Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Illinois

The Cottrell SEED: Exceptional Opportunities grant supports high-impact research activities for Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients. It encourages innovative projects at primarily undergraduate institutions, with a maximum award of $60,000. The initiative aims to advance existing research to new levels of innovation and impact. Eligible applicants include those six years post-Cottrell Scholar Award, with a focus on interdisciplinary collaboration. Preference is given to proposals in Physics and Astronomy in odd years, while Chemistry is prioritized in even years.

The Cottrell STAR Award recognizes exceptional research and educational achievements of Cottrell Scholars and Holland Award recipients. It aims to enhance science education at U.S. and Canadian universities, promoting the Cottrell Scholars' national profile. The award includes a $5,000 cash prize, with applications initiated through nominations. Highlighted at the summer Cottrell Scholar Conference, the award supports a vibrant community of early career faculty committed to innovative research and teaching in the physical sciences.

The AISES ARDC Scholarship provides $5,000 annually to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related fields. Funded by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), this scholarship aims to support Indigenous students who are current AISES members and enrolled full-time. Eligible applicants must also be citizens or descendants of recognized Indigenous tribes, ensuring a commitment to enhancing representation in STEM education and careers.

The AISES Sports and Technology Scholarship aims to empower Indigenous students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. Sponsored by the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, this scholarship supports American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, and First Nations students, ensuring they have the financial resources needed to excel. Eligible applicants must be full-time students in accredited programs and demonstrate tribal affiliation, contributing to a diverse future in technology and science.

The AISES Burlington Northern Santa Fe Foundation Scholarship supports Native students pursuing degrees in STEM fields. This scholarship aims to empower Indigenous students by providing financial aid and fostering diversity within the STEM community. Applicants must be full-time students and either enrolled citizens or descendants of recognized Native American or Indigenous groups. The program is part of BNSF’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for underrepresented communities in the transportation sector.

The National Science-Health-Environment-Reporting Fellowships are intended to support early-career journalists who are pursuing—or have a strong interest in pursuing —careers reporting on science, health, or environmental issues (or all three).

The program is primarily aimed at journalists in their first decade of professional work, who are interested in boosting their ability and confidence to tackle some of the most important stories of the 21st century.

The fellowship is designed to enable fellows to maintain their regular employment while attending concentrated training opportunities across the country, many of which will lead to stories for their employer or clients. Fellowship leaders and mentors will provide support and guidance through seminars, calls and e-mail consultations.

Curriculum will include basic science, interpreting medical studies, analyzing data, explaining evidence-based decisions, understanding climate science and more.

The program hopes to provide essential on-the-job training that might otherwise take years to accumulate.

Over the course of a year, selected fellows will: 

• Participate in workshops and other events held at the annual Environmental Journalism , Health Journalism  and Science Writers conferences. 
• Learn from custom webinars scheduled throughout the year for additional opportunities to gain skills, connections and resources to inform their reporting. 
• Be matched with a professional mentor.
• Receive prepaid memberships in the National Association of Science Writers, SEJ and AHCJ.
• Participate in peer-to-peer networking platforms. 
• Receive project support stipends if they are an independent journalist.

The NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program offers general operating grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit music organizations that align with its mission of fostering music participation. Grants range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are aimed at eliminating barriers for underrepresented communities in music-making and career mobility. The foundation seeks to support innovative projects that enhance music education and create more music makers, while prioritizing historically underserved groups.

The NAMM Foundation Global Grantmaking Program provides music research grants aimed at enhancing music education and career mobility. With a focus on eliminating barriers for underrepresented communities, grants range from $5,000 to $25,000. The foundation supports high-impact organizations that demonstrate measurable outcomes and align with its mission of fostering music makers. Eligible applicants include those with a strong research track record and innovative project proposals that do not duplicate existing studies.

The Project SEED Fellowship aims to provide high school students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds with hands-on summer research experiences in chemistry and related fields. Over 50 years, it has engaged more than 11,000 students, offering mentorship and support for college readiness. Participants work under the guidance of scientists for 8 to 10 weeks, with opportunities for scholarships and travel grants, thereby fostering interest in STEM careers and promoting diversity in the sciences.

The Helen M. McLoraine Foster Care and Emancipated Youth Scholarship provides financial support for youth from the foster care system in Colorado. With a minimum award of $1,000, the scholarship is aimed at those pursuing post-secondary education, including trade schools and universities. Recipients are selected based on academic performance, resilience, and financial need, ensuring that deserving individuals receive the assistance they need to succeed in their educational goals.

The Parkinson Association of the Rockies Eric Wright Memorial Fund honors Eric Wright's legacy by providing scholarships to high school seniors and college students affected by Parkinson Disease. Recipients, eligible for up to $20,000 over four years, are selected based on merit and financial need. This fund aims to inspire the next generation while supporting students who have experienced loss or hardship due to this condition, promoting education and resilience within the community.

The Dave Ragan Jr. Memorial Golf Scholarship, managed by the Coral Gables Community Foundation, offers financial support to graduating seniors with a passion for golf. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, demonstrate financial need, and intend to play golf at the collegiate level. This scholarship honors the legacy of Dave Ragan Jr. and aims to foster educational opportunities through sports. Over the years, the Foundation has awarded over $2.9 million in scholarships, emphasizing academic achievement and community engagement.

