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I have been thinking more about engaging others in the broader community with schools and teachers. There seems to be a distrust of the educational system on the whole, but a love for individual schools and teachers. How does this play into the narrative needed to pull outsiders onto the side of schools? What can we as leaders leverage in order to build trust in public education as a change agent in society? I suppose it needs to start on the micro level. The local NBC affiliate has partnered with one of the community's largest employers to highlight the excellence of individuals nominated by the community with the Crystal Apple Award. Not only does this shine the light on excellent teachers, but brings in the voice of the site or district leadership into local homes on a daily basis.  The CBS affiliate also partners with a local bank to fund a teacher a month based on  a personal request and classroom need.  These visible signs of community support for education are a small piece of what could be possible when the community and the local education system focus on the needs of the students. (mg 3/12/19)

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Local businesses make great partners.  Check with the local Chamber of Commerce to see how their members are able/willing to engage with schools.  Most have an Education subcommittee and offer reduce rate membership for  schools and classrooms.

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Don't forget the local religious groups- many will support the secular needs of education  through outreach and family resource centers.

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California State PTA | The mission of the California State PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families.

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The mission of the California State PTA is to positively impact the lives of all children and families.

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National Parent Teacher Association | National PTA

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National PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educational success of children and the promotion of family engagement in schools.

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Community Involvement

The red pickup truck pulled onto the south lawn of the school, towing the dunk tank behind it. The principal came out to meet the gentleman who jumped down from the cab. Jake was one of the older farmers who lived near the school. He had called Mr. Thompson, the principal, to offer the fire hall's dunk tank when he saw flyers for the elementary school's spring carnival. He had also brought his hundred-foot hose to fill it and promised he would drain the tank and return it when the carnival was over. Jake remembered the Junior Honor Society members who voluntarily shoveled his driveway last winter when he had surgery and could not do it himself. This was his way of thanking the students for their unsolicited help.

This example is a simple one and illustrates how many stakeholders have an interest in the schools their local children attend. Each group within a neighborhood brings their own unique influence and connection to the school community. Often, it's as simple as a school neighbor who reaches out to return a favor.

Students are at the center of circles of involvement. They are the focus and reason why the school exists and teachers teach. However, neither learning nor teaching happens in isolation and without moral and financial support. Districts are undeniably limited in what can be provided when the neighbors and citizens aren't supportive of the neighborhood school. For this reason, it's important to remember that supporters come from a variety of public and private sectors. School personnel are wise to always be facing outward when meeting and greeting the public.

Since anyone can access testing data, district improvement metrics, and Board of Education minutes to develop a personal, fact-based opinion, strong and positive personal connections become the lifeblood to the school. If the school fails to work at positive self-promotion, many important opportunities for interaction, extracurricular activities, and financial support are lost.

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promoting community involvement in schools - video & lesson transcript | study.com

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Promoting Community Involvement in Schools - Video & Lesson Transcript | Study.com

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The red pickup truck pulled onto the south lawn of the school, towing the dunk tank behind it. The principal came out to meet the gentleman who jumped down from the cab. Jake was one of the older farmers who lived near the school.

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Every school would benefit from increased community support. Research has proven that schools with a greater support system thrive compared to those who do not have such support. School support comes from a variety of places both internally and externally. An effective school leader will leverage a variety of strategies to get the entire community to support the school. The following strategies are designed to promote your school and gain more community support from a variety of stakeholder groups.

Write a Weekly Newspaper Column

How: It will highlight the school's successes, focus on individual teacher's efforts, and give student recognition. It will also deal with challenges that the school is facing and needs that it has.

Why: Writing the newspaper column will allow the public the opportunity to see what is going on within the school on a weekly basis. It will allow them the opportunity to see both the successes and obstacles that the school is facing.

Have a Monthly Open House/Game Night

How: Every third Thursday night of each month from 6-7 p.m., have an open house/game night. Each teacher will design games or activities geared towards the particular subject area they are teaching at the time. Parents and students and students will be invited to come in and participate in the activities together.

Why: This will allow parents the opportunity to come into their children's classroom, visit with their teachers, and participate in activities about subject areas that they are currently learning. It will allow them to be more actively involved in their children's education and allow them to have more communication with their teachers.​

Thursday Lunch With the Parents

How: Each Thursday a group of 10 parents will be invited to eat lunch with the principal. They will have lunch in a conference room and talk about issues that are current with the school.

Why: This allows parents the opportunity to become comfortable with the principal and to express both concerns and positives about the school. It also allows the school to be more personalized and gives them the opportunity to provide input.

Implement a Greeter Program

How: Each nine weeks students will be selected to participate in the greeter program. There will be two students greeting per class period. Those students will greet all visitors at the door, walk them to the office, and assist them as needed.

Why: This program will make visitors seem more welcomed. It will also allow the school to have a more friendly and personalized environment. Good first impressions are important. With friendly greeters at the door, most people will come away with a good first impression.

Have Monthly Potluck Lunch

How: Each month the teachers will get together and bring food for a potluck lunch. There will be doors prizes at each of these lunches. Teachers are free to socialize with other teachers and staff while enjoying good food.

Why: This will allow the staff to sit down together once a month and relax while they eat. It will provide an opportunity for relationships and friendships to develop. It will provide time for the staff to pull together and have some fun.

Recognize Teacher of the Month

How: Each month, recognize a special teacher. The teacher of the month will be voted on by the faculty. Each teacher who wins the award will receive recognition in the paper, their own personal parking space for the month, a $50 gift card to the mall, and a $25 gift card for a nice restaurant.

Why: This will allow individual teachers to be recognized for their hard work and dedication to education. It will mean more to that individual since they were voted on by their peers. It will allow that teacher to feel good about themselves and the jobs that they are doing.

Conduct a Yearly Business Fair

How: Every April, invite several businesses in the community to participate in the annual business fair. The entire school will spend a few hours learning important things about those businesses such as what they do, how many people work there, and what skills are needed to work there.

Why: This allows the business community the opportunity to come to the school and show kids what all they do. It also allows the business community the opportunity to be a part of the students' education. It provides the students with opportunities to see if they are interested in working a particular business.

Presentation by Business Professionals for Students

How: About every two months guests from within the community will be invited to discuss the how's and what's of their particular career. People will be chosen so that their particular career relates to a specific subject area. For example, a geologist might speak in the science class or a news anchor might speak in a language arts class.

Why: This allows businessmen and women from the community the opportunity to share what their career is all about with the students. It allows the students to see a variety of possible career choices, asks questions, and find out interesting things about various careers.

Begin a Volunteer Reading Program

How: Ask people in the community who would like to get involved with the school, but do not have children who are in school, to volunteer as part of a reading program for students with lower reading levels. The volunteers may come in as often as they wish and read books one-on-one with the students.

