Lawrence Schools Foundation

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Programs

The Lawrence Schools Foundation provides resources that inspire learning, enrich teaching and enhance opportunities for all students, educators, and staff in Lawrence Public Schools.

 

Whatever your WHY, when you donate to the Lawrence Schools Foundation, you support and enhance public education in Lawrence. We take pride in being a lot of things to a lot of people and we hope you will help us by donating to support your WHY!

Did you know?

A Community of Support For Our Students and Our Schools

The Lawrence Schools Foundation is committed to providing financial support for the students and teachers of Lawrence Public Schools. 

Call For Inquiry

(785) 330-1941

Mail For Inquiry

jsinclai.usd497.org

01. Grants

Each year the Lawrence Schools Foundation makes grant applications available to those in the school district.

(List of all grants and applications below).

02. Scholarships

Thanks to our generous community, graduating high school seniors are provided the opportunity to apply for a large number of available scholarships to help defray the cost of college.

03. Awards

Each year district teachers and staff are recognized with various awards through the Lawrence Schools Foundation. Nominations from staff, students and community are accepted for the Dedication to Education, Educator of the Year and Excellence in Teaching honors. (Awards & Nomination info below.)

04. Special Funds

There are a number of funds started by individuals or businesses to provide additional resources for extra-curricular activities or to help fund certain needs of our students.

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Programs

Grants

The Lawrence Schools Foundation now offers spring and fall grant application cycles each year. The deadline to apply for Foundation grants is

February 1st  & September 1st

McCown Gordon, LLC Teacher Grant

Helps teachers expose students to construction, engineering, or architecture, with a primary focus on the number of students impacted.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM.

Download Application

Innovative Teaching Grants

Helps educators or groups of educators to implement innovative, unique student projects that enrich learning, critical thinking, and problem solving skills; and result in increased achievement.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM.

Download 

Carl Knox Staff Development Grant

Funds professional development experiences, such as summer institutes, action research, mentoring experience, or lesson study.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM

Download Application

Music Endowment Grants

Provide music educators funds to enhance access to, enrich the quality of, and expand the educational experiences of their students.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM.

Download Application

Professional Development & Learning Grant

This Professional Development Grant was established through the Lawrence Schools Foundation, to provide professional learning opportunities and summer professional learning compensation to facilitate responses content area learning standards, for Lawrence Public Schools educators of grades 9-12.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on April 30 by 5:00 PM

Download Application

School Assistance Grants

Building administrators are encouraged to apply for a grant to fund a purchase, project or program for which state or federal funds are not available.

The deadline to apply for Foundation grants will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM

Download Application

Scholarships

All local Scholarship Applications are due by Wednesday, February 13th, 2024. 

Students need to apply through their respective schools application process.

Lawrence High School Students: https://www.usd497.org/Page/6764

Free State High School Students: https://www.usd497.org/Page/7015

 

Adam Leitel Memorial Scholarship

Description: In memory of friend and loved one, Adam Leitel. Adam was a Social Studies teacher as well as an Assistant Track and Field and Assistant Girls’ Tennis Coach at Free State High School.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Type of Criteria: Applicants must be a member of the Free State High School Track & Field program and be involved in school and community activities.

Application Form: None. Must be nominated by Track & Field Coaches at Free State High School.

Aimee E. Ziegler Memorial

Description: In memory of Aimee E. Ziegler, who was a counselor at LFSHS. She was well known in Lawrence for her involvement in creating the WRAP program and her numerous coaching positions at Free State.

