Free college grant information

GRANT INFORMATION

Christopher Columbus Awards

Teams of middle school students are invited to enter the Christopher Columbus Awards, a free awards program that challenges students to explore opportunities for positive change in their communities. Teams of up to four students and a coach must identify a community issue and use the scientific process to solve it. Finalist teams win an all-expenses paid trip to Walt Disney World, where they'll compete for U.S. Savings Bonds and the $25,000 Columbus Foundation Community Grant to help bring their idea to life. Coaches may be teachers, parents, community leaders or mentors. Teams do not need to be affiliated with a school to enter.

DEADLINE February 15, 2005

ELIGIBILITY Middle school students

CONTACT 800-291-6020 or visit www.christophercolumbusawards.com

TOYchallenge 2005

TOYchallenge is a toy and game design competition that's sponsored by the Sally Ride Science Club, Smith College and Hasbro Inc. The competition aims to encourage middle school kids, especially girls, to pursue their interest in science and engineering while having fun. To join TOYchallenge, design teams must find an adult coach and register before December 15. The registration fee is $25 per team. The teams must choose a theme from seven toy categories and create and submit their entry. Entries should consist of a visual presentation, written description and early version of their original toy or game concept. Teams that cannot attend one of the regional events may mail in their written entry. Five teams at each regional event will be awarded $250 development grants toward presenting their toy or game at the National Showcase.

DEADLINE December 15 (to register), February 16, 2005 (to submit).

ELIGIBILITY Students in grades 5-8

VALUE $250 per award

CONTACT www.TOYchallenge.com

GRANT INFORMATION REPRINTED FROM ESCHOOL NEWS