The Bill & Carol Rogacheski Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, provides financial support to students in Portage and Waushara counties. With scholarships ranging from $500 to $40,000, it aims to assist both traditional and non-traditional learners pursuing full-time undergraduate studies or technical education, particularly in medical fields or as first responders. Applicants must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA and demonstrate financial need, along with active participation in extracurricular activities.

The Avis M. Wysocki Memorial Scholarship supports Central Wisconsin college students pursuing degrees in Nursing or as Physician’s Assistants. Sponsored by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, this scholarship is available to those who have completed 25% of their coursework with a minimum GPA of 3.0. Special consideration is given to immediate family members of Wysocki Family of Companies employees, ensuring opportunities for deserving students. Award amounts range from $500 to $40,000 annually.

The Alton & Barbara McDonald Scholarship, provided by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, offers financial support to students from Portage and Waushara counties. With awards ranging from $500 to $40,000, it is available to high school seniors and college students pursuing veterinary science at UW. Applicants must demonstrate a strong community service record, a minimum 3.0 GPA, and financial need, ensuring opportunities for deserving students in the region.

The AK Chen Memorial Scholarship Fund, administered by the Hawai‘i Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in Hawaii. Eligible applicants must be residents of Hawaii, demonstrate financial need, and maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0. Preference is given to students from specific high schools and those majoring in STEM or education fields. Scholarships cover various educational expenses, ensuring support for students' academic journeys.

The Nancy Talbot Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, established by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, offers $30,000 for one year to support postdoctoral research in occupational therapy. This fellowship aims to enhance diversity in the field by funding individuals from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, as identified by the NSF. Eligible candidates must hold an OT degree or relevant doctorate, have a mentor, and conduct research at a U.S. academic institution.

This competitive program seeks to encourage organizations to submit grant applications for educational activities focused on healthcare professionals involved in the management and care of people with migraine.

Individual projects requesting up to $200,000 will be considered. Maximum project length is 2 years.

The American Occupational Therapy Foundation's AOTF Intervention Research Grant Program supports innovative research in occupational therapy, providing up to $100,000 for projects that address health inequities and social justice. This initiative aims to generate preliminary data essential for larger studies, aligning with the profession's Vision 2025. By focusing on underrepresented populations, the program encourages inclusivity and ethical research practices, ensuring a diverse study population. This funding opportunity is crucial for advancing evidence-based practices in occupational therapy.

The AOTF Implementation Research Grant supports innovative research aimed at integrating evidence-based practices into occupational therapy. This grant encourages projects that directly involve stakeholders, particularly from underrepresented populations, to address health inequities. With funding options of up to $100,000 for two years or $50,000 for one year, the AOTF seeks to enhance the effectiveness of care through practical implementation strategies in diverse clinical settings.

The Bonita Kraft Occupational Therapy Doctoral Student Scholarship, valued at $5,000, supports doctoral candidates in occupational therapy focusing on mental health research. This scholarship honors Bonita Kraft, a dedicated advocate for integrating occupational therapy into mental health services. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have IRB approval, and conduct research addressing chronic mental health conditions in adults. The scholarship aims to enhance the visibility of occupational therapy within mental health treatment.

The Dr. A. Jean Ayres Doctoral Candidate Scholarship, funded by The American Occupational Therapy Foundation, supports emerging OT scientists focusing on sensory integration and processing research. This $5,000 scholarship aids doctoral candidates in conducting impactful studies, contributing to the field of occupational therapy and enhancing care delivery. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have defended their dissertation proposal, and conduct research at a US institution. The scholarship emphasizes the importance of evidence-based practices for underserved communities.

The Dr. Gary Kielhofner Doctoral Research Scholarship in Occupational Therapy supports research initiatives that advance occupational therapy. It encourages doctoral candidates to explore social justice, human volition, and innovative intervention techniques. This scholarship, endowed by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, honors Dr. Gary Kielhofner's legacy, fostering new research talent in the field. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a doctoral program, have defended their dissertation proposal, and conduct research at a U.S. institution.

The STRIDE Mentored Research Scholarship (SMRS), offered by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation (AOTF), provides funding up to $10,000 for occupational therapy graduates and clinicians from underrepresented backgrounds to enhance their research representation. This scholarship supports participation in mentored research experiences at different institutions, focusing on building critical skills in research methods. By pairing awardees with experienced mentors, the program aims to foster diversity and inclusion within the occupational therapy field.

The Dr. Carolyn Baum Cognitive Function in Daily Life Mentor Award, funded by the American Occupational Therapy Foundation, supports mid-to senior-level occupational therapy researchers mentoring assistant professors or post-doctoral fellows. This $10,000 stipend aims to enhance understanding of cognition's role in daily life through research. Dr. Carolyn Baum, a pioneer in the field, inspires this initiative, promoting the advancement of functional cognition in occupational therapy.

The Volk – Geyman Scholarship, established by the San Juan Pilots Association, honors John Volk and John Geyman by providing financial assistance to students pursuing careers in aviation and medicine. This scholarship aims to support high school graduates with a commitment to academic excellence and community service. Eligible fields include aviation-related studies and emergency medical training. By fostering leadership and service, the scholarship encourages students to follow the inspiring examples set by its namesakes.

The Vida Wight Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of Vida Luisa Demuth Wight, supports young women pursuing higher education in fields like dance, psychology, and agriculture. This scholarship aims to honor Vida's vibrant spirit and commitment to empowerment by aiding those who demonstrate passion for their studies and a strong work ethic. Preference is given to students of color, promoting diversity and inclusion in educational opportunities.