Applicants must have average or above average GPA (minimum 2.5), but not for highest achievers. Must show solid effort toward academics and demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,500

Type of Criteria: Need, 2.5 GPA

Application Form: None. Must be nominated by School Counselor or Social Worker

Al and Leona Deiser Memorial

Applicants must have graduated from Billy Mills Middle School (South Middle School) and are pursuing a career in a skilled trade.  Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need.  Applicants must have been involved in school activities and plans to attend any 4-year college/university or 2-year junior college/vocational and/or technical school.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

 

Arthur "Mike" Browning Memorial

Applicants must be involved in school activities and/or athletics.  Applicants must have been involved in community activities and plans to attend any four-year college/university or two-year junior college/vocational and/or technical school.  Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form:  LHS General Application

Barbara Burnett Scholarship

Applicants must be interested in pursuing a career in the health-related or medical field, with priority given to someone interested in becoming a dietician or nurse. Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Betty Dobbins Fine Arts Scholarship

Applicants must plan to study in the field of Performing or Visual Arts and be involved in school activities such as Performing or Visual Arts. Applicant must be active in classes, camps or workshops for Performing or Visual Arts and demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS General Application

Bob and Pauline Johnson Scholarship

Applicants must have an IEP based on academic challenges.  Applicants must have a minimum 2.0 GPA and plan to attend a two-year college, vocational or technical school, or a four-year college.

Number of Scholarships:  1

Award Amount:  $1,000

Application Form:  LHS General Application

Carol J.C. Church Scholarship

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 and be a graduate of Billy Mills Middle School (South Middle School).  Applicants must plan to major in Education at a  4-year or 2-year college or university and demonstrate financial need. 

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Chantel Anderson Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship was established by the Anderson’s in memory of their daughter, Chantal, a former LHS student and graduate of KU who enjoyed athletics, music and art. Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and plan on attending a 4 year Kansas college or university and major in a health related field, including, but not limited to nursing, physical education, and pre-med.  Applicants must demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 2 (1 per each high school)

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Coach Kermit D. Aldridge Scholarship

Applicants must be majoring in education.  Applicants must plan to attend the University of Kansas

Number of Scholarships:  1

Award Amount:  $500

Application Form:  LHS General Application

David "Doc" Johnson Scholarship

Applicants have a minimum GPA of 2.0, demonstrate leadership qualities, and plan to attend a 4-year college/university or a 2-year college/junior college, vocational and/or technical school.  Applicants must demonstrate financial need and be involved in school, athletics and community activities.

Number of Scholarships: 2

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS General Application

Fraternal Order of Eagles Auxiliary #309 Scholarship

Applicants must be a female student with a minimum grade-point average of 2.5, involvement in community activities and/or volunteering and plan to attend any four-year college/university or two-year college/school (junior college, vocational and/or technical school)

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Geoffrey Tyler Gaston Scholarship:

Description: This scholarship was started in memory of Geoffrey Tyler Gaston.
Applicant must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, must demonstrate financial need and have focused on college preparatory classes.
Number of Scholarships: 1 Award Amount: $1,000
Criteria: Merit and Need
Application Form: FSHS General Application

Gerald M. "Jerry" Vogel Scholarship

Applicants must have a disability and plan on attending any college

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Bill and Gunna Zimmerman "Motivational Award"

Applicants must have a GPA between 1.5 and 2.75 with interest in studying English, art or music at an accredited institution or the military.  Applicants must attach a nomination letter from an English, art, or music teacher, or by an administrator or counselor.

Additional Requirements: Applicants must attach a nomination letter.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Bill and Kay Naughton Wrestling Scholarship

Applicants must be a member of the LHS wrestling team and demonstrate financial need.  Applicants must be involved in school and community activities.  This scholarship can be used at any post-secondary education institution. 

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS General Application

Carl Mibeck Scholarship

Applicant must identify as a LGBTQ senior with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend a 4-year college or university. 

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $2,500

Application Form: LHS General Application

Dale Shillington Memorial Scholarship:

Dale(FSHS class of 2009) was a student who preferred the back row of the classroom and could frequently be caught sleeping during first hour. Dale never met a stranger. His personality was larger than life and his smile was the biggest you ever saw. He was a natural born leader that people gravitated towards. Dale lived by the motto of “go big or go home”. He was a member of the varsity soccer team his sophomore through senior year. Senior year he was team captain and was selected to the All-State soccer team. His picture still hangs just down the hall, outside of the gym. He was also a member of the varsity golf team all 4 years of high school, qualifying for state his senior year. 13 years ago Dale stood on this very stage and accepted a full ride scholarship from the United States Air Force. After four years and a lot of work, Dale graduated with his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. In his last semester Dale was informed he had been selected to receive a coveted pilot training slot that he had worked so hard for. In his short time as an instructor pilot, Dale won many awards for being the best instructor pilot and was someone every student respected and enjoyed flying with. Dale Shillington was killed in a military aviation training accident on July 21, 2016. 

