Deadline for NEA's School Library Grant Fast Approaching
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By Rocco Staino -- School Library Journal, 11/03/2008
Here’s an easy way to gain $1,000 for school library books. The National Education Association Foundation is sponsoring the Books Across America Library Books Awards to help schools that serve kids in economically disadvantaged areas—and the application process is a breeze.
All that’s required is the completion of a three-page application, which includes a one page or less narrative describing the unique ways that your school has promoted student reading and literacy. Applicants are also asked to include a wish list of books totaling $1,000.
Some 50 recipients will receive $1,000 for the sole purpose of buying books and other reading materials for their public school library. Eligible applicants must be a practicing school librarian, teacher, or education support professional in a PreK–12 public school and at least 70 percent of the students in the applicant’s school must be eligible for the free or reduced-price lunch program. Overall economic need, geographic location, and other demographic characteristics will be taken into consideration when making the awards.
The grants are made possible through individual donations to the National Education Association's Books Across America fund, whose purpose is to bring the gift of reading to students.
Applications may only be submitted as an email attachment and sent to libraryaward@nea.org. The deadline is Thursday, November 20, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. EST.
A list of award winners will be posted on the NEA Foundation’s Web site by March 9, 2009.
Call Anita Merina at 202.822.7289 with any questions.
