Grant Programs

Mississippi Power Education Foundation will be accepting grant applications in 2009. Please refer to the grant program information for deadline changes.

Grant Decisions & Deadlines

The Board of Trustees makes all decisions regarding the funding of grants. The Board consists of members representing Mississippi Power and the communities served by Mississippi Power. Grant decisions are made once a year. The deadline for submitting proposals is June 15. Awards are announced during the subsequent month.

Theme Grants

The Foundation will give priority to proposals addressing specific educational themes, identified by the Board of Trustees. These themes currently are technology for learning, strategic planning, professional development, school restructuring and parental involvement.

Classroom Teacher Grants

Awarded to teachers who propose innovative educational programs that enhance classroom teaching and learning in grades K-12. The maximum award is $2,000.

Opportunity Grants

A school, school district, college or university may apply for support for a project designed to bring about systemic change in teaching processes. Such projects must impact multiple classrooms, subject area, an entire grade level, school or school district. Creative and innovative projects that actively involve students in the learning process and have the potential to benefit a large number of students will be given priority consideration.

The Alan R. Barton Excellence in Teaching Awards

Presented annually to six outstanding teachers in grades K-12 from schools in the Mississippi Power service area. Nomination information is mailed to principals in October and nominations, which are limited to one per school, are due December. Winners are announced in January. The award includes $3,000 for the teacher, and $3,000 to be used at the teacher's discretion for supplies, equipment, and/or professional development.

New Teacher Assistance Grants

Educational Research clearly documents that the quality of teaching is the most significant in-school determinant of student success. Students who have effective teachers make significant gains in learning; students who have ineffective teachers fail to make significant gains in learning. What teachers know and can do determines what children learn. Realizing how critical quality teachers are, the Foundation established the New Teacher Assistance Grant in 2002. Each year, up to 10 first-year teachers will be awarded $1,000 to help equip their classrooms with supplies, resources, and materials needed to provide meaningful experiences for their students. Nominations are solicited from superintendents in the school districts located in the Mississippi Power service area.