Description: The scholarship was established by Allen Moore in memory of Dale Shillington, Free State class of 2009. 
Number of Scholarships: 1
Award Amount: $2,000
Criteria:  Minimum GPA of 2.5, involvement in school activities with formal or informal leadership roles, involvement in community activities, school athletics, plans to attend any 4-year college/university and/or planning to serve our country.
Application Form: FSHS General Application

Erin Dayton Memorial Scholarship:

John Bork, an attorney who prosecuted public officials and murder cases, was also an avid wrestling dad to his three sons. Two wrestled at LHS and the third wrestled at Free State. graduating in 2022. John thought that wrestling taught great life lessons adn skills as evidenced by his youngest son’s receiving a Division 1 wrestling scholarship. John hoped that this scholarship, given in his memory, would give a graduating FSHS wrestler a bit of help as that student pursues whatever education avenue that comes next.

Requirements: Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, plan to attend a two-year college, junior college, vocational and/or technical school and demonstrate a financial need.  The award will be selected by the staff at the Lawrence College and Career Center.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS / FSHS  General Application

Future Cities Silver & Blue Scholarship

Applicants must have participated in Future Cities for any USD497 team and have a minimum GPA of 3.0.  Applicants must be involved in school activities and submit a 250 word essay.  This scholarship can be used at any post-secondary education institution. 

Essay question: Please explain the most valuable lesson you learned by participating in the Future Cities program and how that has impacted your life.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

H.C. Stuart Memorial Scholarship:

Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, plan on a teacher career, and plan on attending a 4-year Kansas college or university. Applicants must demonstrate good character and leadership.


Number of Scholarships: 1
Award Amount: $500
Application Form: LHS General Application

Jan Green Memorial Scholarship:

Description: This scholarship was started in memory of Jan, a Lawrence school district educator for 26 years. Applicant must be involved in school and community activities. Applicant must intend to pursue a degree in education at a 4-year college or university and have a minimum GPA of 2.5. Applicant must demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $750

Criteria: Merit and Need

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Jason Alldredge Memorial Scholarship:

Description: Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to continue education in Automotive Technology at a 9 month, 2 years, or 4-year school/program.  Applicants must demonstrate a strong passion for this type of work have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and be involved in school and community activities.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Criteria: Automotive Technology

Application Form: LFSHS General Application

Application Form: LHS /FSHS General Application

Karen Dale Lyerla Memorial Scholarship:

Applicants must demonstrate financial need and plan to pursue a degree in the field of education. Special preference will be given to those interested in Special Education. Applicants must plan to attend a 2-year or 4-year college/university.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Latino Success Scholarship:

Applicants must be of Latino ethnicity and demonstrate financial need. Applicants must plan to attend a 2-year or 4-year college or vo-tech school, preference given to applicants involved in school and/or community activities. Applicants must include answers to the Latino Success Scholarship questionnaire (located on separate page) along with their application.

Additional Requirements: Latino Success questionnaire

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Lawrence Schools Foundation Legacy Scholarship:

This scholarship was created to help make college education accessible and a top priority for high school students in the Lawrence community. High consideration is given to students who can articulate their personal goals and communicate the impact their academic, school volunteer, and extracurricular activities has had on their high school career. 

 Additional Requirements: Cover letter that describes areas in your life where you demonstrated leadership and overcame obstacles either through your school, social or family life.

