Education Funding Watch

October 8, 2008

In this issue of Education Funding Watch, the Foundation Center's newsletter devoted entirely to education, we offer some reassuring news about pre-K funding for the next fiscal year. You'll also find links to other education-related news, resources, funding opportunities for individuals and organizations, and job listings. Education Funding Watch is available exclusively to visitors who register at the Foundation Center's Web site.

Despite Grim Economy, Most States Continue to Prioritize Pre-K Programs, Report Finds

According to a new report from Pre-K Now, most states remain firm in their commitment to pre-kindergarten programs despite the slowing economy. Funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the report, Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K Fiscal Year 2009 (28 pages, PDF), found that net state investments in pre-K programs will increase by more than $309 million nationally, to $5.2 billion, in the new fiscal year, providing an estimated 46,000 families with new access to state-funded pre-K programs. Indeed, only two states — Kentucky and Arizona — attempted to divert funds earmarked for early childhood programs. Read the article»

Recent Education News from Philanthropy News Digest

ExxonMobil Foundation Awards $1.6 Million for New Orleans Advanced Placement Program
The grant will enable Tulane University's Cowen Institute for Public Education Initiatives to launch a pilot program in New Orleans that provides performance-based monetary incentives to students and teachers in order to strengthen AP participation....
Posted: 10/06/08

Yawkey Foundation Awards $15 Million for Catholic Education in Boston Area
The grant will provide support for the Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy and the teen center at St. Peter's Church in Dorchester....
Posted: 10/06/08

University of Texas Receives Pledge That Could Total $500 Million
The pledge from Moncrief Oil International is contingent on the outcome of litigation over the Fort Worth-based company's interests in one of Russia's largest natural gas fields....
Posted: 10/02/08

Public-Private Partnership Launches Education Research Center at Harvard
The Education Innovation Laboratory at Harvard University (EdLabs) will test ideas in three of the nation's largest urban school districts, with the goal of improving student achievement and education practices in America's public schools....
Posted: 10/01/08

More education news»

Funding Opportunities

Lilly Endowment Announces 22nd Year of Indiana Teacher Creativity Fellowship Program
Grants of up to $25,000 will be awarded to Indiana K-12 teachers, principals, guidance counselors, and media specialists pursuing personal and professional development....
Deadline: 11/09/08

Applications Invited for the Broad Residency in Urban Education
Participants will earn starting annual salaries of $85,000 to $95,000 and will participate in a series of professional development sessions over the course of two years....
Deadline: 12/01/08; 2/02/09

Rowland Foundation Offers Grants to Vermont Secondary School Teachers
Grants of up to $50,000 for a semester-long sabbatical will be awarded to Vermont high school teachers pursuing professional and personal development opportunities....
Deadline: 12/31/08

Students Invited to Create "Green Solutions" in National Middle School Sustainability Challenge
Education materials, cash prizes, and an appearance on the Discovery Channel will be awarded to a middle school team under the mentorship of a teacher or adult supervisor working to improve their community....
Deadline: 3/15/09

More requests for proposals»

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Education Funding Watch is mailed the second Wednesday of the month to more than 79,000 subscribers with a stated interest in education. For information about our advertising rates, contact Mitch Nauffts at (212) 807-2433 or mfn@foundationcenter.org.

Focus on Salary Reform

The Teacher Salary Project combines a feature-length documentary, interactive online resources, and a national outreach campaign to explain the educational crisis as experienced by teachers themselves. Learn more about the initiative from our Q&A with the documentary's co-producer, Nínive Clements Calegari, who is also CEO of the literacy nonprofit 826 National. Or become part of the film by videotaping and uploading your own story.

Financial Aid Resources

The Sallie Mae Fund provides financial support for students and free educational resources for teachers and college-access organizations. Visit the Web site for financial aid tips and information about specific scholarships or the Kids2College initiative. You can also find out how to host a free 90-minute Paying for College workshop to raise awareness about financial aid.

Did You Know…?

…that urban teacher residency (UTR) programs are attracting a fresh pool of talented, diverse recruits for high-needs schools? According to a new report (40 pages, PDF) from the Aspen Institute and the Center for Teaching Quality, school administrators give high marks for their skills and competencies to UTR graduates, almost 95 percent of whom are still teaching after three years.

Job Opportunities

Academic Coach
ACHIEVEability
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Posted: 10/06/08

Executive Director
Norwalk Community College Foundation
Norwalk, Connecticut
Posted: 10/03/08

Chief Program Officer
Room to Read
San Francisco, California
Posted: 10/01/08

Waldemar A. Nielsen Chair in Philanthropy
Center for Public and Nonprofit Leadership
Washington, D.C.
Posted: 10/01/08

More job opportunities»

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