Today the 49ers Foundation began their call for Bay Area educator applications to the annual Dr. Harry Edwards Follow Your Bliss Grant Program. The eighth annual program, co-sponsored by the Micron Foundation and BlackRock, will provide $20,000 of funds to 10 educators across five categories. Applications can be submitted at 49ers.com/bliss until March 17 at 6pm PST.
Named in honor of Dr. Harry Edwards, a lifelong educator, social justice advocate, and Bay Area native, the Follow Your Bliss program recognizes local educators who are consistently going above and beyond to educate and empower the next generation. Grant funds can be used for classroom materials or educational programs of the educator's choice. All grantees will also be invited to the Follow Your Bliss award ceremony later this year.
"Education is at the foundation of individual achievement and institutional viability in modern societies. Teachers and other education professionals exercise crucial roles in that process," said Dr. Edwards. "Most specifically, educators inspire and guide the aspirations and efforts of young people, helping them realize their potential not only academically, but socially and emotionally as well. Sports provide abundant and invaluable teaching momentum, and as a sports organization, we are proud to continue our involvement in this process by recognizing and honoring Bay Area educators through the Follow Your Bliss grant program."
Educators across five categories will be recognized this year. The categories are: K-5th Grade, 6th-8th grade, 9th-12th grade, Administrator, and Community Educator. Applications can be submitted by anyone; students, parents, family, friends, or educators themselves.
"The Bay Area is a hub of innovation and culture, and there's no greater example of these values in action than the dedicated educators and administrators who work tirelessly each day to help shape the next generation of leaders in our community," said Justin Prettyman, Executive Director of the 49ers Foundation. "The Follow Your Bliss grants, and generous support from Micron and BlackRock, allow us to recognize teachers for their dedication to educating and empowering Bay Area youth. We look forward to celebrating these educators later this year."
"The Follow Your Bliss Grant Program for educators supports teachers who are going above and beyond to champion STEM in their schools," said Rosita Najmi, Executive Director of the Micron Foundation. "At Micron, we believe in the power of dreams and the importance of fostering learning opportunities for all. We are proud to support the educators who will be awarded this grant as they are the true champions in their fields, working to create environments where students can explore their passions and reach their full potential."
Since 2017, the Follow Your Bliss grant program has recognized 24 Bay Area educators, providing them and their classrooms with a total of $120,000.
To learn more and submit applications, please visit www.49ers.com/bliss