Number of Scholarships: 4 (2 scholarships at each high school)

Award Amount: $1,000

Criteria: Applicants must demonstrate a financial need and plan to attend a 4-year Kansas college/university or a 2-year college/school (junior college, vocation and/or technical school

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application  

McCownGordon, LLC Scholarship

Applicants should be interested in the fields of architecture, engineering or construction and demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $750

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

 

Pete Deiser Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must have graduated from Billy Mills Middle School (South Middle School) and are pursuing a career in business. Must have a minimum 2.5 GPA and demonstrate financial need.  Applicants must have been involved in school activities and plan to attend any 4-year college/university or 2-year junior college/vocational and/or technical school.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

 

Randy Weseman and Emprise Bank Scholarship

Description:   This scholarship was started to recognize the many contributions Randy Weseman made to the Lawrence Public Schools during his career. Applicant must be involved in school and community activities. Applicant should have taken some college preparatory classes and plan to attend a 2 or 4-year college or university or vocational/technical school. Applicant must provide a written essay explaining why school and community service is important and focus on his/her school and community involvement.

Additional Requirements: Please attach a typewritten essay explaining why school and community service is important. Applicant should focus on his/her school and community involvement.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Criteria: Essay and merit

Application Form: LHS / FSHS  General Application

 

Rex R. Powell's Burton Hollow Scholarship

Description: In memory of Rex R. Powell, Lawrence Public Schools Science Teacher.

  • Graduating Senior who will continue their education in the Environment/Biology/Science or Social Science field
  • Demonstrates a financial need
  • Plans to attend any four-year college/university
  • Must submit one-page essay explaining their interest in this scholarship

Additional Requirements: Essay

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $2,000

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application + one-page essay

 

Sarah Ann Zimmerman Scholarship

Applicants must have been a Lawrence High School theater student, but can study any field in college. Applicant should have good citizenship and demonstrate financial need.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS General Application

Stan Roth Science Scholarship

Description: Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA with plans to major in science or science related field. Consideration also given to students planning careers in teaching science. Applicants must have taken advanced placement classes and science curriculum. Applicants must have also been involved in extra-curricular science activities, such as science fairs, science clubs, 4-H, etc.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $2,000

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Sue Hack Legacy & Leadership Scholarship

Description: Sue Hack has been an active community member and has taught for 31 years prior to moving to public service. She currently leads the Leadership Lawrence program and this scholarship and Endowed fund was created to honor Sue by those who have worked with Sue in the classroom and within the community. Applicant must be involved in school and community activities and demonstrate leadership.

Number of Scholarships: 1
Award Amount: $500

Criteria: Open to any graduate meeting the criteria above
Application Form: LHS/ FSHS General Application

#TeamGrit Scholarship

Description: This scholarship has been created by Nolan and Laura Henderson to honor their son, Grit, family and the community that supported them greatly in their time of need. Applicant must have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be involved in school and community activities.

Number of Scholarships: (2) one awarded at each high school
Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS/ FSHS General Application

Travis E. Glass Memorial Scholarship

Description: This scholarship was established by family and friends of Travis Glass a local businessman who died in 1987. Applicant must be planning to major in business and attend Kansas University.

Number of Scholarships: 1
Award Amount: $600

Criteria: Open to any graduate meeting the criteria above
Application Form: LHS/ FSHS General Application

Joanna (JoJo) C. Tramel Memorial Art Scholarship

Applicants must have attended Liberty Memorial Central Middle School and is pursuing a degree in Art at any 4-year college/university or 2-year college (junior college, vocational and/or technical school). Applicant must have a minimum 2.5 GPA. 

Number of Scholarships: 1
Award Amount: $1,000
Application Form: LHS General Application

John K. Bork Memorial Wrestling Scholarship

John Bork, an attorney who prosecuted public officials and murder cases, was also an avid wrestling dad to his three sons. Two wrestled at LHS and the third wrestled at Free State, graduating in 2002. John thought that wrestling taught great life lessons and skills as evidenced by his youngest son’s receiving a Division 1 wrestling scholarship. John hoped that this scholarship, given in his memory, would give a graduating FSHS wrestler a bit of help as that student pursues whatever education avenue that comes next.

