The 3M Foundation awards nearly 200 grants to teachers annually totaling nearly a half million dollars. Kindergarten teachers can apply for 3M Ingenuity Grants to support classroom projects that enhance students' understanding of math and science. The 3M Corp. limits grants to communities in the states where it has facilities. In 2010, communities in 21 states received grants. Teachers and groups received up to $3,500 each. Applicants must complete an eligibility quiz on the 3M Foundations website to determine if their projects are suitable for funding.
3M Corporate Headquarters
3M Center
St. Paul, MN 55144
888-364-3577
3m.com
The National Education Association awards Learning and Leadership Grants to public school teachers including those who teach pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. The awards support professional growth for teachers such as summer institutes. Administrators are not eligible. Preference is given to NEA members. Awards are $2,000 for individuals and $5,000 for groups of teachers. The organization encourages applications from teachers with less than seven years of experience and from educational support personnel such as clerical staffers and other student service workers. Educators can apply online at the NEA’s website.
National Education Association
1201 16th St., NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-822-7840
neafoundation.org
The U.S. Department of Education has a targeted program for early childhood education and child care students. The Child Care Provider Loan Forgiveness Demonstration Program is for educators with an associate or bachelor’s degree in those fields who have worked for at least two years in the profession. The program seeks to attract and maintain qualified teachers in the field. Teachers can have up to 20 percent of their total school loans forgiven. After three years of experience, they can have an additional 20 percent forgiven.
Child Care Provider Loan Forgiveness Demonstration Program
Customer Service
P.O. Box 4639
Utica, NY 13504
888-562-7002
ed.gov
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services sponsors the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood Project in over 20 states. The program provides scholarships to child care workers and teachers for college degrees, credentials and certifications. Students in associate and bachelor’s degree programs are eligible. Each state in the program has a website dedicated to explaining funding options. Students apply directly to the program in their state. HHS includes a list of each state’s program information on its website.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Administration for Children and Families
Office of Head Start
8th Floor Portals Building
Washington, DC 20024
866-763-6481
hhs.gov