; and Pamela Moore of Aspen Elementary School in Evanston, Wyo.
TEACHING TOOLS
Following is a list of free or inexpensive resources that teachers can order.
Trade Issues.
The Close Up Foundation offers Trade Is Everybody’s Business, a 63-page book that examines the costs and benefits of U.S. trade policies from the perspective of consumers, workers, citizens, and other stakeholders. The foundation has also prepared a 40-page teachers’ guide that includes discussion ideas, lesson plans, handouts, and more. Cost: $9.95 each (shipping not included). Contact: Close Up Publishing, Dept. R46, 44 Canal Center Plaza, Alexandria, VA 22314-1592; (800) 765-3131.
Motivational Video.
Shriners and Shriners Hospitals, a network of 22 pediatric specialty hospitals, is distributing free copies of the 21-minute video Against the Odds. Winner of the 1995 CINE Golden Eagle Award and silver medalist at the 1995 N.Y. Film Festival, the film tells the story of two young adults who overcome their physical disabilities to realize their dreams. Contact: West Glenn Communications, 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018; (800) 325-8677; fax (212) 944-9055.
Literature.
Penguin USA offers three free teachers’ guides: Selected Short Stories of Stephen King, Shakespeare’s King Lear, and Nectar in a Sieve by Kamala Markandaya. These guides feature questions and activities designed to help teachers discuss these written works and related themes with high school students. In addition, the guides provide notes on authors, background information on times and places, bibliographies, and suggested readings. Contact: Penguin USA, 375 Hudson, New York, NY 10014-3657; (212) 366-2372; World Wide Web http://www.penguin.com.
First Job.
Career Press has published Your First Job, by Ron Fry, a 192-page book that addresses need-to-know information about successfully competing in the current job market. Designed for high school seniors, it includes chapters on resume writing, interviews, networking, and more. Also available from the same series is Your First Resume and Your First Interview. Cost: $9.99 each. Contact: Career Press, 3 Tice Road, P.O. Box 687, Franklin Lakes, NJ 07417; (800) CAREER-1.
Cable Resources.
The Family Channel offers a free 28-page teachers’ guide for its TV film version of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novel Kidnapped. The guide includes handouts, work sheets, and games on a range of subjects, including math, science, language arts, social studies, and ethics. Also available are teachers’ guides for The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones and Rudyard Kipling’s Captains Courageous. Contact: The Family Channel, Cable in the Classroom Department, P.O. Box 2050, Virginia Beach, VA 23450-2050; (804) 459-6167.
Volunteering.
Lions Clubs International offers a free kit designed to introduce teachers and students to its youth volunteer program. The kit includes a 22-minute video, The Future Is Ours . . . So Now What?; a teachers’ guide; wall posters; work sheets; and resource list. For more information, call: (800) 747-4448.
Drunk Driving.
Students Against Drunk Driving, Liberty Mutual Insurance, and the National Safety Council present a free 16-minute video, Avoiding Collisions: How To Survive the Teenage Driving Years. The tape focuses on safe driving and accident prevention and comes with a classroom study guide. Contact: West Glenn Communications Inc., 1430 Broadway, New York, NY 10018-3396; (800) 325-8677.
Math/Science.
The Eisenhower Regional Consortium for Math and Science Education at Appalachia Educational Laboratory offers a booklet titled Increasing Student Access to Mathematics and Science: A Guide for Classroom Equity Projects. The 44-page booklet includes descriptions of effective classroom projects, advice on implementing such projects, possible funding sources, and more. Cost: $5. Contact: AEL Distribution Center, P.O. Box 1348, Charleston, WV 25325-1348; (800) 624-9120; fax (304) 347-0487.
Science Cookbook.
John Wiley and Sons Inc. has published The Science Chef: Travels Around the World. Designed for children ages 8-14, the 192-page book uses common ingredients and standard kitchen equipment to present food-related science experiments that seek the answers to such questions as what makes soda fizz and why do vegetables die when picked? Also included are recipes from five continents, nutrition indexes, and conversion tables. Cost: $12.95. Contact: John Wiley and Sons Inc., 605 Third Ave., New York, NY 10158; (800) 225-5945; World Wide Web http://www.wiley.com.