Why: This allows people the opportunity to volunteer and get involved in the school even if they are not the parent of an individual within the school district. It also provides students the opportunity to better their reading abilities and to get to know people within the community.

Start a Living History Program

How: Once every three months a social studies class will be assigned an individual from the community who volunteers to be interviewed. The student will interview that person about their lives and events that have happened during their lives. The student will then write a paper about that person and give a presentation to the class over that person. The community members who have been interviewed will be invited to the classroom to hear the students' presentations and to have a cake and ice cream party afterward.

Why: This allows students the opportunity to get to know people within the community. It also allows members of the community to assist the school system and to get involved with the school. It involves people from the community that may not have been involved in the school system before.

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10 Strategies to Improve Community and School Relations

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An effective school leader will incorporate strategies to get the entire community to support the school as increased support makes a school stronger.

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

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Edutopia is a free source of information, inspiration, and practical strategies for learning and teaching in preK-12 education. We are published by the George Lucas Educational Foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization.

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U.S. Department of Education (ED) | GRANTS.GOV

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The Department of Education's mission is to promote student achievement and preparation for global competitiveness by fostering educational excellence and ensuring equal access.

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find information about educational grants

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GetEdFunding - Free grant finding resources for educators and educational institutions - GetEdFunding

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GetEdFunding.com is a collection of thousands of active grants and awards that are available to public and private schools, educational institutions, and educators.

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Funding - Finance & Grants (CA Dept of Education)

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The California Department of Education operates a large number of programs that provide funds to schools and other organizations for a variety of educational purposes.

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Opportunities for Educators, Students, Schools, & Communities

The NEA Foundation awards grants to public school educators to enhance teaching and learning. Awards given three times a year.
February 1, June 1 and October 15 Higher Education Faculty and Staff, Education Support Professionals, K-12 Teachers

In an effort to ensure that each child attends a great public school and that we continue to build strong affiliates, NEA provides partnership funding to state and local affiliates.
Varies NEA State and Local Affiliates

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The NEA Foundation awards grants to public school educators to enhance teaching and learning. Awards given three times a year. February 1, June 1 and October 15 Higher Education Faculty and Staff, Education Support Professionals, K-12 Teachers In an effort to ensure that each child attends a great public school and that we continue to build strong affiliates, NEA provides partnership funding to state and local affiliates.

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IFT Grants - California Teachers Association

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About us

Founded in 2000 by a high school teacher in the Bronx, DonorsChoose empowers public school teachers from across the country to request much-needed materials for their students. Right now there are thousands of teacher requests that you can help bring to life with a gift of any amount.
Read the story

Support teachers and students with a

Monthly Donation

Choose a new project every month.

We'll charge you once a month, and you handpick the projects you want to support. No time to pick? We'll use your donation to help an urgent teacher request.
Support teachers monthly

Transparency & Efficiency

We know that you care about how effectively your donation is being used. That's why we show you how every dollar was spent, how you made a difference, and how grateful the students and teachers are!

We've received the highest possible ratings from:
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The most trusted classroom funding site for teachers

As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by teachers, donors, administrators, and partner organizations across the country.
Learn how to get funded

Looking to help out? There are thousands of exciting teacher requests that would benefit from a donation of any size!
Find a request to support

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DonorsChoose: Support a classroom. Build a future.

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DonorsChoose connects teachers in high-need communities with donors who want to help.

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Grants for Educators - Teacher Grant Public Schools - NEA Foundation

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NEA Foundation offers Teacher Grants for Public School Educators through global resources, learning and leadership grants, student achievement grants and a host of others.

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The AFT Innovation Fund was established in 2009 to support and share successful union-led reform efforts. The Fund works to identify, nurture and bring to scale union and educator-led innovations in public education. As an initiative of the AFT, the Fund's reach is nationwide and, to date, the Fund has made more than 45 investments in groundbreaking work across the country. Funding for these investments has come from the AFT and from education funders that share our belief in the value of educator-led change.

The goal of the Innovation Fund has always been to find ways to help all children, particularly low-income and minority children, have access and the opportunity for a great public education. We want all public schools to be places where parents want to send their children, educators want to work and children are engaged. We believe that we can achieve these goals if we focus on and invest in the four pillars of effective public schools: promoting children's well-being, supporting powerful learning, building teacher capacity and fostering cultures of collaboration.

The Results of Our Work

Our grantees are focused on producing innovations in their schools, districts, and communities that can be shared nationally. Click here to read about what they've done and to view and download their materials.

News & Highlights

Program to aid at-risk students (7/27/18)

Community Schools Summit provides inspiration, guidance for struggling schools (7/05/18)

CTE program prepares students for employment, higher education (5/24/18)

Career & Technical Training: A Bright New Future (5/01/18)

Family Service, Pawtucket schools start Walking School Bus initiative (5/01/18)

Manual students move to the next level in classes at Caterpillar (3/09/18)

Public Schools Transform Communities (3/09/18)

Community school model takes hold at Agnes Little Elementary (2/06/18)

Serving Up School Success with Homework Diners (2/02/18)

Community schools program may expand beyond Bellamy (1/19/18)

Westinghouse Academy adds training courses for EMTs, police, firefighters (9/14/16)

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The AFT Innovation Fund was established in 2009 to support and share successful union-led reform efforts. The Fund works to identify, nurture and bring to scale union and educator-led innovations in public education. As an initiative of the AFT, the Fund's reach is nationwide and, to date, the Fund has made more than 45 investments in groundbreaking work across the country.

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Resources >> Browse Articles >> Burning Issues & Hot Topics

These grants are related to large corporation or groups.

Best Buy
Technology Inspired Teaching Grant
> Level 1 - 1,300 K-12 schools will win a $2,000 Best Buy Gift Card

> Level 2 - 50 K-12 schools will win $10,000 in Best Buy Gift Cards

> Level 3 - 8 School districts will win a $100,000 Best Buy Spending Account

Nike
Let Me Play Fund
> Multiple $5000 awards for all those teams who tell us they face inequality in sports because they're girls.

> Toshiba America Foundation Improving Science and Mathematics Education, One Classroom at a Time

>Grants $5,000 or less

>Decisions about grants under $5,000 are made on a rolling basis and applications are accepted throughout the year.

> Grants Larger than $5,000

> The Board of Directors approves large grant requests twice a year. Large grants are usually awarded in March and September. Applicants should submit their large grant proposals no later than either February 1st or August 1st.

ING Unsung Heroes
A+ Program Grants
> Each year, educators submit applications for an ING Unsung Heroes grant by describing projects they have initiated or would like to pursue. Each project is judged on its: 1)Innovative method, 2) Creativity,3) Ability to positively influence the students.

