Recognizing Outstanding Library Humanities Programs

The Sara Jaffarian School Library Program Award recognizes an elementary or middle school library that has conducted an exemplary program or program series in the humanities during the prior school year. The annual award consists of a $4,000 cash prize, a plaque, and the promotion of the winner as a model program at a training opportunity for other school libraries.

Any elementary or middle school library or any school library program in the United States serving children in any combination of grades K–8 is eligible for the award, which is sponsored by the American Library Association Cultural Communities Fund and the National Endowment for the Humanities, with the American Association of School Librarians.

Nomination forms can be found at www.ala.org/ala/ppo/jaffarianaward.htm . Mail the original and five copies to the Sara Jaffarian Award Committee, ALA Public Programs Office, 50 East Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611 by February 27, 2007.

Rewarding Unsung Heroes

The ING Unsung Heroes awards are given to K–12 educators pioneering new teaching methods and techniques that improve learning. Educators submit applications by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its innovative method, creativity, and ability to positively influence students. Every year, 100 finalists are selected to receive a $2,000 award, payable to both the winning teacher and his or her school. At least one award is granted in each of the 50 states, provided at least one qualified application was received from each state. Winners are selected by Scholarship America, a national non-profit educational support and student aid service organization.

Of the 100 finalists, three are selected for additional awards: $25,000 for first place; $10,000 for second place; and $5,000 for third place. Full-time educators, teachers, principals, paraprofessionals, and classified staff members are eligible to apply. For more information, go to www.ing-sa.com/us/aboutING/communityconnections/ineducation/unsungheroes/index.htm. The deadline is April 30, 2007.

Grants for the Inventive

Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams grants foster inventiveness among high school students. InvenTeams composed of high school students, teachers, and mentors are asked to collaboratively identify a problem that they want to solve, research the problem, and then develop a prototype invention as an in-class or extracurricular project. Grants of up to $10,000 support each team’s efforts. InvenTeams are encouraged to work with community partners, specifically the potential beneficiaries of their invention. High school science, math, and technology teachers—or teams of teachers—are eligible to apply. Inter- and intra-school collaborations are also welcome.

For more information, go to http://web.mit.edu/inventeams/about.html. The deadline is April 27, 2007.

Grants for Community Improvement Programs

Hamburger Helper wants to lend a helping hand to neighborhoods nationwide with its “My Hometown Helper” grant program. Individuals from communities and organizations across America  , including public schools, can submit a written essay of 250 words or less describing how the grant would help improve their community project. Grant awards may be given up to $15,000. All requests for funding must be sponsored by a municipal or civic organization or public school.

Go to www.myhometownhelper.com/LearnMore.aspx before May 31, 2007, when the program ends.

Who DunnIt? The Students!

MWA:Reads, a Mystery Writers of America literacy program that encourages children and teens to read mysteries by joining authors with students, parents, teachers, and librarians, will hold its second annual Joan Lowery Nixon Award mystery writing contest. The contest allows students to use language arts skills and the power of imagination to create their own unique mystery stories. There are two age categories: grades 2–5 and grades 6–10. Only one story per student may be submitted. The entries will be judged in the area of creativity and proper use of English. The winner of each category will receive a $250 cash prize. Submissions for the contest will be accepted until February 28, 2007. For complete contest rules, visit www.mysterywriters.org/MWAreads . 

Win Free Presentation Tools

PLUS Vision Corp.’s “Education Spotlight” program gives a projector or electronic copyboard to a selected primary or secondary school. School teachers or administrators must complete an online application, stating the reasons why the equipment will enhance their students’ education and submit unique examples of how they might use PLUS tools. At the end of each calendar year, PLUS Vision Corp. selects the recipient. For more information and to apply, go to www.buyplusdirect.com/site/spotlight.html .

Now that’s Italian

The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) will present nearly 100 scholarships for the 2007–08 academic year to high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate students, or doctoral students across the country. Scholarships range from $2,000 to $15,000 each in the humanities, medicine, engineering, business, music, Italian language and culture, and other specialized fields.

Applicants must either be of Italian descent, with at least one ancestor who emigrated from Italy  , or students of any ethnic background majoring or minoring in Italian language, Italian studies, Italian-American studies, or a related field. Winners are selected based on academic merit, and students must have a minimum GPA of 3.5 to apply.

To apply for a NIAF scholarship, visit www.niaf.org/scholarships . The application deadline is March 1, 2007.