Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Pennsylvania

Ted Gacomis Scholarship for Civil Engineering

Mission Statement

Ted Gacomis worked with several civil engineering firms in Chester County. For thirty plus years, he was part of Edward B. Walsh (EBW) & Associates, based in Exton, PA, where he became a Partner and Vice President. The EBW family and the many County township officials with whom he worked were a very important part of his life.

Ted offered his engineering skills to many organizations as a volunteer, including Habitat for Humanity and Operation Honduras, the latter holding a very special place in his heart as he volunteered there for more than twelve years.

Ted was more than a Civil Engineer; it was very important to him to mentor and support future generations of young men and women in his profession. He offered his time and knowledge freely and was never too busy to answer a question. Along with this “teaching” came, of course, the jokes and sense of humor he loved to share.

He was born in Kingston, PA and graduated from Wyoming Valley West High School. He then attended the Pennsylvania State University to study Civil Engineering, which was followed by receiving his engineering license. Prior to joining EBW, Ted’s first professional employment was with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, where he continued his learning, including that of adding to his repertoire of practical jokes. Ted loved to have fun with his co-workers and friends.

A gentleman, scholar, true friend, and a humble man, Ted would be so pleased to be honored with a scholarship bearing his name that would help a young person know what it means to be a person of integrity, compassion and hard work pursuing a degree in civil engineering.

Because Ted was a dear mentor to many, Howell Engineering, a full service civil engineering/land surveying/environmental firm, located in West Chester, PA, will provide, in addition to the scholarship, a summer internship complete with a mentoring opportunity. Engineering interns would be exposed to all facets of civil engineering design and the latest AutoCAD design software as well as drone technology. Howell performs civil site design engineering and land surveying for a wide variety of clients including residential, commercial and industrial real estate developers.

Guidelines

The Ted Gacomis Scholarship for Civil Engineering awards a scholarship of $1,000 to one high school senior, who will pursue a degree in civil engineering and to offer an internship at a local engineering firm.

The LMC Legacy Foundation Grants aim to promote hope and healing through innovative behavioral healthcare resources. Focused on supporting 501(c)(3) organizations in Southeast PA, these grants are designed to improve mental health, resilience, and community well-being. By funding initiatives that foster measurable and sustainable outcomes, the foundation seeks to inspire change for individuals and families facing mental health challenges. For further details, please refer to the FAQs on their website.

The Continuing County Adult Probation and Parole Grant, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD), aims to enhance county adult probation services by providing essential funding. This initiative supports counties in covering costs associated with adult probation supervision, ensuring adherence to established standards. Through this grant, PCCD seeks to evaluate program effectiveness and identify trends, ultimately contributing to safer communities and improved justice system outcomes.

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) is accepting applications for the FY 2025-26 Intermediate Punishment Treatment Program. This initiative aims to support restrictive probation conditions to divert individuals from incarceration and provide essential treatment for those with substance use or mental health issues. By doing so, it seeks to reduce recidivism and enhance public safety, fulfilling PCCD's mission to improve the criminal justice system and community safety.

Creative Innovation and Impact Grant Program

About the Creative Innovation & Impact Grant

The Creative Innovation and Impact Grant program supports new, multi-year strategies that empower, connect, and amplify creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

The Creative Innovation & Impact Grant program is designed to support initiatives that drive innovation and sector visibility. Applications to this program should feature creative sector projects that address either visibility, innovation, or both.

• Visibility – Enhance public awareness of creatives and creative industries through marketing, branding, and outreach efforts.
• Innovation – Support new ideas, models, and partnerships that expand the role of creativity in Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Applications must describe projects that clearly extend beyond the applicant’s regular programming or services. 

The UPMC Hand Surgery Fellowship Program offers a comprehensive one-year training experience in hand surgery, combining academic and private practice settings. This ACGME-accredited fellowship allows residents from Plastic Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, and General Surgery backgrounds to collaborate and gain diverse clinical experience. Trainees will engage in joint conferences and surgical procedures, progressively increasing their responsibility. By the end of the fellowship, participants will be proficient in microsurgical techniques and upper extremity reconstruction, guided by experienced faculty.