> $25,000 for first place; $10,000 for second place; and $5,000 for third place.

Scholastic
Book Grants Program
> The Scholastic Book Grants Program is a corporate in-kind giving initiative that provides high-quality reading materials to children in need. The Company's goal is to ensure that each of its book donations has a significant impact on fostering literacy.

> Large-scale donations of 100,000 books or more are awarded to organizations, identified by Scholastic, that can demonstrate how they will creatively use the donation to meet children's literacy needs.The issuing of these grants is directed by the Company and is not in response to unsolicited requests.

> Small-scale (unsolicited) donations of 500-1000 books are awarded to literacy organizations that operate under sections 170 © or 501 ©(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.

American Express
Cultural Heritage, Leadership and Community Service Grants
> Grants typically range from $7,500 to $250,000 Nonprofit organizations, schools and school districts that run school to work programs are eligible.

Intel
Community Grants
> Primary giving focus is education; strong interest in supporting K-12/higher education and community programs that deliver the kind of educational opportunities that all students will need to prepare themselves to succeed in the 21st century.

> Intel is also committed to the responsible use of natural resources, and funding for environmental programs will be considered.

Target
Local Store Grants
> Supports programs that impact any of the following areas: Arts, Early Childhood Reading, Family Violence Prevention

> Average grant amount $1,000-$3,000

Lowes
Build an Outdoor Classroom Grant
> Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation, International Paper and National Geographic Explorer! classroom magazine have partnered to create an outdoor classroom grant program to provide schools with additional resources to improve their science curriculum by engaging students in hands-on experiences outside the traditional classroom. All K-12 public schools in the United States are welcome to apply.

> This school year, the program will award grants up to $2,000 to at least 100 schools.

Trustmark Companies
Impact Educator Grant Program
> Through the IMPACT Educator Grant Program, your school can receive up to $1,000 for promoting healthy lifestyles through innovative educational programs.

BP America
A+ for Energy Grants
> Available to California and Texas K-12 teachers. The Program was developed by BP to recognize teachers for innovation and excellence in teaching energy and/or energy conservation in the classroom.

> $5,000-$10,000 grants awarded

Olympus
Classroom Grants
> Bring your students together for a class project using Olympus digital cameras and Tool Factory's project-building software.

Do you have a grant that should be added to the list? Send the information to info@teaching.monster.com.

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h4. CORPORATE GRANTS h4. Best Buy "Technology Inspired Teaching Grant":http://communications.bestbuy.com/communityrelations/teach_awards.asp > Level 1 - 1,300 K-12 schools will win a $2,000 Best Buy Gift Card > Level 2 - 50 K-12 schools will win $10,000 in Best Buy Gift Cards > Level 3 - 8 School districts will win a $100,000 Best Buy Spending Account h4.

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Seventeen years ago, I attended a National Charter School conference where I learned that some women were told that if they became teachers at charter schools, they could no longer be members of the union.

Fast forward 12 years. As a teacher in a charter school and a trainer for Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment, I overheard another trainer say that charter schools were established to "bust unions." I would never have taken the job if I had known! My husband has been a lifelong member of IBEW, the International Brotherhood of Electricians. How could I correct this?

I did some research and found out that charter employees could now be union members. Since no one had reached out to us, I went to the union.

Up until then, we had been lucky. Our charter is non-profit, it has always had a lottery system, and abided by local, state, and government standards in terms of accepting the next student on the list, allowing for as much diversity as possible while still honoring the lottery. The school has also never asked for money, but it has asked for donations, which sometimes come and sometimes do not.

Then something very unsettling happened - two of our teachers were fired without cause. We were asked to do small things outside of our scope as teachers. And, we were "at will" employees. Did this make us feel safe? It depended upon our administrator. The one we have now is great but that has not always been the case. We were told, "You don't need a union - we'll take care of you."

When we lost those two teachers that did not feel true.

We are now negotiating our third collective bargaining contract. As members of CFT, not only do we feel united because of the union, but the entire work environment feels safer and we all work together more effectively. There even seems to be more respect for us as teachers. Sure, we do not get all we ask for, but we are progressing along a path of equality with our partners in other public schools. Yes, we do get paid less even though we completed a specialized two-year training on top of our teacher preparatory work.

Where do we go from here? I would like to feel welcome and accepted when I, or my fellow teachers or staff from charter schools, attend CFT events. I would like the wrongdoings of some charter schools to be spoken of as "this school does this," instead of assuming all charter schools do illegal or unethical things.

I would like the wrongdoings of some charter schools to be spoken of as "this school does this," instead of assuming all charter schools do illegal or unethical things.

I would like to see more charter school educators serve on CFT committees and increase outreach to charters in general to make sure our brothers and sisters know they can feel safe in a union. I know the CFT is eager and willing to make this happen. We need to attend education conferences and proclaim how CFT can make a teacher's life feel less stressed and more supported.

Are you my brother? Are you my sister? I sometimes feel there is rift between us. I have felt it at CFT events, but we just need to be educated about the wonders and ways of the union and to be seen as true colleagues wanting the same for all of our students. We may have different teaching styles, but isn't diversity what it's all about? Together, we stand stronger. We can effectively reduce bad practices at those charters. United, we can really make a difference. May we go forward together.
Kayla Meadows has taught at River Oak Charter School (K-8) in Ukiah for 16 years and is a member of the Mendocino County Federation of School Employees, River Oak Charter School Chapter, AFT Local 4345A. Meadows also serves on the AFT Advisory Counsel for Charter Schools and was recently appointed to the newly formed CFT Charter School Committee.
Why charter employees deserve a union

All charter school employees have a role in California's education system and the union worked to specifically include the right of charter employees to organize under the Educational Employment Relations Act - the collective bargaining law for K-14 education employees.

Representation is not dependent upon kindness or whims of the charter board or administration. Instead, the law requires the employer to bargain in good faith, fostering dialogue between educators and administration.

Charter teachers and staff deserve a contract that they can trust to be fair and consistent. California law allows employees to be represented on issues relating to wages, hours, and working conditions and provides protection from unilateral changes. Negotiating a collective bargaining agreement will provide charter employees:

* due process instead of "at will" employment
* terms and conditions of employment that may include work hours, work year, leaves, evaluation, progressive discipline, class size or workload
* the right to be treated as equals when negotiating salary and benefits
* a collective voice

> If you are interested in starting a union at your charter school, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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Seventeen years ago, I attended a National Charter School conference where I learned that some women were told that if they became teachers at charter schools, they could no longer be members of the union. Fast forward 12 years.

