Best Parent-Teacher Organization Grants

MyCAP, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and High School Work-based Learning

The My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) Planning and Implementation, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and Work-based Learning Grants provide supplementary support to districts/schools who are working to improve the college, career, and civic readiness for all students.

Option 1: 0598 Planning and Implementation

The purpose of this competitive grant opportunity is to provide supplementary support to school districts with high schools interested in entering the planning phase of MyCAP or school districts that are currently engaged in the early stages of whole school implementation of MyCAP in high schools. The MyCAP process requires schools to convene a multi-role team to create a scope and sequence in the three domains identified as necessary for college, career, and civic readiness — personal/social/mental health, career development, and academic and future planning — for every grade to guide the implementation of MyCAP. This grant will provide planning team members the supplementary support necessary to attend professional development, to hold team meetings outside-of-school hours to create a scope and sequence for every grade, or to support the MyCAP team as they begin implementation of the scope and sequence and allow for continuation of team meetings outside of school hours, attend additional trainings, purchase curriculum that supports MyCAP.

Grant applicants must identify a team that at a minimum includes four members representing a cross-section of professional roles e.g., administrator, school counselor, general education teacher, special education teacher, shop teacher, coach. Student representation is also encouraged. The team will create a scope and sequence that will address the three domains of college, career and civic readiness in each year of middle and/or high school and includes the identification of learning objectives, lessons, activities and resources available to meet those objectives, and the artifacts that will be captured in the individual student MyCAP. The focus of the work should be on creating a scope and sequence that demonstrates a whole school commitment to engage and empower students in planning for postsecondary success based on their individual interests, strengths, and skills, implementing the scope and sequence, and providing professional development opportunities for whole school buy-in.

Funding will support the team’s work by:

• allowing a team made up of diverse roles to meet outside of school hours for the creation of a middle or secondary school scope and sequence;
• paying for substitutes while team members attend in-person trainings;
• designing and/or begin the implementation plan for the rollout of MyCAP;
• identifying 2 metrics for assessment of student success.

Funds may be used for:

Stipends;

Substitute teachers for team members attending Professional Development opportunities;

Consultant fees; and

Coaching Fees.

MyCAP, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and High School Work-based Learning

The My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) Planning and Implementation, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and Work-based Learning Grants provide supplementary support to districts/schools who are working to improve the college, career, and civic readiness for all students.

Option 2: 0424 Middle School Career Connected Learning

The purpose of this competitive grant is to support middle schools as they design learning opportunities that integrate academic learning, personal, social, and emotional development and career development with real-world applications. 

Middle school career connected learning is a whole school effort focused on building self-awareness, exploring diverse career options, and developing essential skills. This includes understanding personal strengths, skills, and interests, learning about different jobs and careers to align strengths, skills, and interests and practicing foundational skills like teamwork and communication that will become key employability skills.

Academic, technical, and experiential learning happens across the school in classrooms and core content instruction, in advisory, through comprehensive school counseling, through intentional career development activities (i.e., career speakers), and/or during extracurricular experiences.

Career connected learning is foundational to the MyCAP process. The state highly recommends using these funds for the development of a MyCAP middle school scope and sequence . However, for this grant, schools may choose to begin with development of a career connected learning process that aligns with the state career development model.

MyCAP, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and High School Work-based Learning

The My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) Planning and Implementation, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and Work-based Learning Grants provide supplementary support to districts/schools who are working to improve the college, career, and civic readiness for all students.

Option 3: 0413 Work-based Learning

This competitive grant is available to schools focused on building systems and strategically aligning resources to expand work-based learning opportunities for their students. This grant is intended to support the implementation of Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority (MEFA) Pathway as the new statewide work-based learning database.

