The Mikkelson Foundation

for institutions providing teacher training programs
scholarships for graduating high school students

The Mikkelson Education Fund

for groups and organizations providing teacher training

The Mikkelson Mathematics and Science Teacher Scholarship Fund

for individual teachers

INTRODUCTION:

As our society continues to become more technically complex, knowledge and understanding of fundamental mathematics and science, and their application to the solution of real world problems is increasingly important. There is much evidence and concern that the American education system is falling behind the rest of the world, especially in the areas of science and mathematics. The Mikkelson Foundation, The Mikkelson Education Fund, and The Mikkelson Mathematics and Science Teacher Scholarship Fund were established to improve scientific and technical education by providing support for teachers and organizations involved in science and mathematics education, and for students studying science, engineering, and mathematics. 

OUR GOALS:

IMPROVE THE LEVEL OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND COMPETENCE IN K-12 SCHOOLS:
We believe that an important element for improving the level of science and mathematics competence is to generate in students the desire to learn and understand the technical principles of how things work. We feel that increased interest in science can be encouraged by knowledgeable and enthusiastic teachers who can make the subject matter relevant and understandable. We wish to identify such teachers and provide them with opportunities to renew or advance their knowledge and enthusiasm. Our interest is in preparing students for success in technical fields that require a strong understanding and competence in advanced mathematics and science. Our focus is on the improvement of the teachers' academic and technical skills with hands-on learning experiences in science and mathematics.

DEVELOP AND SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR IMPROVEMENT OF TEACHERS' TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE:
We work with educational institutions and other organizations to develop educational programs in science and technology which are aimed at improving the scientific and technical understanding and skills of K-12 school teachers. We especially encourage programs which have a laboratory or experimental component which can be implemented in classroom teaching.

SUPPORT PROMISING STUDENTS STUDYING IN TECHNICAL FIELDS:
We provide scholarships for highly qualified students studying science, mathematics, and engineering. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of study at accredited colleges and universities.

Support for these goals is provided by three organizations

THEMIKKELSON FOUNDATION
(Support for institutions and scholarship support for graduating high school students)

The Mikkelson Foundation is a 501(c)(3) Charitable Foundation  incorporated in Colorado in October of 1999. The Foundation provides funding for teacher skill improvement programs in mathematics and science, and provides scholarship funds for college students studying math, science, and engineering. We currently support initiatives for organizations and institutions which provide teacher training programs in science and mathematics and a scholarship program for high school seniors.

ORGANIZATIONS AND INSTITUTIONS:
We are interested in developing and supporting workshops and summer courses which provide elementary through high school teachers with hands on learning of mathematical and scientific principles. We encourage  programs which last a few days to a week and are of an introductory to intermediate level. Our major goal is to provide a better understanding of the application of scientific principles to daily problems, and to provide teachers with ideas and examples they can use in their classroom instruction. If you have ideas and proposals for such programs, please see Program Development

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS:
In 2010 we will provide two $3000 scholarships for graduating seniors planning to study engineering, mathematics, and/or science. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years of study. Follow the link below for information and applications.
2010 High School Scholarship Fund Information

THE MIKKELSON EDUCATION FUND
(Support for groups and organizations providing teacher training programs)

The Mikkelson Education Fund was established in 1997 to encourage and reward excellence in the teaching of mathematics and science. The primary focus of the fund is to provide opportunities for school teachers to renew their technical knowledge and skills. The Mikkelson Education Fund provides grants to non-profit groups and organizations which support teacher training with content in the areas of mathematics and science. Please see Organizations for more details.
The August 2006 implementation of HR4, "The Pension Protection Act of 2006" required changes to the grant making process to individuals. Individual teacher requests are now handled through The Mikkelson Mathematics and Science Teacher Scholarship Fund.

THE MIKKELSON MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE TEACHER SCHOLARSHIP FUND
(Support for individual teachers)

The Mikkelson Mathematics and Science Teacher Scholarship Fund was established in 2006 to continue our support for individual teachers to attend short courses, seminars, and workshops which will improve or renew their technical knowledge and skills. This program is now coordinated by The Denver Foundation. Please see MMASTSF for more details.