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Instruction & Professional Development - California Teachers Association

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"You've made my teaching career happier, easier, more creative, and more effective. Thank you! This is my 35th year of teaching, and, in large part due to you, I'm still enjoying it. My kids and I thank you!"

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How often have I looked around my classroom, across the playground, down the crowded hallways of my school and wondered, can I find resources to help build capacity for students, bring more 'stuff' to the table, get more hands to help with the day to day work, and build a school that is truly part of the community.

As a classroom teacher I have often gone above and beyond to provide for my students only to find that there are others out there who would love to have the opportunity to help.   We, educators, leave so much of our community resources untapped because we just don't know they exist.  Our local communities are invested in providing the best for students, we just have to let them know what we need.
A call to city hall, the local library or grocery store can get you more than you realized, a talk with your neighbor who is a member of a local service club can yield opportunities for students to share their work out side the school walls.  What are the untapped local goldmines that can provide in kind support to enrich learning for all?

It isn't always about the money or the 'stuff', its about the connections and the goodwill that can be generated for schools when you look outside your four walls and realize we aren't alone and people really do love teachers who work hard for students.  (MG 3/4/19)

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of America - Youth Mentoring

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Dale Hawkins Long is a survivor of the September 1963 bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, AL, where four of his friends were tragically killed and twenty-seven people injured. He and his late brother, Kenneth escaped unscathed. In September 2023 Dale spent a week visiting in Birmingham where he participated in several events commemorating the 60th anniversary of the bombing.

Dale's experience in Birmingham led him to dedicate his life to volunteering. The recipient of numerous awards for volunteer service, for five decades he has been a mentor with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Dale was honored to be named the 1989 National Big Brother of the Year. In 2007 he was the recipient of the Clifford B. Norman, National Local Board Member of the Year. Last summer he received the inaugural Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Big Brother of the Year at its 97th General Convention in Dallas.

Dale is a speaker on the national platform who has shared his role in American History as a primary source of Jim Crow, 60's era, Birmingham with organizations including the National Urban League, Congressional Black Caucus, the United Methodist Church's General Conference, the University of Michigan, Rutgers University, Texas Wesleyan University, Dallas College, Collin County Community College, the University of Dallas, Texas Southern University, Southern Methodist University, the University of Wyoming, The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, The National MENTOR Summitt, ONCOR Electric Delivery, The American Heart Association, the Dallas Black Dance Theater and the Cities of Dallas, Ft. Worth and Plano. In 1990 he shared the podium at the White House with President George H. W. Bush as the President announced one of his Youth Engaged in Service initiatives. In 2004 during the 40th anniversary commemoration of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, President George W. Bush included in his White House addresses one of Dale's childhood memories of growing up in Birmingham. For volunteer work, Dale has garnered media attention from Forbes, Essence, Time and Ebony Magazines, the Dallas Morning News, PBS, CNN, C-Span, the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Sphinx Magazine, the NBC Nightly News and is listed in the 2011 Grio 100.

Dale was born in Tuskegee, Alabama and reared in Birmingham where he graduated from high school in 1970. He accepted a music scholarship, becoming a member of the famous "Ocean of Soul" Marching Band of Texas Southern University, Houston, TX, where he earned the Bachelor of Science Degree in 1974.

He is a member of the Garland Branch NAACP, the Leadership Dallas Alumni Association, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, a Life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a Life member of the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association - Dallas Chapter, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum Suvivors Speakers Bureau, a Research Advocate with UT Southwest Medical Center, Dallas and a member of Kidsinbirmingham1963.org.

A resident of Garland, Texas he is the former Community Outreach Coordinator/Public Information Officer for the City of Dallas Public Works Department where he retired in April 2018. Previously he worked for a contractor on the NASA Space Shuttle Program, Houston, Texas Instruments in Dallas, The City of Garland, Texas and a contractor with the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Light Rail Design and Construction Project.

Dale and his wife Ellen Scott Long are proud parents of adult daughters Kendra Dale and Amber Nicole and are members of Hamilton Park United Methodist Church in Dallas. In his spare time Dale enjoys reading, music and photography. A retired marathoner, Dale now does "power walking" and practices yoga.

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Home - Big Brothers Big Sisters of America - Youth Mentoring

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Mentoring can change a child's life. Sign up with BBBS today to start making a difference. Help a child reach their full potential. Learn how mentoring programs make a difference.

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United is the Way we create lasting change. United Way brings communities together to find strength and share hope. It’s the way we rally in hard times to meet people’s needs so they can rise back up and build a better future.

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Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that helps people in your community and around the world build or improve a place they can call home. Donate, volunteer and raise your voice in support of decent and affordable housing.

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The Rape Crisis Center for Children and Adults

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Built out of response to a need in our community and born from grassroots efforts, The Rape Crisis Center has been empowering survivors since 1975. We offer a continuum of care- from intervention to prevention and advocacy, including wrap-around resources.

We provide 24-hour crisis intervention, free and confidential counseling and a community wide prevention education program. We not only create awareness through presentations, but also through events, campaigns and dynamic partnerships and collaborations.

We envision a world free from sexual violence where equity in relationships and social inclusion are the norm, and we work passionately to make this vision a reality. We won't stop until we achieve a safe, healthy and equitable San Antonio for all.

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Home | The Rape Crisis Center for Children and Adults

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Built out of response to a need in our community and born from grassroots efforts, The Rape Crisis Center has been empowering survivors since 1975. We offer a continuum of care- from intervention to prevention and advocacy, including wrap-around resources. We provide 24-hour crisis intervention, free and confidential counseling and a community wide prevention education program.

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Pet Rescue, Animal Shelters, Adopt A Pet, Donate To SPCAI

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The SPCA International mission is to advance the safety and well-being of animals globally. We work to save animals from cruelty. Join our cause today.

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Lions Clubs International is home to 1.4 million members who are dedicated to serving their communities-and the world.

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the Y : YMCA of the USA

YMCAs are providing staff-supervised remote learning spaces.

From The Ground Up

In support of a White House effort to remove barriers to individuals receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, YMCAs serving more than 500 communities in 38 states are offering free, drop-in child care during vaccination appointments for parents and caregivers who need it.

Learn More

As the COVID-19 vaccines begin reaching the broader population, the Y is working to ensure that everyone has equitable access to accurate information about the vaccines and to the vaccines themselves.

Learn More

YMCA of the USA President and CEO Kevin Washington condemns recent acts of violence against Asian Pacific Islanders.

Read His Statement

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OFFICIAL SITE for the YMCA of the USA: At the Y, strengthening community is our cause. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.

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Kiwanis International | Around the world. In your community.

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At a busy toll plaza in Kohat, Pakistan, a three-member vaccination team is working fast. Outfitted in blue Rotary vests and flanked by armed military personnel, Rotary vaccinators wade through a sea of traffic to find any child who hasn't received the polio vaccine.

