Grants & Scholarships
Educate
Northeast Texas Chapter 416 provides direct funds to support educational programs. We support numerous K-12 educational efforts and are always looking for dedicated local sponsors for selected programs. Educators at any level are able to submit support requests. You can see types of community efforts by viewing our Program Info (link to the Programs page). Interested educators should email TX416.Northeast.President@afa.org and provide information on their program and detailed cost information for consideration.
Teacher of the Year
Northeast Texas Teacher of the Year (TOY) Northeast Texas AFA believes that recognizing those who educate America’s youth is an important aspect of what youth betterment is about. Recognizing teachers is critical and this award is focused on teachers providing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math) education activities and recognizes exceptional performance at the local level.
Our Community Partners and AFA national combine to provide $750 and mementos to our Chapter Teacher of the Year recipient. Additionally, recipients are eligible and entered in the Texas state and national level programs as applicable with additional awards at those levels. Presentations to the TOY are made at a recognition event held in March-April each year.
Timeline
TOY Timeline Nominations for Teacher of the Year are due January 31st each year. Nominations are reviewed and selectees will be announced in March. Chapter leaders will reach out for additional information required for higher level state and national level recognition as necessary. State awards are due April 1st each year and drive entry requirements. A recognition event is scheduled in March-April time each year.
Nomination Form (Chapter-TOY-Application.pdf (afa.org), Signed letters from school principal and superintendent. Up to 3 pages of additional information about programs, etc. (View a Sample). You can nominate your teacher by sending the above information to TX416.Northeast.President@afa.org. If you have any questions, contact us. Nominations are due by January 31st each year however, you can reach out anytime to receive application requirements.
National Teacher of the Year
STEM teachers shape the future of our nation by introducing students to exciting new concepts and offering a glimpse into what’s possible. Along with grants and scholarships, the Air & Space Forces Association believes that recognizing those who educate America’s youth is an important aspect of what AFA is all about. Every year, AFA’s Teacher of the Year program sponsored by Rolls-Royce proudly honors the commitment and achievements of these extraordinary teachers. AFA National provides $250 as recognition for AFA Chapter TOY. View National Teacher of the Year Information.
Teacher of The Year Award
The Air Force Association believes that recognizing those who educate America’s youth is an important aspect of what AFA is all about.
Our teacher of the year program is a Science Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) focused program where teachers are recognized for exceptional performance in education at the local, state and national levels.
2023-2024 AFA Chapter 416 and AFA Texas Winner: Taylor Kline, Greenville Early College High School, Greenville, TX
Northeast Texas AFA Essay Contest
Chapter 416 annually sponsors an essay contest that provides college scholarship funds for Texas High School Seniors (including home schoolers). The contest offers students willing to do some research, provide logic and critical thinking to a topic pertaining to national security, and present it in written form, a scholarship opportunity. Top essays will be posted on our website and printed in our newsletters. View most recent recipients
Northeast Texas Scholarship Sponsors
1st – $2,000 – Lt. Col. John Murray Family
2nd – $1,500 – Dr. Jerry Ransom
3rd – $1,000 – CMSgt Bobby & Louise McCasland Family
Contest Timeline: Topic is published and posted by September; essays are due January the following year. Essays are judged and results are released in late March. Recipients will provide a scholarship redemption form to chapter with college information. Funds are then sent directly to recipients’ college accounts, eliminating any tax on the award, upon registration, usually during May-August.
How the Contest Works: Students will produce a three-page essay, including references, along with an entry form which has specific requirements and due dates. Essays are judged and the top three essays are awarded scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $2,000. Often there are additional awards provided beyond the top three entries due to the generosity of our donors.
2025 Essay Contest:
Filling Our Military Forces: Volunteers? Compulsory? or Other?
Download instructions & entry for the two-page essay!
Entries must be emailed in by January 10, 2025!
Essay Topic2024 HYPERSONIC WEAPONS: WHY THE NEED FOR SPEED?
1st Place
2023-2024 Winner: Asia Chen
Read 1st Place essay
Adriana Stevens, Veterans Affairs, District TX-04
Dr. Rebekah Russler, Chancellor, Greenville Early College High School
Asia Chen, Essay Contest Scholarship Recipient
Mrs. Althea Dixon, Superintendent, Paris Independent School District
Vance Clarke, President, Northeast Texas Chapter 416
2nd Place
2023-2024 Winner: Ashton Hillard
Read 2nd Place essay
Adriana Stevens, Veterans Affairs, District TX-04
Dr. Rebekah Russler, Chancellor, Greenville Early College High School
Ashton Hillard, Essay Contest Scholarship Recipient
Mrs. Althea Dixon, Superintendent, Paris Independent School District
Vance Clarke, President, Northeast Texas Chapter 416
3rd Place
2023-2024 Winner: Kami White
Read 3rd Place essay
Adriana Stevens, Veterans Affairs, District TX-04
Dr. Rebekah Russler, Chancellor, Greenville Early College High School
Kami White, Essay Contest Scholarship Recipient
Mrs. Althea Dixon, Superintendent, Paris Independent School District
Vance Clarke, President, Northeast Texas Chapter 416