The H. G. Barsumian, M.D. Memorial Fund Grant supports organizations engaged in medical research, primarily benefiting the Lancaster, Pennsylvania community. Established in 1998, this fund reflects the commitment of Jane Barsumian and Mary Lyons to enhance medical advancements. Grants average $25,000, with around five grants awarded annually. Eligibility requires organizations to be 501(c)(3) exempt. Although there are no geographic limitations, preference is given to local entities to foster community development.

The Clarence W. Winter Charitable Trust, established from Mr. Winter's Will, provides annual grants of $3,000 to $5,000 to support tax-exempt organizations focused on charitable, religious, scientific, literary, or educational purposes. While there are no geographic restrictions, the Trust prioritizes organizations in Bucks County, PA. With a commitment to community betterment, Mr. Winter's legacy continues to support impactful initiatives for years to come.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

Bob's Discount Furniture Charitable Foundation supports non-profit organizations with resources rather than individual sponsorships. They require requests to be submitted on the letterhead of a qualified 501(c)(3) organization. This ensures that assistance reaches those in need through established channels. Interested parties should provide specific details regarding their requests to facilitate the application process. With a commitment to fairness, Bob's Cares aims to effectively support community initiatives across the country.

Tut Toth Memorial Scholarship

The Tut Toth Memorial Scholarship Fund is supported by family and friends through an annual memorial baseball tournament. At the time of his death in 2011, Douglas "Tut" Toth was the league's player agent and manger/coach for a softball and baseball team. He was active in many local non-profits and youth sports programs, but was dedicated especially to New Bethlehem Little League. He is still the only person in NBLL to have been on a District Championship team as a player and then as an adult to be the manager of a District Championship team. Tut was instrumental in the beginnings of Little League softball in New Bethlehem and led that team to the first D7 softball win for New Bethlehem. 

Applicant must:

• Be a graduating senior from the Redbank Valley High School or resident of Redbank Valley School District (or successor), or cyber school/home school senior who meets high school or School District requirement.
• Have been a former New Bethlehem Little League (or successor) organization player (includes softball and baseball)
• Enrolled at an accredited post-secondary school, as approved by the Community Foundation Board of Directors

The Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program (HDBA) in Pennsylvania aims to support the growth of small, historically disadvantaged businesses. Managed by the Department of Community and Economic Development, it collaborates with various organizations to provide essential technical assistance and resources. The program includes funding for Business Assistance Service Centers and microgrant initiatives to enhance economic empowerment and increase diverse business participation in government contracts.

The National Sea Grant Law Center is inviting proposals for the Coastal Resilience Program to research laws and policies addressing coastal resilience challenges such as sea level rise and flooding. With a funding cap of $150,000 over two years, this initiative aims to assess the effectiveness of existing policies and promote informed decision-making in coastal management. Up to two projects will be selected for funding, supporting innovative solutions to enhance community resilience against environmental threats.

The UNICO Foundation offers the Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship, providing $5,000 to support a U.S. citizen of Italian descent pursuing a medical degree. Eligible candidates must be seniors at accredited colleges or medical schools, with proof of enrollment required. This scholarship not only aids education but also honors the foundation's commitment to community service and heritage, reflecting the core values of the Italian American community.

The Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) provides critical funding aimed at rapidly rehousing homeless individuals and preventing homelessness through outreach and emergency shelter activities. This federal initiative, governed by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and enhanced by the HEARTH Act of 2009, supports various programs including maintenance of homeless management information systems, ensuring comprehensive assistance to those in need.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Catalyst Grant supports climate-informed planning for land protection and stewardship in the Appalachian region. With funding up to $20,000 available, the grant aims to enhance community resilience and promote strategic land conservation efforts. Eligible applicants include land trusts, nonprofit organizations, and municipalities. Projects should prioritize broad-scale conservation planning and engage local communities to ensure specific benefits are achieved within a 12-18 month timeframe.