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Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)

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The ALSC Building Partnerships Committee works to build liaison relationships with national organizations who serve children and youth and who share similar goals to ALSC. Below you will find links to these national organizations and perhaps find a local chapter that can assist you in your work with children and youth in your area. Is your national organization focused on serving children and youth and are you interested in potentially entering into a liaison relationship with ALSC? Tell us about your organization.

ASPIRA Association, Inc.

The ASPIRA Association, Inc. is the only national nonprofit organization devoted solely to the education and leadership development of Puerto Rican and other Latino youth. Since its founding in 1961, ASPIRA has provided a quarter of a million youth with the personal resources they need to remain in school and contribute to their community.

Contact Information: Ronald Blackburn-Moreno, President, 1444 I Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
Publications: ASPIRA News (free online newsletter)
E-mail: info@aspira.org
Phone: (202) 835-3600

Association for Childhood Education International

The Association for Childhood Education International is to promote and support in the global community the optimal education and development of children, from birth through early adolescence. They hope to influence the professional growth of educators and the efforts of others who are committed to the needs of children in a changing society

Contact Information: Sherry Levin, Public Relations Manager, 17904 Georgia Ave, Suite 215
Olney, MD 20832
Publications: Childhood Education (6x per year)
Journal of Research in Childhood Education (quarterly)
E-mail: slevin@acei.org
Phone: (800) 423-3563

Association of Children's Museums

The Association of Children's Museums manages several award programs as a means to celebrate and recognize individual and collective efforts that benefit child development and the children's museum's ability to make a lasting impact individuals, families and communities.

Contact Information: Association of Children's Museums, 2711 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22202
E-mail: ACM@childrensmuseums.org
Phone: 703-224-3100

Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America

Big Brothers/Big Sisters matches one child, usually from a single-parent, low-income family, with one adult volunteer, who serves as a mentor, friend and role model. 500 independent locally run agencies provide counseling, referral, and family support services.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

The mission of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. A Boys and Girls Club provides: a safe place to learn and grow; ongoing relationships with caring, adult professionals; life-enhancing programs and character development experiences; and, hope and opportunity.

Contact Information: 1275 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309-3347

Child Welfare League of America

Founded in 1920, the Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest organization devoted entirely to the well-being of American's children and their families. It is a nonsectarian, privately supported organization devoted to improving child care and services for deprived, neglected and dependent children and their families.

Child Care Aware® of America

Child Care Aware® of America is our nation's leading voice for child care. We work with more than 600 state and local Child Care Resource and Referral agencies to ensure that families in every local community have access to quality, affordable child care.

Contact Information: Tracey Schaefer, Media

Children's Defense Fund

The Children's Defense Fund exists to provide a strong and effective voice for all the children of America, who cannot vote, lobby, or speak out for themselves. CDF focuses on health, education, child welfare, mental health, child care, adolescent pregnancy, family income, and youth employment.

Council for Exceptional Children

The Council for Exceptional Children is the largest international professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities. The organization's divisions cover many aspects related to exceptional children including learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, mental retardation & developmental disabilities, gifted, and visual handicaps.

Contact Information: Krista Barnes, Assistant Executive Director, 1110 N. Glebe Road, Arlington, VA 22201-5704

Publications: Teaching Exceptional Children

Girl Scouts of the USA

Girl Scouts of the USA is the world's preeminent organization dedicated solely to girls where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and success in the real world. Founded in 1912 by Juliette Gordon Low, Girl Scouts' membership has grown from 18 members in Savannah, Georgia, to 3.6 million members throughout the United States, including U.S. territories, and in more than 90 countries through USA Girl Scouts Overseas.

Contact Information: 420 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10018
Phone: 800-478-7248
Email: affiliates@girlscouts.org

GLSEN

GLSEN, the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, is the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. Established in 1990, GLSEN envisions a world in which every child learns to respect and accept all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression. GLSEN seeks to develop school climates where difference is valued for the positive contribution it makes to creating a more vibrant and diverse community.

Head Start

The National Head Start Association is a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization committed to the belief that every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to succeed in life. The opportunities offered by Head Start lead to healthier, empowered children and families, and stronger, more vibrant communities. NHSA is the voice for more than 1 million children, 200,000 staff and 1,600 Head Start grantees in the United States.

International Reading Association

The International Reading Association seeks to promote high levels of literacy for all by improving the quality of reading instruction through studying the reading processes and teaching techniques. The organization serves as a clearinghouse for the dissemination of reading research through conferences, journals, and other publications; and actively encouraging the lifetime reading habit.

International Society for Technology and Education

The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is the largest nonprofit professional organization supporting a worldwide membership of technology-using educators. Their mission is to help K-12 classroom teachers and administrators share effective methods for enhancing student learning through the use of new classroom technologies.

Learning Disabilities Association

The Learning Disabilities Association is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all individuals with learning disabilities and their families, to alleviating the restricting effects of learning disabilities, and to supporting endeavors to determine the causes of learning disabilities.

National 4H Council

National 4-H Council is the national, private sector non-profit partner of 4-H and the Cooperative Extension System. National 4-H Council partners with 4-H at all levels--national, state, and local--providing training and support, curriculum development, fostering innovative programming, and facilitating meetings and connections within the 4-H partnership. National 4-H creates linkages fostering innovation and shared learning to advance the 4-H development movement, building a world in which youth and adults learn, grow, and work together as catalysts for positive change.

Contact Information: 7100 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD 20815
E-mail: info@fourhcouncil.edu
Phone: 301-961-2800

National Association for Family Child Care

The National Association for Family Child Care is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting quality child care by strengthening the profession of family child care.

National Association for the Education of Young Children

The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is the nation's largest organization of early childhood professionals and others dedicated to improving the quality of early childhood education programs for children birth through age eight.

National Autism Association

The National Autism Association is a parent-run 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Founded in 2003, NAA is a parent-run advocacy organization and the leading voice on urgent issues related to severe autism, regressive autism, autism safety, autism abuse, and crisis prevention.

National Black Child Development Institute

The The National Black Child Development Institute was established by the Black Women's Community Development Foundation to provide a national vehicle to meet the comprehensive developmental needs of black children, youth and families.

Contact Information: Keami Harris, Director of Programs & Affiliate Relations, 1101 15th Street N. W., Suite 900, Washington, D.C. 20005
Publications: Child Health Talk; Black Child Advocate
Phone: (800) 556-2234
Fax: (202) 833-8222

National Center for Children in Poverty

The mission of the National Center for Children in Poverty is to identify and promote strategies that reduce the number of young children living in poverty in the U.S., and that improve the life chances of the millions of children under six who are growing up poor.

