The Voya Unsung Heroes Award from Voya Financial has been helping innovative classroom teachers fund projects for 20 years. In 2023, applications are due through Scholarship America by 3:00 PM CT on April 28.
Fifty finalists will be chosen to receive $2,000. From these finalists, three applicants will receive bonus awards.
- First Place – $25,000
- Second Place – $10,000
- Third Place – $5,000
Finalists will be notified in August and bonus award recipients will be notified by Fall.
Eligibility
This award is open to all full-time educators, principals, and staff employed by an accredited public or private K-12 school in the United States. Applications must be verified by the superintendent, principal, or direct supervisor.
Previous winners may apply again, but First Place can only be won once.
Applicants are not required to be clients of Voya Financial.
Allowable Expenses
Voya does not specify the type of project they fund, only that it should be, “effective and innovative” and “improve student learning.”
Indirect and administrative costs may not be paid for with grant funds.
Award Trends
Projects from all subject areas are encouraged to apply. However, certain areas have received funding more frequently in the past.
- STEM – 45%
- English – 14%
- History and Social Sciences – 11%
- Other – 9%
- Career Technical Education – 8%
- Music & Art – 7%
- Physical Education, Nutrition & Wellness – 5%
