If you’re an educator in the Bay Area who’s been dreaming about upgrading your classroom or launching that STEAM project you’ve had on the back burner, this could be your moment. The Foundation is opening applications for its ninth annual “Follow Your Bliss” Award grant program, and they’re giving out $20,000 in total funding to 10 lucky educators.

The program, presented by the Micron Foundation and BlackRock, is specifically designed to honor local Bay Area educators who are genuinely committed to making a positive impact on their students’ lives. Whether you’re teaching in elementary school, middle school, high school, working as a community educator, or in an administrative role, there’s a category for you.

Since the program launched back in 2017, it’s already distributed over $150,000 to 49 educators across the Bay Area. And honestly, the ways previous winners have used the money is pretty inspiring. Some used it to take students on field trips and bring in guest speakers. Others invested in classroom libraries or purchased STEM program materials that benefit their entire school community. A few even used the funding to help students cover college application fees, which is such a crucial need that often gets overlooked.

Here’s how it works: you can nominate an educator (or yourself, if you’re a teacher) through the official website. The deadline is April 4 at 11:59 p.m. PST, so you’ve got a solid couple of weeks to get your application together. Winners get $2,000 each to spend on whatever STEAM classroom project or program they choose. Plus, there’s an invitation to the annual award ceremony at the stadium in spring, which is a pretty cool recognition for the work you’re doing every single day.

What’s really important to understand here is that this isn’t just about handing out cash. The program was created to acknowledge educators as the foundational pillars of our community. These are the people shaping how young people see themselves and their potential. They’re the ones investing their time, creativity, and heart into helping students thrive, often without adequate resources or recognition.

According to the Foundation’s executive director, educators are vital in shaping our community. That’s not hyperbole. Teachers and administrators are literally building the foundations for individual and collaborative achievement. They guide students academically, socially, and emotionally, helping them reach their fullest potential.

If you know an educator who’s going above and beyond, whether they’re creating innovative lesson plans, mentoring students through personal challenges, or building a strong classroom community, now’s the time to recognize them. Head to the official website to submit a nomination. This is your chance to say thank you to the teachers and administrators who actually show up for their students.