What We Do

The family of Dr. Gene Miller has created an annual grant fund to invest in the students of Grand Island by investing in the quality of their educators. This fund will offer a grant to a Grand Island Public School educator who is pursuing postgraduate level coursework to advance their professional development as a teacher, counselor or administrator. The fund will award up to $1,000.

Dr. Miller served the Grand Island Public Schools as an administrator for nearly 30 years. He spent 20 years at Grand Island Senior High, first as an Assistant Principal (1962-1964) and then as the Principal (1964-1982), after which he served as the administrator of adult education in the district’s central office (1982-1991). During his career, Dr. Miller also helped bring off-campus college courses in education to Grand Island to facilitate the professional development of local educators. In addition, he taught courses in secondary education and administration at Kearney State College (now UNK).

Dr. Miller earned his bachelor’s at York College, and his master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Nebraska. A lifelong educator, he began his career teaching and coaching in 1950, and spent his entire professional career serving Nebraska students and educators. Dr. Miller has been recognized on both the state and national level for his leadership and innovation, and has served as President of both the State and National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Amount and Terms

• $1,000 x 1 year

Number of Grants

• 1

Eligibility

• Applicants must be a certified teacher, counselor or administrator for the Grand Island Public Schools, either elementary or secondary. 
• Applicants must be accepted into a graduate program at an accredited public or private Nebraska college or university. 
• Applicants will require a written recommendation from their Principal/Supervisor. This recommendation will be part of the application process and will be confidential. 

Essay Question

• How do you envision your academic pursuit will enhance your effectiveness as an educator and benefit the students you serve?  Essay should be limited to 500 words.
   

To Apply

Access the online application form and deadlines at https://gipsfoundation.org/what-we-do/professional-development-grant.html

Selection Procedure

Applications will be reviewed by a grant selection committee appointed by the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation.

 Terms of Payment

The grant will be paid through the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation to appropriate educational institution per grant eligibility defined above. The student must provide proof of enrollment (class schedule) and student number to the Grand Island Public Schools Foundation for grant distribution.

Send proof of enrollment to Kari Price via email to kprice@gips.org, in person at GIPS Administration Building (123 South Webb Road) or via mail to PO Box 4904, Grand Island, NE 68802.