ANNUAL IDEA AWARDS
Included among the many benefits available to Illinois Digital Educators Alliance members are several annual awards and grants that have been created to recognize those members who have made exemplary efforts to bring creative and innovative uses of instructional technology resources to their schools or who seek new professional growth opportunities. Brief descriptions of these programs are included below, and you may click on the links for each to learn more about application procedures.
IDEA EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR AWARD
The Educator of the Year program honors current IDEA members who have made outstanding contributions integrating technology in education. The award is specifically designed to recognize IDEA Educators at all experience levels—from the beginner to the advanced user.
Nominations are reviewed by a Committee and the final selections are recommended to the IDEA Executive Board for confirmation.
IDEA MINI-GRANT PROGRAM
IDEA is pleased to offer a mini-grant program available to all IDEA members across Illinois.
Are you looking for a way to make your school or classroom Maker Space a reality, seeking a few more devices to facilitate an engaging and exciting classroom project, or wanting to try a cutting-edge innovation that is so new you missed your school's budget cycle? Apply for an IDEA mini-grant!
IDEA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
We may be biased, but we believe all educators should have the opportunity to attend IDEAcon. To help, we have a fund designated just for IDEAcon attendance. Scholarships are awarded in the following categories:
- Registration
- Lodging
- Registration & Lodging
Applications for IDEAcon 2026 scholarships are open from October 1 through October 31.
