[National Council of Teachers of English](https://ncte.org)

May 20, 2026

Up to two awards of $500 each to support travel, registration, and related expenses for the NCTE Annual Convention.

Supports first-time NCTE Annual Convention presenters from historically underrepresented groups in English language arts education.

Applicants must have an accepted NCTE Annual Convention proposal before applying.

--- ## Description The ELATE Geneva Smitherman Cultural Diversity Grant aims to increase participation in the English Language Arts Teacher Educators (ELATE) community by supporting teachers, teacher educators, graduate students, and student teachers from historically underrepresented ethnic groups. The grant provides financial assistance to help recipients attend and present at the NCTE Annual Convention, recognizing the importance of diverse voices in achieving ELATE’s professional goals. Up to two $500 grants are awarded each cycle to eligible first-time presenters, supporting travel, registration, and related expenses. --- ## Due Dates - May 20, 2026: Application deadline (submit materials after NCTE Annual Convention proposal acceptance) --- ## Funding Amount - Up to two awards of $500 each per cycle - Funding supports travel costs, registration fees, and other expenses associated with participation at the NCTE Annual Convention --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be first-time presenters at the NCTE Annual Convention. - Eligible individuals include teachers, teacher educators, graduate students, and student teachers in English language arts. - Applicants must be NCTE members. - Applicants must represent a historically underrepresented ethnic group in NCTE and ELATE, including: - African American - Asian American - Mexican American - Native Hawaiian - Puerto Rican and other Latina/Latino American - American Indian - Applicants must not have previously presented at an NCTE Annual Convention. --- ## Application Process 1. Submit a program proposal to the NCTE Annual Convention and receive acceptance to present (individual or panel). 2. After proposal acceptance, by May 20, 2026, submit a single PDF to [elate@ncte.org](mailto:elate@ncte.org) containing: - A brief letter of application explaining how your presentation (include accepted proposal title) will benefit colleagues. - A brief letter (no more than one page) describing your professional or pre-professional background. - A brief letter of support from a senior colleague or mentor commenting on your accomplishments or promise as a teacher or teacher educator. --- ## Additional Information - The grant is administered by ELATE (English Language Arts Teacher Educators), a group within NCTE. - Award recipients are selected based on their program proposals and demonstrated potential to contribute to ELATE’s mission. - Previous recipients and their presentation topics are listed on the [grant page](https://ncte.org/awards/elate-cultural-diversity-grant/). --- ## External Links - [Grant Program Page](https://ncte.org/awards/elate-cultural-diversity-grant/) - [ELATE Awards Overview](https://ncte.org/awards/elate-awards/) - [NCTE Diversity Initiatives](https://ncte.org/groups/caucuses/diversity-initiatives/) --- ## Contact Information | Contact Type | Details | |-------------------|------------------------------------------------------| | General Inquiries | [elate@ncte.org](mailto:elate@ncte.org) | | NCTE Main Office | [Contact Form](https://ncte.org/contact-us/) | | Phone | 217-328-3870 |

ELATE Geneva Smitherman Cultural Diversity Grant

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