Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Texas

The Jack and Mary Rowe Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the legacy of Jack and Mary Rowe by supporting high school graduates in Duluth, Hermantown, or Proctor who are pursuing engineering studies. This scholarship, valued at $4,500 for one year, recognizes academic excellence without considering financial need, encouraging students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher, or 3.5 in honors courses, to apply and engage in extracurricular activities.

The Ham Family Scholarship Fund, established by Stephanie and CJ Ham along with Essentia Health and the NFL Foundation, supports diverse students in Duluth and Superior. Created to enhance BIPOC retention and graduation rates, it offers $1,000 annually for up to four years. Eligible applicants must identify as BIPOC, demonstrate financial need, maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and engage in extracurricular activities. This scholarship aims to empower students in their pursuit of higher education.

The Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students, created by Penny Gill, aims to support Ojibwe students through higher education. With a total award of $10,000 distributed over four years, the scholarship is available to enrolled members of specific Chippewa tribes who demonstrate financial need. It reflects Gill's commitment to sharing educational opportunities with her community on Madeline Island, honoring the original caretakers of the land.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) is launching a specialized entrepreneurship program aimed at life science researchers in the field of substance use disorders (SUD). This initiative will equip researchers with essential skills to transform their innovative ideas into viable products, focusing on aspects such as market evaluation, customer discovery, and intellectual property. The course will be delivered in a hybrid format to engage US-based SUD researchers effectively, fostering collaboration and advancing the field.

The Como Charitable Foundation Grants support various programs in human services and education, prioritizing organizations with proven community service records. Funding is available for projects that demonstrate genuine need and a solid fundraising plan. While operating support is a lower priority, proposals are reviewed year-round. The Foundation particularly favors projects benefiting Franklin Parish and surrounding areas, with a focus on capital projects and human resource improvements that promise broad public benefits.

The AIPG National Undergraduate Scholarship, provided by the American Institute of Professional Geologists, aims to support undergraduate students majoring in geological sciences. With awards ranging from $1,000 to $3,000, this scholarship promotes student participation in the AIPG and helps cover college education costs. Eligible applicants must be at least sophomores and either current student members of AIPG or have applied for membership. Up to ten scholarships will be awarded annually.

The Robert Christman Distinguished Service Award, established in 2008 by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors individuals for their exceptional and long-term contributions to geoscience education. Named after Robert "Bob" Christman, who dedicated over thirty years of service, this award recognizes nominees who demonstrate significant impact at both national and section levels. Active NAGT members can submit nominations that detail the nominee's contributions, promoting excellence in the geoscience community.

The G. Scott Ransom Scholarship Fund, established by Team Duluth and the Duluth/Superior Alpine Club, supports youth athletes aged 5 to 19 in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. This scholarship, honoring Coach Scott "Race" Ransom, helps cover team fee costs for competitive skiing experiences. By participating, young athletes not only enhance their skiing skills but also gain valuable life skills for future success. Award amounts vary based on individual needs.

The National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT) has been promoting excellence in geoscience education since 1938. Through its sponsorships, NAGT aims to enhance visibility and impact within the geoscience community, fostering collaborations and expanding membership. Sponsorships support both long-term programs and single events, ensuring that NAGT is acknowledged and involved in all associated activities. This initiative aligns with NAGT's mission to provide effective Earth education to diverse audiences.

The JGE Outstanding Reviewer Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional reviewers for their quality and quantity of contributions to the Journal of Geoscience Education. Eligible nominators include JGE authors and Editorial Board members, who must describe the nominee's outstanding peer-review contributions. This prestigious award aims to honor those who enhance the journal's integrity and effectiveness in geoscience education.

The JGE Outstanding Paper Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, recognizes exceptional contributions to geoscience education. Nominations are open to JGE readers, authors, and Editorial Board members, and must include a discussion of how the nominated paper enhances student learning, advances the discipline, or demonstrates significant societal impact. This prestigious award has been celebrating excellence in education since 1938.

The Neil Miner Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers, honors outstanding contributions to stimulating interest in Earth sciences. Established in 1953, this prestigious award recognizes educators who embody personal excellence and effective teaching, inspired by Neil Miner's philosophy. Nominations are open to NAGT members, who may submit a letter of nomination, letters of support, and the nominee's curriculum vitae. This award promotes excellence in geoscience education and celebrates dedicated educators.

The Outstanding Teaching Assistant Awards, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honor exemplary teaching assistants in geoscience education. With up to 30 awards given annually, both undergraduate and graduate TAs are eligible. Winners receive a one-year NAGT membership, including a subscription to the Journal of Geoscience Education. This award aims to recognize the contributions of TAs in enhancing Earth education, regardless of their formal titles.

The Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Scholarship Fund provides $2,500 for one year to eligible applicants. To qualify, students must have a parent or legal guardian who is a member of one of the 17 unions affiliated with the council and must be graduates of any school within the DSACF service area with a GPA of 2.75 or higher. Preference is given to those pursuing careers in healthcare, but all career paths are encouraged to apply.

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 Excellence in JEDI Award, presented by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), honors individuals who promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) in geoscience education. This prestigious award recognizes significant contributions, including mentorship and advocacy for marginalized groups. Awardees receive a one-year NAGT membership and an opportunity to present their work at a DEI event. Nominations are accepted online, and selections are made by the NAGT DEI Committee.

The James H. Shea Award, presented annually by the National Association of Geoscience Teachers (NAGT), recognizes outstanding contributions in writing and editing Earth science materials aimed at the public and educators. Established in 1991, this prestigious award honors the legacy of James H. Shea, a dedicated advocate for quality geoscience education. Nominations require a detailed letter outlining the nominee's exceptional contributions, reinforcing NAGT's commitment to fostering excellence in Earth science education.

The Duluth Builders Exchange Legacy Fund provides scholarships to support students in pursuing careers in the construction industry. Three scholarships are available: one for four-year degree students in fields like engineering and architecture, another for two-year students in trades like carpentry and plumbing, and a third for apprentices needing tools and safety equipment. Award amounts range from $1,000 to $3,000, promoting education and skill development in the local workforce.

The Cohen Gordon B Great Scholarship Fund honors Judy Gordon's legacy as a dedicated social worker and educator in Duluth. This fund supports students overcoming adversity, encouraging their pursuit of two-year or four-year degrees. Eligible applicants are graduates from any Duluth high school, with a preference for ESL or non-native English speakers. The scholarship awards $2,000 for one academic year, emphasizing the importance of resilience and belief in every student's potential.

The Shamsie – Judge Terry Shamsie Scholarship, established by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, supports graduating high school seniors from specific schools and counties in Texas. Applicants must maintain a minimum GPA and be enrolled full-time in post-secondary education. This scholarship aims to enhance educational opportunities for students while fostering community growth and philanthropy in the Coastal Bend region.

The RBG – Ruth Bader Ginsburg Memorial Scholarship, established in 2020 by the Coastal Bend Women Lawyers Association, honors the legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This scholarship supports female law students from the Texas Coastal Bend area, empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in law school and demonstrate their commitment through an essay on their community aspirations. The scholarship reflects the Foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life through education.

The Rains – J.J. Rains Memorial Scholarship, established by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, honors J.J. Rains, a dedicated speech and debate teacher. This scholarship supports graduating CCISD high school seniors with a minimum GPA of 2.5, who are enrolled full-time in accredited colleges. Applicants must provide a letter of recommendation from their debate or speech teacher and demonstrate financial need. The foundation aims to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend through education and community support.

The Picquet – Jimmie Ruth Picquet Scholarship, offered by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, honors Jimmie Ruth Picquet, a dedicated educator and community member. This scholarship supports students from Bishop with a mailing address who are pursuing higher education full-time. Financial need and academic achievement are taken into account, ensuring that deserving candidates can access the opportunities they need to fulfill their educational aspirations.

The Miller – Brian and Colleen Miller Math and Science Scholarship, established by Brian and Colleen Miller, honors the support they received during their education. It aims to assist graduating seniors from high schools in the Coastal Bend area who are enrolled full-time in accredited colleges. Preference is given to students excelling in AP Math and Science courses and participating in related extracurricular activities, thereby promoting academic achievement and community involvement.

The Luis Adan Gonzalez Memorial Scholarship, established by the family of Luis Adan Gonzalez, supports graduates from Coastal Bend high schools in their pursuit of post-secondary education. This scholarship honors Luis, who graduated from Moody High School in 2014 and attended Texas A&M University-Kingsville before his passing in 2018. The scholarship aims to empower students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 to further their academic and career aspirations, contributing to the educational landscape of the Coastal Bend community.

The Lee - Dennis Lee Memorial Scholarship, established by the Coastal Bend Community Foundation, supports high school seniors from the CBCF seven-county area. Applicants must have a GPA of 90% or higher and enroll full-time at Del Mar College, with preference given to those pursuing a career in the medical field. This scholarship exemplifies the Foundation's mission to enhance the quality of life in the Coastal Bend through educational support.

The Lay – Sue Kay Lay Memorial Scholarship, established in memory of a young student tragically lost in an accident, supports graduating seniors from the Coastal Bend's seven-county service area. This scholarship aims to empower students who are permanent residents and enrolled full-time in accredited U.S. colleges, fostering academic excellence with a minimum GPA requirement. The Coastal Bend Community Foundation, dedicated to enhancing community well-being, administers this scholarship to honor the legacy of Sue Kay Lay.