African-American History.
Plume Books has published Everybody Say Freedom: Everything You Need To Know About African-American History, by Richard Newman and Marcia Sawyer. Designed for middle school students and older, the 301-page book offers glimpses of significant historical events and periods, including the Harlem Renaissance, the civil rights movement, the Brown vs. Board of Education decision, and more. Cost: $12.95. Contact: Plume Books, 375 Hudson St., New York, NY 10014.
Persuasive Writing.
NIE Information Services has released In My Opinion: The Newspaper and Persuasive Writing, a new curriculum guide designed to get students in grades 4-12 to read newspaper editorials and construct their own persuasive writing pieces. The guide includes more than 40 activities that offer step-by-step approaches to researching and writing an editorial or persuasive essay. Cost: $15.95. Contact: RCAnderson Associates Inc., P.O. Box 300, Pittsford, NY 14534; (716) 248-5385.
Communication Skills.
Hallmark Cards Inc., in conjunction with Binney & Smith, Scholastic Inc., the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the U.S. Postal Service, introduces “Creative Exchange,’' a program to teach communication skills to students in grades 3-4. The free 20-page teaching guide includes 14 cross-curricular lesson plans, book suggestions, and art techniques. Contact: Creative Exchange, Hallmark Cards Inc., P.O. Box 419034, Kansas City, MO 64141; (800) HALLMARK.
History.
The Eisenhower World Affairs Institute and National Video Communications Inc., in conjunction with the Pew Charitable Trusts, offer a high school social studies package titled “The Eisenhower Era.’' The program includes a classroom poster highlighting major historical events; 20 video modules, some hosted by General Colin Powell; booklets with classroom ideas and aids; a text for background reading; and disks for computer-learning activities. For sample video and print materials, contact: “The Eisenhower Era,’' 918 16th St. N.W., Suite 501, Washington, DC 20006; (800) 849-4460; e-mail IKEedu@aol.com; World Wide Web http://www.ike.org.
Economics.
The National Council on Economic Education, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation, is offering free of charge the CD-ROM Virtual Economics: An Interactive Center on Economic Education to elementary and secondary schools. This CD-ROM covers key economic concepts and includes lesson plans and a resource listing of curricular materials and reference books. For more information, call: (800) 338-1192.
Technology.
Educational Technology Publications presents The Educational Technology Handbook, by Steven Hackbarth, a public school teacher. Among other things, this 350-page book discusses ways to design instruction and the learning environment around technology and how to make good use of the Internet and World Wide Web. Cost: $37.95. Contact: Educational Technology Publications, 700 Palisade Ave., Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632-0564; (800) 952-BOOK.
Good Grades.
Hathaway Publications offers The Secret of Getting Straight A’s, by Brian Marshall. This 169-page book, designed for junior and high school students, covers such topics as taking notes, optimizing study time, memorizing, test-taking, motivation, guidance, and more. Cost: $12.95. Contact: Hathaway International Publications, P.O. Box 6543, Buena Park, CA 90622-6543; (714) 772-0109.
Reading.
The National Council of Teachers of English is distributing the seventh edition of High Interest--Easy Reading: An Annotated Book List for Middle School and Senior High School. The 115-page guide lists titles, both fiction and nonfiction, that might appeal to students who normally don’t like to read. The books are organized around central ideas or themes, such as adventure, sports, folklore, and legends. Cost: $11.95; $8.95 for NCTE members. Contact: National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 W. Kenyon Rd., Urbana, IL 61801-1096; (800) 369-6283.
Athletics.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is offering a free booklet, The NCAA Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete. The booklet discusses freshmen-eligibility requirements, financial aid, recruiting, signing dates, and more. To order a free copy, contact: NCAA Legislative Services, 6201 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS 66211-2422; (913) 339-1906.
Science.
