Home - LIGHT Awards

We’re leading peer observations to root out racial inequities and foster an affirming learning community for all.

We’re using play to infuse classes with more choice, wonder, and delight.

We’re bringing indigenous voices into our music curriculum.

We’re modernizing our World Language program to improve proficiency.

We’re focusing on best practices and equitable instruction to strengthen our dual immersion learning community.

We are using curricular strategies to support the literacy needs unique to language learners who take AP classes.

We are blending Project Based Learning and Maker Ed to empower children to make change.

We're creating a personalized learning program that meets students where they are.

We’re using data to increase collaboration among teachers.

We are striving to reach new heights in second language acquisition.

We are implementing STEM strategies in our classrooms to send students soaring towards creative solutions.

We are co-constructing a highly effective, self-sustaining STEM teacher community.

We are learning about mindfulness to help our students be more present in the moment.

We’re creating Advisory benchmark assessments and lessons to boost student achievement.

We are connecting math to real world issues in health, engineering & entrepreneurship.

We are using practical skills to develop interdisciplinary literacy skills in 21st century learning.

Driven By Teachers

You and your team — a group of teachers — are invited to apply for LIGHT Awards funds. Our grants (of up to $30,000 over 2 years) can be used to support your growth as teachers, your effectiveness as educators, and your ability to inspire and mentor students.

Proven Results

An independent research study after 10 years confirmed: the LIGHT Awards experience has had a significant positive impact on teachers’ professional identities.

Many reported increased happiness, joy, and satisfaction in their work as a result of their involvement.

See the Impact Study

(chart) 97 percent experience meaningful professional growth

experienced meaningful
professional growth

Are you eligible?

N

project team of 3-6 experienced teachers

N

elementary, middle or high school

N

public or charter school

N

private school if 50% students from low income families

N

in one of the California counties shown

Click or touch interactive map to see awards by county.

see eligibility details

see what we fund

What we fund



Train

with experts



Create

a learning community



Build

new tools



Imagine

your own innovation

see funded projects

see criteria details

Get the professional learning of your dreams

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(We'll let you know when applications are open.)

Important Dates

Oct 5 – Nov 14, 2023	LOIs Accepted for 2024 Grant Cycle (rolling submissions)
By mid-Dec 2023	Invitations to Apply Extended to Selected LOI Submissions
Spring 2024	LIGHT Awards Grants Made

Keep In Touch

Sign up for occasional email updates from the LIGHT Awards program. We’ll let you know about approaching deadlines, provide application tips, and share what our grantees are doing.

get updates by email

News

Contact us at info(at)lightawards.org or use our contact form.

What if you could design the professional learning of your dreams?

We’re leading peer observations to root out racial inequities and foster an affirming learning community for all.

We’re using play to infuse classes with more choice, wonder, and delight.

We’re bringing indigenous voices into our music curriculum.

We’re modernizing our World Language program to improve proficiency.

We’re focusing on best practices and equitable instruction to strengthen our dual immersion learning community.

We are using curricular strategies to support the literacy needs unique to language learners who take AP classes.

We are blending Project Based Learning and Maker Ed to empower children to make change.

We're creating a personalized learning program that meets students where they are.

We’re using data to increase collaboration among teachers.

We are striving to reach new heights in second language acquisition.

We are implementing STEM strategies in our classrooms to send students soaring towards creative solutions.

We are co-constructing a highly effective, self-sustaining STEM teacher community.

We are learning about mindfulness to help our students be more present in the moment.

We’re creating Advisory benchmark assessments and lessons to boost student achievement.

We are connecting math to real world issues in health, engineering & entrepreneurship.

We are using practical skills to develop interdisciplinary literacy skills in 21st century learning.

Driven By Teachers

Proven Results

experienced meaningful professional growth

Sonoma County

Napa County

Yolo County

San Joaquin County

San Mateo County

Alameda County

San Francisco

Santa Clara County

Santa Cruz County

Sacramento County

Solano County

Contra Costa County

Marin County

San Benito County

Monterey County