Fall is on the way and so is another exciting football season! Is your school or community’s football field ready for action? Check out the NFL Youth Football Fund Grassroots Program efforts to improve football fields under Opportunities for Communities and Schools.

~Mike

Opportunities for Students

• New America Foundation Essay Contest

Deadline: December 15, 2007

Starting this fall in Washington D.C., New America will be offering $1,000 to the student who best answers the question, “You have just been elected the President of the United States. What is the most important thing you will do to improve the lives of America's children?"

The contest is open to all public and private high school seniors in Washington, D.C. this year. Essays must be no longer than 600 words and must also be accompanied by the Official Entry Form. For further information, visit New America’s Website.

• Gates Millennium Scholars Pre-College Event for Young Men

Saturday, October 13th, 2007, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Southeastern University, Multipurpose Center, 501 I Street, SW

The event, entitled GMS Bridge Builders, is a part of GMSP's many efforts to identify and reach promising college-bound students of color early who demonstrate the potential to become Gates Scholars upon high school graduation. The event will feature a workshop on the importance of preparing and succeeding in high school and college, and will introduce young men to the Gates Millennium Scholars Program. Interested students/parents should call or email Next Generation as soon as possible to indicate your intention to attend at: Lisa.Peyton-Caire@nexgenfoundation.org, 301.860.0111

Opportunities for Teachers

• The Character Education Partnership

Deadline: December 3, 2007

The Character Education Partnership (CEP) recognizes K-12 schools and districts throughout the U.S. demonstrating outstanding character education initiatives that yield positive results in student behavior, school climate, and academic performance. Although winners may differ in method, content, and scope, all emphasize core ethical values such as honesty, respect, responsibility, and caring. The criteria used to judge award winners are CEP’s Character Education Quality Standards. Eligible applicants include public and private schools. Approximately 10 winners will be awarded $20,000. For further information, visit Character Education Partnership’s Website.

Opportunities for Communities and Schools

• Community Efforts for Youth Awards

Deadline: November 2, 2007

America's Promise Alliance recognizes outstanding community-wide efforts that improve the well being of youth. Winning communities, both urban and rural, have developed innovative ways to solve problems that improve the lives of children and young people through the power of America’s Promise Alliance’s Five Promises. Selected communities will receive national recognition and media exposure and are eligible to participate in post-competition request for proposal process for $300,000 in grant funds. For further information, visit America’s Promise Alliance’s Website.

• NFL Youth Football Fund Grassroots Program to Support Community and School Football Field Improvements

Deadline: November 30, 2007

The NFL Youth Football Fund Grassroots Program, a partnership of the National Football League Youth Football Fund and the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), provides nonprofit, neighborhood-based organizations with financial and technical assistance to improve the quality, safety, and accessibility of local football fields. Applicants may request a maximum of $200,000 from the program to be used for capital improvements. For further information, visit LISC’s Website.