Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award Grant

Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: National Council For The Social Studies
Amount: Up to US $2,500
Last Updated: August 28, 2025

Summary

The Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award, established in 1986, empowers social studies educators to realize innovative teaching projects. Funded by the National Council for the Social Studies, awardees receive up to $2,500 and a commemorative award. The grant aims to inspire excellence in social studies education by supporting imaginative strategies and community engagement, promoting inquiry-based learning, and enhancing student experiences in K-12 settings. This initiative exemplifies a commitment to educational innovation and impactful teaching.

Overview

Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award In 1986 the Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award was established to help classroom teachers "reach for the stars" and achieve a dream that under ordinary circumstances would not be fulfilled. The Fund for the Advancement of Social Studies Education (FASSE) was created in 1984 by the Board of Directors of the National Council for the Social Studies. Award recipients will get a cash award of up to $2500, a commemorative award, and a presentation session at the NCSS Annual Conference. Purposes of the Award The purpose of the $2,500 grant is to help a social studies educator make his or her dream of innovative social studies a reality. Grants will be given to assist classroom teachers in: developing and implementing imaginative, innovative, and illustrative social studies teaching strategies; andsupporting student implementation of innovative social studies, citizenship projects, field experiences, and community connections. Criteria Project activities and teaching strategies should represent inquiry based teaching and learning.Projects should be designed to encourage students to develop understanding of concepts from the social science disciplines in order to communicate their ideas in a variety of formats spoken, written, graphic, statistical, and/or electronic.Projects should enable students to become involved in exploring a range of options such as information technology, primary source material, community resources and local organizations, oral histories and interpretative centers as well as traditional resources, to develop their skills.Project proposals should demonstrate activities and teaching strategies that align to best pedagogical practices, inquiry-based teaching and learning, and integrate College, Career, and Civic Life (C3) Framework concepts. Award The Christa McAuliffe Reach for the Stars Award includes: A cash award up to $2500;A commemorative award; andA presentation session at the NCSS Annual Conference.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. NCSS membership is required.Awards are available to full-time social studies teacher or social studies teacher educators currently engaged with K-12 students.Consideration for "Reach for the Stars" award is given to projects that represent excellence and innovation in social studies education and have the potential of serving as a model for other teachers. You must be a member of this organization to apply for this award - become a member.