The NEA Foundation's "Learning and Leadership" grants support professional development either on an individual basis (providing summer institute expenses, for example) or a group basis, which encourages collegial study or mentoring. The professional development endeavors should be designed with student achievement and curriculum improvements in mind.

Award: $2,000 (individual) or $5,000 (group)

Eligibility: Practicing K-12 public school teachers or education support professionals. Preference given to members of the National Education Association (NEA). Teachers with fewer than seven years experience are encouraged to apply, as are education support professionals.

Deadline: June 15

Contact:  NEA Foundation, Tel: (202) 822-7840, Web: www.neafoundation.org