Award Information
One of the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science's primary missions is to recognize and stimulate achievement in science education and to foster scientific inquiry at all levels. Towards those ends, the Academy offers several awards each year for pre-college teachers and students.
All funds awarded by the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science are intended for the recipient only, and cannot be used for administrative or institutional services of any kind.
Outstanding Teacher Awards
Each year the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science presents awards to a elementary, middle school, and a senior high school teacher for outstanding accomplishments in the field of science education.
If you have a dedicated teacher in your school whom you feel has demonstrated excellence in science education, please encourage him/her to apply for this award or nominate* him/her for recognition.
Any K-12 certificated or practicing Arizona or Nevada teacher who has not previously received this recognition (for any grade level) may apply. Applicants may be teaching at a public, private, or charter school. The award is also open to student teachers who have completed their student teaching experience.
- Summary of accomplishments in science teaching.
- Description of nature of and/or approach to science teaching in applicant's classroom.
- Supporting documentation.
- Up to two letters of recommendation from individuals that have observed your science teaching.
All decisions of the judging panels are final. Winners will be notified of their selection in February. The recipient of the award at each level will be presented with his or her award at the Annual Awards Luncheon held each spring (usually late March or early April) as part of the Academy's Annual Meeting. Each awardee will receive a plaque and a $50.00 gift card. Lunch will be provided for each recipient and one guest.
Deadline for application is March 23rd.
Outstanding Leadership in Science Education Award
Each year the Arizona-Nevada Academy of Science presents an award to an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the field of science education in Arizona or Nevada.
If you know a dedicated individual that you feel has made such a significant contribution towards improving the quality of STEM education, please nominate them for this award.
Your assistance in helping the Academy identify and honor such educational leaders is greatly appreciated.
Note: With this award, we are looking to recognize individual whose impact has extended beyond a single classroom. Examples would include but are not limited to educators, volunteers, administrators, or others who have effected change at the school or district level, individuals working with after-school or summer programs, or persons who have made significant contributions to science initiatives in a city, area, or state.
We welcome individuals working in charter, private, and public schools, as well as organizations such as museums, after school clubs, and other organizations dedicated to student education and success.
Deadline for application is March 23rd.
The Bud Ellis Scholarship
The Arizona - Nevada Academy of Science has endowed a Maricopa Community College Foundation Scholarship in honor of founding ANAS member, Albert "Bud" Ellis. Bud Ellis was also a founding faculty member of the GCC Biology department and continued his teaching and service career there until his retirement. The scholarship supports Glendale Community College students pursuing a degree in a STEM field.
GCC students interested in applying should go to the Foundation Scholarship portal. The Ellis Scholarship will be awarded each semester (starting Fall 2023). Deadlines for submission: Fall semester - March 1 - April 30. Spring semester: Sept 1 - Oct 31.
Individuals wishing to contribute to this scholarship fund may do so through the GCC website. MCCF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable organization (EIN 860327449). Step-by-step instructions found here. If you'd like to arrange a legacy contribution to the Ellis Scholarship in your will or estate, please view this summary, and visit the foundation's "planned giving" website for tools.
Dr. Albert "Bud" Ellis
Although a geneticist by training, Dr. Ellis brought a wide spectrum of biology expertise to Glendale Community College. His knowledge of the natural history of Arizona was second to none. As GCC’s first Biology Department Chair he helped shape an outstanding faculty that made quality instruction a priority.
Bud also gave considerable time to professional and volunteer activities. He provided many years of leadership to the Academy serving in various capacities on the Board of Governors including President. Dr. Ellis was honored as an Academy Fellow in 1977 and received our Outstanding Service Award in 1995. His long and distinguished life and career are a legacy, the impacts of which are still felt today.