The Discover Magazine School Science Program offers educators discount subscription rates for Discover Magazine. The program includes a six-page Educator’s Guide for each issue as well as other educational resources, including a biannual index of articles and educational videos. Cost: $17.49 for 12 issues or $14.55 for 10. For more information, contact: Discover Magazine School Science Program, 105 Terry Drive, Suite 120, Newtown, PA 18940-3425; (800) 416-5140.
College Profiles.
Penguin Books has published Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools You Should Know About--Even If You’re Not a Straight-A Student, by Lauren Pope. The 262-page book profiles 40 colleges that have consistently helped students develop their potential, take initiative, and learn to be risk-takers. Included are evaluations of each school, interviews with students, financial aid information, and more. Cost: $11.95. Contact: Consumer Sales, Penguin USA, Box 999, Dept. 17109, Bergenfield, NJ 07621; (800) 253-6476.
College Admissions.
The Independent Educational Consultants Association is distributing a free fact sheet titled Top Ten Things Colleges Look for in a High School Student, as well as a directory of IECA members who can provide private consulting in the college admissions process. Designed to help high school juniors and seniors and their families, the list includes such topics as the college application essay, grades, standardized tests, extra-curricular activities, and letters of recommendation. To order a copy of the list or to contact a consultant in your area, contact: Independent Educational Consultants Association; (800) 808-IECA.
Publishing.
Raspberry Publications Inc. introduces The Young Author’s Guide to Publishers. The 111-page book explains how to write, proofread, and revise stories and submit manuscripts. Also included is a list of more than 50 publishers who accept manuscripts written by children. Cost: $8.95. Contact: Raspberry Publications Inc., P.O. Box 925, Westerville, OH 43086-6925; (800) 759-7171.
FOR YOUR STUDENTS
Following is a list of contests, scholarships, and internships for students organized by application deadline. Asterisks (
- ) denote new entries.
- Open. Exchange Students.
International Education Forum Inc., an American nonprofit educational and cultural organization, is looking for volunteer families to host foreign-exchange students. IEF arranges for teenagers to visit and live in American homes for three, five, or nine months during the academic year. For more information, call (800) 824-3702 and ask for the name and phone number of the IEF coordinator in your community.
- Open. Pen Pals.
The International Institute of Minnesota, a nonprofit organization affiliated with the United Way, sponsors World Pen Pals, a service that matches U.S. students ages 12-20 with peers from 175 countries and territories around the world. To receive an application, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope and a check for $4.50 to: World Pen Pals, International Institute of Minnesota, 1694 Como Ave., St. Paul, MN 55108; (612) 647-0191.
- Open. Trucker Pen Pals.
Trucker Buddy International Inc., in conjunction with Kenworth Truck Co. and Chevron Lubricants, sponsors “Trucker Buddy,’' a free pen-pal service that matches truck drivers with elementary school classrooms across the nation and abroad. Truckers write to classes from the road, giving students a unique perspective on geography, history, and the economy. Students write back. Contact: Trucker Buddy, P.O. Box 7788, Madison, WI 53707-7788; (800) MY-BUDDY.
Open. Children’s Books.
Raspberry Publications Inc. invites students in grades K-12 to submit manuscripts for possible publication. Authors receive a standard book contract and royalties, which they are encouraged to put into a trust fund for college. For more information, contact: Raspberry Publications Inc., P.O. Box 925, Westerville, OH 43086-6925; (800) 759-7171.
Open. Caring.
The Caring Institute is seeking nominations of students in grades K-12 who have demonstrated extraordinary compassion, caring, and selflessness. Ten winners will be honored in an exhibit at the Hall of Fame for Caring Americans in Washington, D.C. In addition, they will receive a bronze statue and a session at the U.S. Space Camp in Huntsville, Ala. To nominate a student, send in a summary of his or her activities along with the person’s name, date of birth, address, phone number, school name, and grade. For more information, contact: Caring Institute, 320 A St. N.E., Washington, DC 20002-5940.
- August 1. Art And Design.