This group's work will lead the state in the development of:

models and resources for implementing MEFA Pathway as the statewide student portal for Work-based Learning Plans and statewide work-based learning data collection including for purposes of Perkins V, Connecting Activities, and Youthworks;

models and resources for Work-based learning plans as part of MyCAP implementation;

models and resources for strategic use of Connecting Activities, YouthWorks, and related resources to expand students access to work-based learning opportunities and bring work-based learning opportunities to all secondary students;

opportunities to integrate Youthworks and Connecting activities planning and reporting tools; and

Recommendations for alignment of Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) career development model and YouthWorks employment engagement standards.

The Green School Works Technical Assistance Services provide crucial support for public K-12 schools in Massachusetts to advance their decarbonization goals. Eligible participants can access low- or no-cost services including comprehensive building assessments and decarbonization roadmaps, ensuring that schools can modernize their facilities effectively. This initiative not only aids in planning for energy-efficient buildings but also offers insights into renewable energy options and funding opportunities, fostering a sustainable future for educational institutions.

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

The Winneconne Area Education Fund, established in 1998, aims to enhance educational experiences for students in the Winneconne Community School District. Managed by the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation, this fund supports innovative projects and programs that foster learning. Eligible applicants include K-12 teachers, while ineligible requests involve facility renovations or capital equipment. The foundation encourages creative approaches that extend beyond traditional classroom settings, ensuring impactful educational opportunities for the community.

The Conference Access Scholarship, offered by the North Bay Watershed Association, provides financial support of up to $500 for individuals residing or working in the NBWA boundary. This scholarship is designed to promote educational opportunities in environmental sciences, engineering, and related fields for students of all ages. It encourages community engagement and stewardship of the North Bay watersheds, facilitating attendance at important educational events, including the biennial conference.

The Students First Grant, initiated by the Beckley Area Foundation in 1996, supports innovative projects aimed at enhancing student learning in Raleigh County classrooms, from Pre-K through 12th grade. With a maximum funding of $750 per project, educators can submit two independent applications for distinct initiatives. The grant prioritizes projects that directly benefit students, excluding funding for classroom items not related to instruction, party supplies, or uniforms.

The K–12 Educators Grants in American Music, offered by the American Musicological Society, provides $500 awards to K-12 educators with an interest in American music to attend the Teaching Music History Conference. This grant supports educators in engaging with historical pedagogy through workshops and networking opportunities. Participants will explore American music's significance while developing actionable lesson plans, fostering connections among educators and researchers committed to enhancing music education.

The Drs. Singh and Bhuller Tri-Cities Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, established in 2002, honors an exceptional educator in Virginia's foundation service area. This prestigious award includes a $6,000 grant aimed at enhancing the recipient's teaching skills. It recognizes dedication to excellence in education, encouraging educators to maintain high standards. Eligible candidates must hold a current Virginia teaching license, with no discrimination based on race, religion, or other factors. Provisional license holders and retiring teachers are not eligible.

The John E. Mayfield Kiwanis Club of Cheatham County Scholarship Fund, established by the Kiwanis Club of Cheatham County, honors John E. Mayfield's dedication and leadership. It supports residents of Cheatham County, including those homeschooled or adult learners, with a preference for those engaged in public service. This scholarship exemplifies the community's commitment to fostering educational opportunities for all, reflecting a legacy of philanthropy and positive change in the region.

The NSF STEM K-12 program supports transformative research to enhance STEM education across various settings. Focusing on innovative projects, it aims to improve teaching and learning through the integration of emerging technologies, including AI. Proposals may address any STEM field, fostering collaboration between research and educational practice. By generating new knowledge and tools, this initiative seeks to strengthen the U.S. position in global STEM innovation and improve educational outcomes for learners of all ages.

The Georgia Promise Scholarship, established by the Georgia Student Finance Commission in 2024, empowers families to choose nonpublic education options, including private schools and home study programs. This initiative allows eligible families to utilize funds for tuition, textbooks, tutoring, and other educational expenses. To qualify, students must have been enrolled in a Georgia public school or be rising kindergartners, while income level considerations apply for Spring Semester enrollment. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for Georgia’s students.