National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges

The National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges (NCJFCJ) works to ensure justice for every family and every child in every court throughout this country.

National Council of Teachers of English

The National Council of Teachers of English is devoted to improving the teaching and learning of English and the language arts at all levels of education.

National Education Association

The National Education Association (NEA) is committed to advancing the cause of public education. NEA is a volunteer-based organization supported by a network of staff at the local and national levels.

Contact Information: Anita Merina, 1201 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20036
E-mail: amerina@nea.org
Phone: 202-822-7387

National Institute on Out-of-School Time

The National Institute on Out-of-School Time's mission is to improve the quantity and quality of school-age child care programs nationally through collaborative work with communities, individuals and organizations, and to raise the level of public awareness about the importance of children's out-of-school time.

National Institute for Play

The National Institute for Play is a 501c(3) non-profit public benefit corporation committed to bringing the unrealized knowledge, practices and benefits of play into public life. It is gathering research from diverse play scientists and practitioners, initiating projects to expand the clinical scientific knowledge of human play and translating this emerging body of knowledge into programs and resources which deliver the transformative power of play to all segments of society.

National Parent Teacher Association

The mission of National PTA is to support and speak on behalf of children and youth in the schools, in the community, and before governmental bodies and other organizations that make decisions affecting children. They also assist parents in developing the skills they need to raise and protect their children and encourage parental involvement in the public schools.

National Science Teachers Association

The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) is the largest organization in the world committed to promoting excellence and innovation in science teaching and learning for all. NSTA's current membership of more than 55,000 includes science teachers, science supervisors, administrators, scientists, business and industry representatives, and others involved in and committed to science education.

National Storytelling Network

The vision of the National Storytelling Network (NSN) is to "Enrich the world through storytelling." The mission of the NSN is to: Bring together and nurture individuals and organizations that use the power of storytelling in all its forms." A service NSN offers is the awarding of numerous grants to members through their grant programs. NSN sponsors the National Storytelling Conference held annually in various locations throughout the United States. NSN is also a sponsor of the National Youth Storytelling Showcase (NYSS), which holds a national storytelling competition every February in Pigeon Forge, TN. One of NSN's most widely known programs is Tellabration!, night of storytelling around the world that was begun in 1988.

Contact Information: Kit Rogers, Office Manager, Karin Hensley, Events Coordinator, 132 Boone Street, Suite 8, Jonesborough, TN 37659
Publications: Storytelling Magazine
E-mail: manager@storynet.org or events@storynet.org
Phone: 800-525-4514; 423-913-8201, ext. 306 or 303
FAX: 423-753-9331

North American Council on Adoptible Children

Founded in 1974 by adoptive parents, the North American Council on Adoptable Children is committed to meeting the needs of waiting children and the families who adopt them.

Prevent Child Abuse America

Prevent Child Abuse America, founded in 1972, is focused on changing the way our nation thinks about prevention, focusing on community activities and public policies that prioritize prevention from the start to make sure child abuse and neglect never occur. We work to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide while recognizing that child development is a building block for community development and economic development. Based in Chicago, Prevent Child Abuse America has chapters in 45 states and 385 Healthy Families America (healthyfamiliesamerica.org) sites in 32 states.

Contact Information: Ben Tanzer, Senior Director of Strategic Communications, 228 S. Michigan Avenue, 10th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604
E-mail: btanzer@preventchildabuse.org
Phone: 312-633-3520, x823
FAX: 312-939-8962

Puppeteers of America

Puppeteers of America, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1937, provides information, encourages performances, and builds a community of people who love puppet theatre.

Reach Out and Read

Reach Out and Read is an evidence-based nonprofit organization that promotes early literacy and school readiness in pediatric exam rooms nationwide by giving new books to children and advice to parents about the importance of reading aloud.

Reading Is Fundamental

Reading is Fundamental (RIF) develops and delivers children's and family literacy programs that help prepare young children for reading and motivate school-age children to read.

USBBY

The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY) serves as the U.S. national section of the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), which was founded to promote international understanding and good will through books for children and adolescents.

Contact Information: United States Board on Books for Young People, 5503 N. El Adobe Drive, Fresno, CA 93711-2363
Publications: Bridges
E-mail: Executive.Director@usbby.org
Phone: 559-351-6119

YMCA of the USA

Together, the nation's more than 2,400 YMCA's are the largest not-for-profit community service organizations in America, working to meet the health and social service needs of 17.9 million men, women and children in 10,000 communities in the USA. The YMCA strives to build strong kids, strong families and strong communities. Every Y makes it's own decision on what programs to offer and how to operate.

Contact Information: YMCA of the USA, 101 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606
Phone: (312) 977-0031

YWCA USA

The YWCA USA is the oldest multicultural women's membership movement in the world. The YWCA strives to create opportunities for women's growth, leadership, and power in order to attain a common vision: peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people. The YWCA will thrust its collective power toward the elimination of racism wherever it exists and by any means necessary. Hallmark Programs, although specific programs vary from one community to another, are Racial Justice and Women's Economic Advancement. These programs strive for meaningful change and direct impact.

Contact Information: Suite 1100, 1015 18th St., Northwest, Washington, DC 20036
Phone: (202) 467-0801
Fax: (202) 467-0802

Zero to Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families

Zero To Three is a national, nonprofit organization that informs, trains, and supports professionals, policymakers, and parents in their efforts to improve the lives of infants and toddlers.

Contact Information: Sheri Lacy, 2000 M Street, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20036-3307
Publications: Zero to Three
E-mail: slacy@zerotothree.org
Phone: 202-638-1144

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Organizations Serving Children and Youth

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The ALSC Building Partnerships Committee works to build liaison relationships with national organizations who serve children and youth and who share similar goals to ALSC. Below you will find links to these national organizations and perhaps find a local chapter that can assist you in your work with children and youth in your area.

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This post was originally published on iCitizen on April 13, 2017 by Jacob Egan
When it comes to politics and civic engagement, it is true that, historically, millennials have been brandished with the Scarlet Letter "A" - for apathy.

While they now rival Baby Boomers for their potential political impact, only a third of millennials eligible to vote in the 2012 election actually showed up to the polls.

Numbers were fairly better in the 2016 election, according to CIRCLE. They estimated "23.7 million young voters participated in the 2016 presidential election, which is 50 percent of citizens aged 18-29 in the United States."