Description: Applicant must be planning to attend a 4-year university or a 2-year college/junior college, vocation or technical school and must have lettered in wrestling at Free State High School. Applicant must have exhibited leadership qualities and high academic standards.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Criteria: Lettered in wrestling and merit

Application Form: LFSHS General Application

Williams Family & Jonell Williams Scholarship

Description: This scholarship was established by what is now The Children’s Shelter in memory of Jonell Williams. Applicant must currently be or have been involved with the court system, or at risk for court intervention. Preference given for students who are or have been a resident of The Shelter. Applicant must be nominated by their guidance counselor. See your guidance counselor to be nominated.

Additional Requirements: Nominated by guidance counselor

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Criteria: Open to any graduate who meets the criteria above

Application Form: Counselor must send in nomination form

Kennedy Elementary Scholarship

This scholarship was established by Kennedy Elementary teachers Cara McNorton and Patrick Wedel.

Applicants must have attended Kennedy Elementary School, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be involved in community activities. Applicants must also plan to attend any 2-year junior college or vo-tech/technical school or 4-year college/university.

Answers to the following questions must be submitted with application: How has Kennedy motto “PRIDE” (Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Dependable, Empathetic) impacted your journey from fifth grade to graduating high school and how do you expect it to impact you as you continue with your post-graduation plans?    

Additional Requirements: Submit answers to above questions

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Martin and Coral Hickel Family Scholarship presented by Jay Deiser

Applicants must have graduated from Billy Mills Middle School (South Middle School) and must be planning to study agriculture, agronomy or farming, have a minimum 3.0 grade-point average and show financial need. Applicants must have been involved in school activities and plan to attend any 4-year college/university or 2-year junior college/vocational and/or technical school.

Number of Scholarships: 1
Award Amount: $1,000
Application Form: LHS General Application

Max and Lucile Stalcup Memorial Scholarship

Applicants must be in the top 10% of their graduating class and have plans to major in Education.  Applicants must have earned three credits in at least one or all of the following: home economics, business, industrial, or vocational education such as (DECA, OEA, FFA, CIT or auto mechanics).  Applicants must also plan to attend a trade school, vocational-technical, community college or a           4-year college or university

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Michael Latham Engineering Scholarship

Description: Michael Latham graduated from Lawrence High School in May 2013. He went on to graduate from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Science in Bioengineering.

This fund was created to provide a scholarship for one Lawrence High School senior to attend college and will be entering into the field of Engineering. The scholarship is created with a current three-year term.

Criteria for selection:

  • Specific Field of Study: Engineering
  • Minimum grade point average of 3.0
  • Financial Need
  • Preference may be given to a student who is first generation in family to attend college

Number of scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS General Application

Preston Scheibler Memorial Scholarship

The Preston Scheibler Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Preston, LHS class of 2008. Preston enjoyed playing on the basketball and baseball teams at LHS. During the summer baseball season his teams would consist of both LHS and LFS players. Preston had close friends from the north side of town. After high school, Preston worked with students that had disabilities. He had a wonderful heart for all people, but especially those who needed extra help and compassion.

After his death in 2011, the family wanted to award a student from LHS and Free State with a $1,000 scholarship in his memory.

Description: Applicant must have and IEP based on academic challenges and be involved in school activities. Applicant must plan to attend a 2 or 4 year Kansas university/college, or vocational /technical school. Special one-page essay is required.

Additional Requirements: Please attach your response to the following question: In college you will be responsible for advocating for yourself. How will you explain your disability and your needs to your college professors?

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Criteria: IEP (not gifted)

Application Form: LHS  / FSHS General Application

RD Johnson Excavating Scholarship

1. Construction Management or Civil Engineering Scholarship: Applicants should be planning to pursue a career in construction management or civil engineering at a Kansas post-secondary institution

2. Trade School, Vo-Tech School or Community College Scholarship: Applicants should be planning to pursue an education that will lead them to a field foreman position within the construction industry.

