Today, the 49ers Foundation launched applications for the Dr. Harry Edwards "Follow Your Bliss" Award grant program presented by the Micron Foundation and BlackRock. The annual grant program honors local Bay Area educators who are committed to creating a lasting and positive impact for their students. Nominations can be submitted to 49ers.com/bliss from now until April 4 at 11:59 p.m. PST.
"Teachers and administrators are crucial in building foundations for individual and collaborative achievement," said Dr. Edwards. "As sources of inspiration and guidance, educators lead young people academically, socially, and emotionally, helping them realize their fullest potential. The Follow Your Bliss grant program honors the Bay Area educators dedicated to making an impact, and we are proud to continue working with the 49ers Foundation to use sport as a mechanism to change lives."
Since its inception in 2017, the "Follow Your Bliss" Award Program has awarded more than $150,000 in educational grants to 49 Bay Area educators. Previous awardees have used award funding to replenish classroom libraries, conduct science experiments, and support professional development opportunities for students interested in STEM fields. Here are a few examples:
- 11 winners used funds for experiential purposes, including field trips, school galas, and guest speakers;
- 1 winner used funds to support students' college application fees;
- 3 winners used funds to purchase books for the school;
- 2 winners used funds for professional development impacting future students they serve;
- 12 winners used their funds to purchase program materials impacting their entire school community; and,
- 8 winners used their funds to purchase materials for their classroom or program impacting students year after year.
This year, a total of $20,000 will be distributed amongst 10 Bay Area educators to support a STEAM classroom project or program of their choice during the upcoming academic year. Winners will also receive an invitation to the annual award ceremony at Levi's® Stadium this spring. Educators can be nominated for one of the five following categories: K-5th grade, 6th-8th grade, 9th-12th grade, Community Educators, and Administration.
"As the 49ers Foundation continues its mission to educate and empower youth in the Bay Area and beyond, it is important that we recognize the local educators that support students in every avenue of life," said Justin Prettyman, Executive Director of the 49ers Foundation. "Educators are vital in shaping our community, and we are grateful to Dr. Harry Edwards, the Micron Foundation, and BlackRock for their generosity in recognizing and supporting these local leaders."
"Educators are one of the most powerful forces for expanding opportunities," said Rosita Najmi, Executive Director of the Micron Foundation and Global Head of Social Impact and Community Engagement at Micron. "Their creativity and commitment shape how young people see themselves and what they believe is possible for their future, which Micron hopes is a STEM career. We are honored to support the educators who invest their time, talent and heart into helping students thrive."
"At BlackRock, we are dedicated to helping more and more people experience financial well being, and education is central to that goal," said Hadley Moloney, Director of the US Wealth Advisory Product Distribution Team and Co-Chair of the SF Gives Leadership Team at BlackRock. "Educators train the next generation and are one of the most important drivers of our collective societal prosperity. We are honored to partner with the 49ers Foundation to support educators who are making a meaningful, positive impact on young people across the Bay Area."
To learn more, please visit www.49ers.com/bliss.
