Champion Grants for Teachers in Alabama

The Champion Grants program, administered by the Alabama Power Foundation, offers funding to public school teacher teams in grades nine through eleven who are committed to preparing students for college and career readiness in math and/or science. This grant is designed to support teacher collaboration, professional growth, and access to instructional resources and classroom technology that enhance student achievement in these key subject areas. Eligible applicants include public high school teachers who apply as either a grade-level or subject-area team. While cross-grade collaboration is encouraged, each grant proposal must focus on a single student grade level. Each team can apply for up to $5,000 in funding, which may be used to cover costs related to professional development, instructional resources, or classroom technology, provided the overall aim is to increase student achievement in math or science. Priority for funding is given to schools with demonstrated financial need, specifically those with at least 50 percent of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches or those identified as Title I schools. Grant applications must include a teacher-selected professional development component that aligns with the goal of raising student achievement. Even if the professional development is free, it must be included in the proposal to ensure teacher growth is a core part of the project. Proposals must also describe how success will be measured and detail expected outcomes for students and teachers. Acceptable uses of the grant include a range of effective professional development opportunities, such as classes, workshops, conferences, coaching, and professional learning communities. Instructional resources should enhance learning and engagement and may include manipulatives, STEM unit kits, assessment tools, and teacher guides. Classroom technology such as iPads, graphing calculators, SMART Boards, and digital microscopes is also eligible for funding. Grant funds may not be used for private or non-school organizations or for any proposal not aimed at improving achievement in math or science. To complete the application, teacher teams must provide detailed school information, including tax ID, enrollment numbers, and the percentage of students on free or reduced lunch. Information about the school principal and participating teachers’ experience and certifications is also required. The grant proposal must outline the number of students impacted, the plan for use of funds, specific professional development activities, and the methods by which outcomes will be measured. The Champion Grants are offered in two annual cycles. For the 2025 cycle, applications open March 24 and close April 25 for the first round, and open again August 4 and close September 5 for the second round. Awards are disbursed to schools, not individuals, and proposals are reviewed by the Alabama Power Foundation for compliance with program guidelines. If time allows before the deadline, applicants will be contacted about any required modifications. Applications submitted on the final day are not eligible for revision.