Number of Scholarships: 2
Award Amount: $500
Application Form: LHS General Application
Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Criteria: IEP (not gifted)

Application Form: LHS  / FSHS General Application

Ryan Walker Jazz Scholarship

Description: This scholarship was started in memory of Ryan Walker (1986-2003). Applicant must plan to pursue a music degree. Applicant must exhibit leadership skills and be involved in school activities.
Number of Scholarships: 1-2
Award Amount: $500
Criteria: Open to any graduate who meets the above requirements

Application Form: LHS  / FSHS General Application

Susan Satriano Foundation Scholarship

Applicants may include student or parent(s) of the student, who is battling cancer, in remission or unfortunately deceased due to cancer.  Applicants should let their school counselor know they would like to be considered for the scholarship and then complete the application form.  Students will be interviewed by Joe Satriano, trustee of the Foundation.

Number of Scholarships: TBA (unlimited)

Award Amount: Varies

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Sarah Elbayoumy Scholarship

Applicants should demonstrate a financial need and be involved in community activities, with preference given to students who are Muslims.  Applicants need a minimum 3.5 GPA and plan to attend any four-year college/university

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $1,000

Application Form: LHS / FSHS General Application

Troy Tate Scholarship

Applicants must be a member of the LHS Wresting Program with plans to continue their education.

Number of Scholarships: 1

Award Amount: $500

Application Form: LHS General Application

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Staff Awards

 

A.C.E. Award (Acknowledging Classified Employees)

The A.C.E Award recognizes and applauds classified employees whose efforts benefit students, faculty and staff, and others within and outside the USD 497 community. Students, faculty, classified and administrative staff may nominate any permanent part-time or full-time classified employee.  Award recipients will be announced each fall and each spring.

The recipient of the A.C.E Award will receive a $500.00 award.

The deadline to submit a nomination will be on February 1 and September 1 by 5:00 PM.

Download Application

Dedication To Education Award

This award is for that teacher, staff or para-educator who goes the extra mile to help those kids that need it the most.

The Special Award for Dedication to Education, is a teaching honor created through the Foundation by a group of community members inspired by their fathers’ example. They are the sons of another group of anonymous Foundation donors (with the first name Bob) who created the Bobs’ Award, a $10,000 Special Award for Teaching Excellence, in 1997.

The Foundation annually presents the Bobs’ Award in the spring.  The sons & daughters created the $5,000 Special Award for Dedication to Education to reward a certified teacher or para-educator in the Lawrence Public Schools who goes the extra mile to help kids who need it most.  The award honors someone who supports the school district’s mission of “Learning for All, Whatever it Takes” by ensuring that challenged and/or disadvantaged students learn.

Download Application

Excellence In Teaching: BOBS Award

Nearly 25 years ago, several Lawrence businessmen and educators, who are all named “Bob,” came to the school district with the plan to annually recognize a teacher who has a special gift for teaching and turning kids on to learning.  The recipients of this award all have one thing in common – their classrooms are fun, they inspire creativity, and learning is infectious.

Fast forward to today–There are now fifteen “Bobs” in the bob’s club including female “Bobs”. Although most of our “Bobs” are right here within our community, we even have one that is out of state and Nationally known.  In addition, their generosity and support has grown to inspire THEIR sons and daughters to do the same. In 2007, the sons and daughters of the Bobs created The Special Award for Dedication to Education. It also serves to honor a teacher who goes the extra mile for all kids, especially kids who need it most.  It honors a teacher whose work embodies the district’s mission of “Learning for All, Whatever it Takes” – and comes with a generous $5000 gift for an educator.

The most impactful and humbling part of this program is that fact that our Bobs choose not to have the spotlight on them but rather on the recipient of this award. 

$10,000 BOBS AWARD NOMINATION GUIDELINES:

  • Anyone, including students, staff, peers, alumni & community members may nominate an educator.
  • Teachers may not nominate themselves.
  • Supporting letters from colleagues, parents, students, alumni and community members may be included with the original nomination letter.
  • All Nominations Must Be Submitted                                          By 5:00 PM On April 30, 2022 to:
    LAWRENCE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
    110 MCDONALD DRIVE
    LAWRENCE, KS 66044
    or via Email: djohnsto@usd497.org

 

Download Application

Foundation Board Members

Special Funds

Grants & Awards

Scholarships

Get In Touch

Location: 110 McDonald Drive Lawrence KS 66044

Telephone: (785) 330-1941

Email: djohnsto@usd497.org