Ray Dream Inc., makers of 3-D illustration software, invites high school students whose schools use the company’s software to enter the fourth annual Modern Masters of 3-D International Art and Design Contest. The theme for this year’s contest is “Characters of Your Imagination.’' Applicants must submit a digital version of their design on disk, as well as a printout. Entries are judged in seven categories. Two grand-prize winners receive a new Pentium or Macintosh computer system. For more information, contact: Ray Dream Inc., 1804 N. Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, CA 94043; (415) 960-0768; e-mail info@raydream.com.
- September 1. Exchange Abroad.
International Education Forum Inc. offers high school students the opportunity to attend school in another country through a variety of programs that last from two weeks to 10 months, beginning in January 1997. Programs are available in France, Spain, Germany, England, Russia, Brazil, and Australia. They include home stays, excursions, and more. For more information, contact: International Education Forum Inc./Home Stay Abroad, P.O. Box 460M, Bay Shore, NY 11706; (800) 356-8818.
- October 1. Peace Poster.
Lions Club International invites students ages 11-13 to participate in its 1996-97 Peace Poster Contest. Contestants must submit a poster--created in pencil, crayon, pen, marker, paint, or chalk--on this year’s theme: “Building a Peaceful World.’' The grand-prize winner will receive a $1,500 cash award, plus an expense-paid trip with two family members to attend an awards ceremony at the United Nations in New York City. Participating schools must be sponsored by a Lions Club. For more information, contact your local Lions Club or the Lions Club International headquarters at (800) 288-8846.
- October 1. Golf.
Chrysler Corp., in conjunction with the American Junior Golf Association, will award 40 $1,000 college scholarships to student golfers ages 12-18. Applicants will be judged on academic achievement, educational goals, a personal essay, commitment to the sport, and parent/coach recommendations. To request an application or for more information, contact: Chrysler Junior Golf Scholarship Program Headquarters, 75 Rockefeller Plaza, New York, NY 10019-6908; (800) 856-0764.
- October 31. Scholarships.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation offers merit-based scholarships to U.S. college-bound seniors attending school in a participating Coca-Cola bottler’s territory. Students will be evaluated on their leadership abilities, academic achievements, and motivation to succeed. Fifty-one students will be chosen as National Scholars; each will receive awards of $20,000 for college. Another 101 students will be designated Regional Scholars; they will receive $4,000 each. Seniors should contact their guidance counselors for applications. More information is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.cocacola.com/scholars, or call (404) 733-5420.
- November 1. Musicians.
Very Special Arts invites any instrumentalist or vocalist who has a disability and is under age 26 to apply for the 1997 Panasonic Young Soloists Award. One or two winners will be named. Each will receive a $5,000 scholarship to pursue music studies and the opportunity to perform at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. Applicants must submit a video or audio recording, a letter of application, and a 250-word biography describing why they feel they should be selected. To request an application packet, contact: Very Special Arts, Young Soloists Program, Education Office, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, DC 20566; (800) 933-8721; (202) 737-0645 (TDD).
- December 1. Radio.
Earth & Sky Radio, in conjunction with the National Science Foundation, invites students in grades K-12 to enter its third annual Young Producers Contest. Teams of students must write and record a radio show on a science or nature topic of their choice. Five winners will be chosen for broadcast on the Earth and Sky Radio series. Members of a grand-prize winning team will receive $1,000 U.S. Savings Bonds. Members of the four other finalist teams will get $500 U.S. Savings Bonds. For more information, contact: Earth & Sky; (512) 477-4441; e-mail info@earthsky.com.
- January 10. Language Arts.
The National Council of Teachers of English is accepting nominations for its 1997 Promising Young Writers Program. Eighth grade language arts teachers are encouraged to nominate students and submit examples of their best written work. Winning students will receive a certificate of recognition. The council charges a $5 nomination fee per student. For more information, contact: Promising Young Writers Program, National Council of Teachers of English, 1111 W. Kenyon Road, Urbana, IL 61801-1096.
--Jill Gordon and Arohi Pathak
