GRANTS/FELLOWSHIPS
Following are application deadlines for grants and fellowships available to individuals and schools. Asterisks (*) denote new entries.
*OPEN JAPAN
The United States-Japan Foundation offers grants to improve U.S. K-12 instruction on Japan through teacher training, professional development, intensive study tours in Japan, and curriculum design. The foundation funds new or existing programs that include some of the following components: leadership development; information on U.S.-Japan relations and contemporary issues in both countries; training on using international issues in the classroom; and multimedia teaching tools. Grants last for one year but may be renewed by the foundation. The foundation also supports the improvement of Japanese-language instruction through teacher training and curriculum development. Teachers are encouraged to apply as part of a nonprofit or regional organization rather than as individuals. For more information, contact: United States-Japan Foundation, 145 E. 32nd St., 12th Floor, New York, NY 10016; (212) 481-8757; fax (212) 481-8762; e-mail info@us-jf.org; www.us-jf.org.
May 25 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ASM International, a society of metals and materials scientists, awards five grants of $500 to K-8 teachers. Winners are selected based on proposals describing curriculum-based, hands-on projects that involve student observation, communication, math and science skills, awareness of materials, and the role of the materials scientist. Contact: T.K. Glasgow, ASMI, NASA Glenn Research Center, MS 48-1, 21000 Brookpark Rd., Cleveland, OH 44135; (216) 433-5013; fax (216) 433-3680; e-mail Thomas.K.Glasgow@ lerc.nasa.gov;www.ctsc.org/asmi.
June 30 COMPUTERS
Wolfram Research Inc., makers of Mathematica, a technical computing software system, announces the High School Grant Program. The grants support K-12 teachers worldwide who use Mathematica to develop computer-based, classroom materials. Recipients receive Mathematica training at Wolfram Research’s corporate headquarters in Illinois, copies of Mathematica software for their school, and technical support. The number of grant recipients varies. For more information, contact: (800) 441-MATH, ext. 703; e-mail highschoolgrants@wolfram.com; www.wolfram.com/company/prog rams/hsgp.
June 30 MATH AND SCIENCE
MathSoft Inc., an education software developer, offers a Digital Age Math and Science Teaching Grant for educators and schools who would like to use its StudyWorks software and materials. Applicants submit a proposal of at least 1,000 words detailing how they would use StudyWorks in their 7th-12th grade classrooms. Schools sponsoring winning teachers receive 25 copies each of StudyWorks Mathematics Deluxe and Science programs. Winning educators qualify for a $200 stipend toward the cost of attending math, science, or technology conferences. Applications also will be reviewed after September 30. Contact: MathSoft Inc., 101 Main St., Cambridge, MA 02142; (617) 577-1017; fax (617) 577-8829; e-mail education@mathsoft.com; www.mathsoft.com/studyworks.
*July 1 CRAFTS
As part of its National Craft Month, the Hobby Industry Association announces the third annual National Creative Lesson Plan Contest for Teachers. Educators submit a K-8 lesson plan that incorporates crafting and core curricula. The most creative proposal earns a $500 gift certificate for school craft supplies; finalists win $50 certificates. The number of winners depends on the number and quality of entries. For more information, contact: NCM Lesson Plan, P.O. Box 217, Rockaway, NJ 07866; www.i-craft.com/teachers/con test.html.
*August 1 REGIONAL STUDIES
The Orion Society, an award-winning publisher and environmental education organization, offers Stories in the Land teaching fellowships to promote the study of local landscapes, histories, and literature. Elementary and secondary educators in the United States and Canada are eligible for these yearlong, $1,000 fellowships. Application materials include a project proposal that outlines the curriculum and its objectives, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the school’s chief administrator. For more information and to receive an application, contact: Meagan Ledendecker, Education Coordinator, Orion Society, 195 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230; (413) 528-4422; fax (413) 528-0676; www.orionsociety.org.
*August 1 MATH AND SCIENCE
Toshiba America Foundation grants support school-based, teacher-led projects that improve high school or middle school math, science, and technology education. Grants typically average $9,000. For more information, contact: Program Office, Toshiba America Foundation, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 41st Floor, New York, NY 10020; (212) 588-0820; fax (212) 588-0824; e-mail foundation@tai.toshiba.com; www.toshiba.com/about/taf.html.
*September 1 AMERICAN MUSIC
The National Music Foundation announces the third annual American Music Education Initiative to recognize K-12 teachers of any subject who use American music in their classrooms. Teachers submit lesson plans, which are judged on clarity of objectives, adaptability, effectiveness, and innovation. Three finalists receive grants of $1,000 each, and five semifinalists receive grants of $500 each. The foundation publishes the lesson plans of winners in its online database. For more information, contact: Thomas Heaney, Director of Programming, National Music Foundation, 5728 Majors Blvd., Suite 601, Orlando, FL 32819; (800) USA-MUSIC; www.nmc.org.
—Jennifer Pricola
