RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"The importance of offering AP classes has been well documented-study after study reveals that students who are challenged with college level classes have more persistence, better study habits, and greater financial flexibility if they pass the rigorous exams. An AP course structured with a bedrock in the inquiry arc allows students to experience learning at a collegiate level long before they enroll in an undergraduate institution. However, it is the underlying impact that offering college level classes has on an entire school community, whether enrolled in AP classes or not, that makes advanced placement a necessity for any high school. I have been teaching AP World History for four years to mostly freshman students in the south side of Chicago. Preparing students for a high stakes exam was not the reason I got into teaching. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the importance of inquiry and student choice, which allows students to see themselves in the history of the world. When I first began this journey of teaching AP World it seemed impossible to get the majority of my students to pass the exam for college credit, and at the same time fall in love with history as I had long ago. My passion for learning stems from asking tough questions about the hard truths of world history, and then searching for my own answers with the research skills I learned from my professors or teachers. I also knew that passing an AP exam for many of my students is a game changer in a higher education system where costs have skyrocketed for families. With the grant from NSHSS I will be able to better serve the needs of my students by curating a robust research library and bypass frustrating paywalls of the elite research databases. Thank you NSHSS for providing that rigor for my students!"

"We are beyond grateful for this opportunity! This is the 1st time that we've utilized this platform and the ease of the application, along with the entire experience has been absolutely a blessing! I'm so glad to be a part of this amazing journey!"

"It has been amazing to see that the NSHSS supports not just students, but also teachers. These grants allow teachers to explore new areas and try unique ideas that might not have been previously possible."

"Working with NSHSS has empowered me to be a creative and compassionate teacher. As an educator, it can feel like I'm always trying to perform an infinite number of miracles with a finite supply of loaves and fishes. The grant I received this year from NSHSS has quickly been converted into a garden for our environmental science elective targeted towards kids with learning disabilities. For this and so much more, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the people and organizations that made this possible. Let's keep the miracles flowing!"

"I am deeply grateful for the the NSHSS grant awarded to my class. This funding will make a significant impact, providing my students with enhanced learning opportunities and resources that will foster their growth and engagement. Your support empowers me to create a more dynamic and inspiring learning environment, and for that, I am truly thankful."

"I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected for the $500 School Supplies Grant. This award greatly boosts my efforts to foster a love for English and Science fields. Your recognition and support affirm the importance of our work in education and inspire me to continue pushing boundaries in learning. The grant will greatly enhance my ability to implement innovative projects and provide valuable resources for my classroom. I am excited to channel this funding into initiatives that will engage and inspire the next generation of innovators. Thank you for believing in my work's impact and investing in the future of education. Your generosity will make a significant difference in my students’ learning experiences. I look forward to sharing the positive outcomes and successes that arise from this grant. Once again, thank you for your support and for making this opportunity possible."

"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for awarding me the $500 School Cash Club Grant for 2024, Wave 1. I am truly honored to receive this support from such a prestigious organization. I am particularly excited about using these funds to purchase books for my students, enabling me to continue our book club over the summer following the 2024-2025 school year. By encouraging students to keep reading during the break, I aim to foster their love of literature and help prevent any loss of reading skills. Again, Thank you for your generosity and for supporting my efforts to promote literacy and a lifelong love of reading among students."

"I can't wait to share this wonderful news with the amazing student leaders of our school's Model United Nations (MUN)! This NSHSS grant will enable our group to attend more conferences. My students are enthusiastic and driven. They are also not your typical MUN club. My students will be the first in their families to attend college. Often, our students are the only African American or Latinx students at the conferences we attend. I support MUN because it fosters diplomacy, and an understanding of international issues, and encourages young people to become global citizens. On a personal note, attending MUN conferences also gives my students the space to meet and interact with academically motivated young people, something of a precursor to the students they will encounter in college."

"NSHSS is incredible. They are at the forefront of supporting schools, students, and educators. Having a group that truly cares about equity and access for students to achieve is praiseworthy in a world where people don't always see the value in education."