How can we continue to increase that percentage as more young voters come of age politically? Some elected officials have made some suggestions to address student civic engagement on the state legislative level, making civic education a requirement for high school graduation, most recently in Oregon

But other than making it the law, how can other groups foster an environment that activates students to get involved? Here's a list of some of our favorite organizations that tackle this issue head on:

Civic Nation is essentially a supergroup comprised of many civic engagement initiatives.They lead the ALL IN for Democracy Challenge, which is committed to recognizing "post-secondary campuses committed to improving democratic engagement, increasing student voter participation rates and graduating students with a lifelong commitment to being informed and active citizens." They regularly host webinars for colleges and universities who are interested in participating.

About five years ago, the Fair Elections Legal Network launched the Campus Vote Project to focus a branch of its efforts specifically around student voting issues, working together with "universities, community colleges, faculty, students and election officials to reduce barriers to student voting."

They work within the system and with key stakeholders to institute reforms that enable students to more easily access the ballot box as informed citizens.
Andrew Goodman Foundation
Living up to the organization's namesake, the late civil rights activist Andrew Goodman, this foundation is dedicated to awakening student activists and "harnessing the legacy of courageous civic action to grow new leaders of change: young adults bitten by the spirit of activism."

Their campus coalitions across the country nurture and grow a culture of democracy and promoting the right to vote for young people and minorities, "incubating a new civic-minded generation."

Nonprofit Vote leverages the collective power of nonprofit organizations all over the country, in addition to their volunteer networks, to promote voter rights and civic engagement. Their efforts create a domino effect of spreading awareness and increasing action, especially groups that are typically underrepresented in the electoral process, such as young people.

According to their 2014 evaluation, their Engaging New Voters initiative "showed that voters contacted in-person by nonprofits during services voted at higher rates than other voters in their state across all demographics." As trusted voices in their respective communities, nonprofits have a direct impact in increasing voter turnout.
American Association of State Colleges and Universities
This collective of more than 400 colleges and universities have pledged their commitment to student civic engagement. Every year, college administrators meet to trade best practices and experiences on initiatives they've implemented to help students become better informed and excited about politics.

In fact, icitizen partnered with them during President Obama's State of the Union address in January 2016, hosting a live stream of the address and several panels at Illinois State University.

HeadCount partners with bands, music venues and festivals all across the country. While you enjoy watching your favorite artists, volunteers help register or update your voter registration information.

It's a win-win. Why not fulfill your civic duty in between sets or when you're waiting for your favorite band to play?!

***

There are numerous ways to help increase student civic engagement - whether through efforts similar to the groups above, or by hosting volunteer events, fundraisers to help a cause, etc. Civic engagement apps also make it easier for students and non-students alike to get involved as you go about your day.

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6 Organizations That Champion Student Civic Engagement - Andrew Goodman Foundation

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This post was originally published on iCitizen on April 13, 2017 by Jacob Egan When it comes to politics and civic engagement, it is true that, historically, millennials have been brandished with the Scarlet Letter "A" - for apathy. While they now rival Baby Boomers for their potential political impact, only a third of millennials eligible to vote ...

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Association of American Colleges & Universities

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In addition to AAC&U and the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Action Network, a number of organizations strive to advance more comprehensive and inclusive civic learning and democratic engagement both in higher education and in campus/community partnerships, whether local or global ones. The following list is not all-inclusive, but showcases the diversity of organizations in the field and the abundance of resources they offer. To suggest an organization be added to this page, contact swol@aacu.org.

American Political Science Association's Civic Education Portal
A project of the American Political Science Association (APSA), the Civic Education Network provides materials for Civic Education teachers at all levels, and includes such resources as major reports on civic society and university centers working on civic education. Resources are divided into three areas: Scholarly Essays; Civic Education Organizations; and Teaching and Research Resources. Teaching Civic Engagement: From Student to Active Citizen, a 2013 publication, demonstrates how to bring civic questions and pedagogies to the heart of the disciplines.

Amizade Volunteer and Service-Learning Programs
Amizade is a non-profit organization that encourages intercultural exploration and understanding through community-driven volunteer programs and service-learning programs. Its service learning programs offer undergraduate and graduate credit to students interested in challenging academic and service experiences with communities around the world. Along with hosting a global consortium on service-learning, Amizade launches partnerships with different universities in the US and across the globe to promote innovative service-learning programs for educational credit.

Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools
The Campaign for the Civic Mission of Schools was created to expand and improve civic learning in K-12 and in Higher Education. The Campaign works with its 60+ coalition partners, the Campaign's Steering Committee, to bring about changes in state, local, and national policy that promote civic learning and implement the recommendations in "Guardian of Democracy: the Civic Mission of Schools," a report published by the Campaign in 2011. This report reflects a broad consensus among scholars and practitioners on the major challenges confronting civic learning, research based practices that are proven to effectively provide civic learning and recommendations for policymakers, educators and all Americans.

CIVNET: An International Resource for Civic Education and Civil Society
Published by CIVITAS International, a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting civic education and civil society. CIVNET is a web site for civic education practitioners (teachers, teacher trainers, curriculum designers), scholars, policy makers, civic-minded journalists, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) promoting civil society all over the world. CIVNET includes such resources as textbooks, lesson plans, original journal articles and book reviews, historical documents and speeches, civic news headlines, events listings, and organizational contacts, and more.

Community College National Center for Community Engagement (CCNCCE)
The Community College National Center for Community Engagement (CCNCCE) is a national leader in advancing programs and innovations that stimulate active participation of institutions of education in service learning and community engagement for the attainment of a vital citizenry. For 21 years, the CCNCCE has successfully developed and managed innovative partnerships and disseminated lessons learned throughout the higher education community. An outcome of the mission of the CCNCCE is to support and promote the pedagogy of service-learning, a teaching method which combines academic instruction with community service as it focuses on increasing college access and completion, academic achievement and engagement, critical and reflective thinking and civic responsibility. In addition to an annual conference in May of each year, CCNCCE also offers abstracts, articles and publications, funding opportunities, manuals and workbooks, presentations, and syllabi.

Community Outreach Partnership Centers (COPC) Program
The Community Outreach Partnership Centers (COPC) Program, an initiative of The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)'s Office of University Partnerships, provides 3-year grants for colleges and universities to join in partnerships with their communities in order to respond to the problems of greatest concern to the community. Community Outreach Partnership Centers play an active and visible role in community revitalization by applying research to real urban problems, coordinating outreach efforts with neighborhood groups and residents, acting as a local information exchange, galvanizing support for neighborhood revitalization, developing public service projects and instructional programs, and collaborating with other Centers.

ENACT: The Educational Network for Active Civic Transformation
ENACT: The Educational Network for Active Civic Transformation is a national program engaging undergraduates at colleges and universities in state-level legislative change by learning to work with legislators, staffers, and community organizations to advance policy. It is becoming a major voice in addressing challenges to American democracy by engaging young people around the country in civic activism built on knowledge, cooperation, justice and integrity. Students learn through direct engagement in this work, traveling to the state capital, meeting with and lobbying legislators, strategizing with advocacy organizations and creating outreach materials to advance their chosen issues. ENACT has launched programs in 29 colleges and universities located in or near state capitals, and is building a national online network of students, faculty, activists and legislators.

