Elementary and Middle School Prize

The Goldman Sachs Foundation Elementary/Middle School Prize will recognize an elementary or middle school that engages all or most of its students in learning about other world regions, cultures and languages.

Contents:

Eligibility Criteria Advice for Applicants Timetable Application Procedure Instructions for On-line Application Help desk

Eligibility
Any public or private elementary or middle school with a clear focus on raising American awareness of the world and bridging the international knowledge gap.

Criteria
In your application, please address how your school meets the following criteria:

• Offers a rigorous, challenging curriculum that integrates international content across core subject areas and grade levels. (Please include the percentage of students following this course of study per grade level.);
• Emphasizes learning world languages (Please include the percentage of students engaged in world language learning per grade level.);
• Is committed to actively engaging all or most students in learning about the world outside of core subjects through classes such as art, music, and physical education; internationally focused electives; extracurricular activities; service; and afterschool and summer programs;
• Forms partnerships that support the international dimension of your school (e.g. with community organizations, corporations, universities, schools in other countries);
• Is composed of leadership and faculty committed to ongoing professional development and the enhancement of the international dimension of the school;
• Uses technology to promote international learning; and
• Can provide measures of student success, including proficiency in world languages.
  

Advice for Applicants

• Be as specific as possible. The narrative portion of the application is the most important; it allows reviewers to get a full picture of the school. Be sure to address each award criteria as completely as possible. Be clear about which courses are required for all students, and which are electives. In describing your world language program, make sure to include what levels are offered and how many students are enrolled.
• Letters of support are very helpful in bringing a program to life and in giving an outside perspective. Choose letter writers who are familiar with the program and who can address how the international dimension of the school impacts student learning (e.g. parents, community leaders, school board members).

Timetable

Elementary/Middle School Prize Applications Due	December 1, 2008 (now closed)
Award Ceremony for 2008 Winners	March 2009

Application Procedure
All applicants must submit the following information as part of the online application:

1. Contact Information
2. School/Organization Profile
3. Narrative essays addressing each of the criteria (not to exceed 500 words per essay) describing the school's efforts to improve international knowledge and skills for students and teachers, and how these efforts meet the aims of the awards program.
4. Three letters of support from individuals or organizations familiar with the school's work.
5. OPTIONAL: Applications can include supporting materials such as course outlines/syllabi, curriculum units, and/or lesson plans (not to exceed three pages in length each). We cannot review video or audio tapes, DVDs, or CDs. Any supporting materials must be clearly marked with the applicant school's name.

Instructions for On-line Application
The following instructions will guide you through the simple on-line application process. Please prepare your contact information, school profile, and narrative, then click on the button to the upper right to apply on-line.

Before you begin: Click here to download a PDF [What is a PDF?] of the application questions. Use the PDF to help you prepare the applicant contact and profile information. The PDF contains the exact information and questions you will have to answer on the online application. The PDF is for reference only. No paper or email submissions will be accepted. Only applications submitted online will be reviewed.

Step 1: Click here to submit an online application: http://gsfprizes.org/

Step 2: You will first choose your own secure username and password. You can use this to return to your application as often as you like to add to or change your responses before your final submission.

Step 3: Fill in your contact information and school profile.

Step 4: Fill in your responses to the 7 criteria. Please note that the text box for each essay is limited to 500 words, you will not be able to submit more than 500 words per essay.

Step 5: Upload 3 required letters of support.

Step 6: Upload up to 3 optional supporting materials.

Step 7: Submit your application. When you are finished entering in all information you will be given the option to review your application and submit it. ONCE YOUR APPLICATION IS SUBMITTED YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO CHANGE IT. You will be emailed a confirmation automatically upon submission.

Help desk
For program questions, read the FAQ. If your questions are not addressed, please e-mail [email protected].

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Notes

What is a PDF?
PDF is an Adobe Acrobat file. Most computers have this installed. If you cannot access the document, you have to go to www.adobe.com/products/acrobat for the free Adobe Acrobat download.