The Mazda Toyota Manufacturing (MTM) Grant aims to enhance community well-being in North Alabama through funding programs focused on education, economic impact, and quality of life. Grants of up to $20,000 support initiatives that align with MTM's core values of motivating, appreciating, relating, collaborating, and innovating. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities that serve the Greater Huntsville area, ensuring diverse community benefits while fostering inclusivity and measurable outcomes.

The 2025-2026 AWARE Texas Expansion Consortium Grant Program aims to enhance mental health services for school-aged youth facing behavioral health challenges. Through strategic collaboration with education service centers, the program will implement evidence-based practices to improve access to mental health resources, promote awareness, and develop competencies in students. Key objectives include establishing referral pathways, training staff, and engaging families to foster a supportive environment, ultimately leading to positive educational and mental health outcomes across participating school systems.

The K12 Early Career Investigator Awards in Clinical - Translational Research, offered by the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (CTSI), provide promising early career faculty with mentorship in research-intensive settings. These awards aim to bridge laboratory research with clinical applications, fostering the development of new treatment options and health interventions. Applicants are encouraged to submit their CV and project details for pre-screening. The initiative supports Indiana's vision of becoming one of the nation's healthiest states.

The Edward C. Roy Jr. Award for Excellence in K-8 Earth Science Teaching, established by the American Geosciences Institute, honors educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership in earth science education. This prestigious award includes a $2500 prize for the winning teacher and a $1500 grant to attend the National Science Teaching Association's annual conference. The award celebrates the legacy of Dr. Edward C. Roy Jr., promoting innovation and excellence in teaching for future generations.

The McKinney-Vento Education for Homeless Children Grant aims to support homeless children and youth by ensuring their equal access to public education. This program will fund Lead Area Liaisons across Illinois to assist school district liaisons in implementing the McKinney-Vento Act, helping to remove barriers to education and facilitating local programs that cater to the needs of homeless students.

The Outstanding Earth Science Teacher (OEST) Award recognizes exceptional K-12 educators for their contributions to Earth Science education. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, the award aims to stimulate interest in Earth Sciences among students. Eight national finalists are chosen annually, ensuring broad recognition and encouraging teaching excellence. Nominees can apply themselves or be nominated by colleagues, allowing for two awards in an educator's career to honor both early and late career achievements.

The Ryman Hospitality Properties Foundation Grant supports organizations that focus on the arts, education, and youth enrichment in communities impacted by Ryman's assets. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under IRS guidelines and align with the foundation's focus areas. The foundation aims to enhance cultural education and provide opportunities for disadvantaged children through various programs, ensuring compliance with federal and local laws.

The Algebra 1 Advantage program, funded by the Ardagh Group through Project Lead The Way, aims to enhance educational opportunities for over 500,000 PreK-12 students in the U.S. by 2032. Schools eligible for this grant must offer the program in the 2026-2027 academic year, ensuring students gain essential skills for future success. This initiative focuses on real-world learning and teacher training, addressing educational inequities in local communities.

The Kentucky Department of Education is offering the FY26 CTE Innovation and Support RFA to enhance public education through innovative projects in Career and Technical Education (CTE). The grant allocates $500,000 to fund up to five awards, each valued at $100,000, aimed at supporting new career paths in CTE schools and programs. All funds must be utilized by June 30, 2027, with local school districts acting as fiscal agents.

The Daniel Foundation of Alabama provides operating grants, up to $25,000, aimed at strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life. Key focus areas include early childhood education, K-12 academic improvements, adult life skills, arts and community support, and health services. Eligible organizations must be based in Alabama and meet specific criteria, including revenue limits and employee requirements, to qualify for funding to benefit local residents.

The 2025-2026 SP Supports 3 program by the Texas Education Agency aims to empower families of emergent bilingual (EB) students through effective engagement activities. The initiative focuses on providing educators and families with training and resources to enhance collaboration in instructional decisions. By leveraging statewide in-person and virtual training, the program seeks to strengthen school systems' internal practices for engaging families, ultimately fostering a supportive environment for EB students.