The Carrie and George Lyter Scholarship, established in 2002 by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, supports students from Perry County high schools entering education fields. Emphasis is placed on those pursuing science or math. Applicants must demonstrate academic achievement with a minimum GPA of 2.5, community involvement, leadership skills, and financial need. This scholarship aims to foster future educators, enhancing the community's educational landscape and empowering deserving students.

The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Trust – Falk Catalyst Awards support high-risk, high-reward biomedical research with up to $350,000 in funding over one to two years. These awards aim to address critical scientific challenges and enable the translation of innovative research into clinical practices. Projects focus on identifying biological markers, therapeutic targets, and developing interventions to disrupt disease processes, ultimately improving treatment outcomes for patients.

The Dr. George H. and Mrs. Hettie S. Love 'Love of Learning' Scholarship Fund, established by the Bishop Nathan Baxter Chapter of the Union of Black Episcopalians, supports Black students and students of color pursuing education degrees. Preference is given to those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), particularly Cheyney University, Lincoln University, and St. Augustine's University. The scholarship aims to empower future educators from the Black community, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed.

The EITC Opportunity Scholarship, offered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, provides funding for students in the lowest 15% achieving schools in Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, and Perry counties. This initiative aims to support students in attending out-of-district or private schools, enhancing educational opportunities for those from low-income households. The scholarship prioritizes students with disabilities and those who received funding previously, ensuring equitable access to quality education and fostering community development.

The George M. and Mary Jane Leader Scholarship, established by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, aims to support high school students from Harrisburg to pursue higher education at Harrisburg Area Community College. This scholarship focuses on juniors and seniors from local schools, encouraging them to take college-level courses while maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.5. It reflects a commitment to educational access and community development in South Central Pennsylvania.

The Grove Family Fund #1, managed by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, is dedicated to supporting local high school students from specific schools in Central Dauphin County. This fund enables juniors and seniors to take college-level courses at HACC while still in high school, enhancing their educational opportunities. With a strong emphasis on community development and education, the fund aims to empower students and promote academic success for future generations.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Pennsylvania provide essential funding and technical assistance to small rural businesses with fewer than 50 employees and under $1 million in revenue. The grants prioritize smaller requests and support various projects aimed at enhancing local economies. Eligible uses include training, land acquisition, pollution control, and community development initiatives. Funded by USDA: Rural Development, these grants aim to stimulate growth and sustainability in rural areas.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Pennsylvania provide essential funding to organizations that support very-low- and low-income families in constructing their own homes in rural areas. These grants enable recipients to offer technical assistance and supervision as families collaborate in building each other’s homes. Eligible applicants include government non-profits, federally-recognized tribes, and private non-profits. Funds are not allowed for hiring construction workers or purchasing materials.

The Cycling Activation in PA Mini Grant Program, supported by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, offers funding between $1,000 and $15,000 for initiatives that enhance cycling assets. Eligible projects include developing bike routes, creating promotional materials, and hosting events that engage local communities and promote inclusivity. The program aims to strengthen partnerships and support the outdoor recreation economy, encouraging greater participation in cycling across Pennsylvania.

The Joseph Kennard Skilling Trust Grant supports social welfare agencies in Philadelphia, enhancing community welfare through targeted programs. Established in 1963 by Joseph Kennard Skilling, the trust embodies his lifelong commitment to philanthropy. The foundation prioritizes effective programs, professional management, and community needs, while favoring organizations that assist vulnerable populations. Eligible nonprofit organizations under Section 501(c)(3) are encouraged to apply, particularly those addressing issues like elder care, youth at risk, and rehabilitation of the homeless.

Burrell Township Scholarship

The purpose of the Burrell Township Scholarship Fund is to help needy and deserving students who are residents of Burrell Township, Armstrong County, PA, and who display exceptional ability and aptitude to acquire a college, technical or professional education. The fund was established by Anna Cloyde Brooks in memory of her mother, Christina King Woodward, father, Oliver Woodward, and brother, Harry Woodward.