Learn and Serve and the National Service Resource Center
The federal government's Corporation for National and Community Service has established Learn and Serve to support service-learning projects in schools. The web site includes information about service learning, resources for programs, and research materials for both K-12 and higher education institutions. Learn and Serve provides grants to individual institutions and statewide consortia and sponsors a leading database on service learning, the National Service Learning Clearinghouse.

Pew Partnership for Civic Change
The Pew Partnership for Civic Engagement is a civic research organization whose mission is to document and disseminate cutting-edge community solutions. Pew collaborates with local and national partners to empower diverse leadership for action, catalyze broad-based community partnerships to solve problems, and research successful community solutions and civic practices. The Pew Partnership tests strategies to address the toughest issues facing the nation-from affordable housing to at-risk youth to economic development-through three initiatives: LeadershipPlenty; Solutions for America; and Civic Engagement.

Saguaro Seminar: Civic Engagement in America
The Saguaro Seminar: Civic Engagement in America is an initiative launched by Professor Robert D. Putnam at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. This multi-year dialogue focused on how to increasingly build bonds of civic trust among Americans and their communities. The web site includes descriptions of the eight meetings and resource lists linked from each meeting page with more information on Civic Engagement and Youth, Government, Politics, Faith-Based Efforts, Work, and the Arts.

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In addition to AAC&U and the Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement Action Network, a number of organizations strive to advance more comprehensive and inclusive civic learning and democratic engagement both in higher education and in campus/community partnerships, whether local or global ones.

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find information about educational grants

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GetEdFunding - Free grant finding resources for educators and educational institutions - GetEdFunding

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GetEdFunding.com is a collection of thousands of active grants and awards that are available to public and private schools, educational institutions, and educators.

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Interested in developing your skills as a teacher? Explore online education short courses designed to give you an in-depth understanding of various skills in teaching.

Professional Development Grants For Teachers
NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants

Amount: $2,000 to $5,000

Description: The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education awards grants that support the professional development of public school teachers and faculty in public institutions of higher education. Grants may fund professional development experiences, such as summer institutes or action research, mentoring experiences or lesson study. Professional development must improve practice, curriculum and student achievement, and recipients must put professional leadership into practice by sharing what they learn with their colleagues. Grants cannot be used to fund a degree. For specific information, visit the NEA Foundation's application instructions page.
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McCarthey Dressman Teacher Development Grants
Amount: up to $10,000 per year for three years

Description: The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation provides Teacher Development Grants for individual teachers or small teams working in K-12 education. To foster insightful and innovative professional training and growth, the grants allow you to implement new teaching methods and strategies in the classroom. Projects can take a variety of forms, but each of them must be geared towards having a significant and lasting impact in the classroom. Winners work closely with the foundation to implement their ideas and are awarded up to $10,000 for the first three years of the project.
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Funds For Classroom Enrichment/student Achievement
DonorsChoose.org

Amount: N/A

Discount: While not a traditional grant, DonorsChoose.org is an excellent way of raising funds for your classroom. Public school teachers essentially propose classroom projects and post their proposals on the website. In these proposals, you will include very specific items that you need, ranging from standard tool supplies to microscopes, laboratory equipment and computer software. Donors browse the site and have the opportunity to donate money to your cause.
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Elmer's Teacher Tool Kit Grant
Amount: $100 to $500

Description: The Kids in Need Foundation, a leading organization aiming to provide free school supplies to students in need, has partnered with the educational product company Elmer's to create grants specifically for classroom supplies. The Teacher's Tool Kit Grant lets K-12 teachers in high-needs schools fund classroom projects that aim to foster creativity and critical thinking in students. Grants are awarded based on financial need, a description of how the project meets the students' needs and the number of students who will be involved. The application is available on the Kids in Need Foundation's website.
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Target Field Trip Grants
Amount: $700

Description: Since 2007, the Target Company has donated more than $16 million in grants to the improvement of education. As part of their efforts, Target seeks to expand the parameters of the classroom by providing opportunities for you to fund educational excursions for your classes. Each Target store in the United States will award three Target Field Trip Grants, enabling one in 25 schools throughout the country to send a classroom on a field trip. Funds may be used for transportation, registration for events, admission prices and other field trip expenditures.
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NEA Foundation Student Achievement Grants
Amount: $2,000 to $5,000

Description: The NEA Foundation allows practicing public school teachers to apply for the funding of programs designed to improve the academic achievement of students. You must create a plan that fosters critical thinking and problem solving in students and aims to expand their comprehension of various subjects. The grant will fund your efforts for 12 months, and funding may be used for resource materials, supplies, equipment, transportation and technology - any part of the proposed plan that has a direct impact on the students' learning. For specific application information, visit the NEA Foundation's application instructions page.
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STEM Grants
AIAA Foundation Classroom Grant Program

Amount: $200

Description: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronauts is dedicated to the importance of STEM education and awards $200 in grants to K-12 teachers who want to incorporate new ways of teaching science, technology, education and mathematics into their classroom. Funds can be used to purchase laboratory equipment, math and science software, robotics supplies, and other items that will add depth and dimension to your lessons.
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Delta Education/Frey-Neo/CPO Science Education Awards for Excellence in Inquiry-Based Science Teaching
Amount: $3,000

Description: This is a grant offered by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) to recognize the outstanding efforts of teachers to implement an inquiry-based approach to science education that stimulates interest and exploration in students. The grant covers up to $1,500 in travel expenses to attend the NSTA national conference, as well as $1,500 for use in the classroom. You can explore any of the other numerous awards offered by NSTA.
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Lemelson-MIT InvenTeams
Amount: up to $10,000

Description: The Lemelson-MIT Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology recognizes the important achievements of inventors and has created the InvenTeams initiative, a grant program that focuses exclusively on STEM education. The InvenTeams program encourages hands-on engagement and the application of science, technology, education and mathematics concepts to the solving of real world problems. Teams of students and teachers apply for InvenTeams grant by finding a timely and relevant societal issue, and conceptualizing an technological invention that can help solve that problem. Up to 15 teams are chosen to receive grants that help fund the actual invention of their idea.
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Interested in developing your skills as a teacher? Explore online education short courses designed to give you an in-depth understanding of various skills in teaching. Professional Development Grants For Teachers NEA Foundation Learning and Leadership Grants Amount: $2,000 to $5,000 Description: The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education awards grants that support the professional development of public school teachers and faculty in public institutions of higher education.