Pando PR Tips No. 60

Grant Opportunities

Cambiar Thrive Grant — Applications accepted through Aug 31
​Cambiar Thrive’s Big Ideas Challenge will award $100,000 grants, with a subset of grantees eligible for $250,000+ of follow-on funding. Applicants need groundbreaking ideas on how to provide students and/or caregivers with easy-to-obtain, meaningful, and actionable information about education and development.

Fall 2025 National PTA Program Grants — Accepting applications until Sept 24
​The National PTA is currently offering over $1M to PTAs to help conduct programs in school communities. $1,250 or more available in the areas of STEM, the arts, digital safety, healthy lifestyles, and more. 

Partnership Opportunity

Cooney Center’s Sandbox for Literacy Innovations — Application deadline is Aug 29
​This is a no-cost program supporting edtech and media companies in co-designing research-backed literacy tools. Selected partners will collaborate with experts, engage in live co-design sessions.

PR and Editorial Opportunity

Call for Editors: Reading Research Quarterly — Application deadline is Sept 2
​Reading Research Quarterly (RSQ) is seeking scholars committed to the advancement of sound literacy research. Must be ILA members and leading researchers in the field of literacy education, who demonstrate a commitment to translating sound research to practice.

Joni Sweet's Press Opportunities & Media Insights Substack Newsletter
​In her newsletter, Joni reveals insider tips to help PR professionals sharpen their pitches, avoid rookie mistakes, land coverage for their clients, and build stronger relationships with writers.

Upcoming Conference & Award Submissions

Great Companies: Women Entrepreneur Awards — FREE entry
​Judges are looking for women entrepreneurs with outstanding achievements making a distinctive and innovative contribution to their field.

SXSW Innovation Awards — Early entry deadline is Sept 14
​These awards recognize the most exciting creative developments in the connected world. Five finalists in each category will be chosen to exhibit their projects at the Finalist Showcase during SXSW 2026.

2025 STEM Innovation — Proposal deadline is Sept 21
​The STEM Innovation Forum is a collaborative space where educators, industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators come together to share effective practices, spark new ideas, and grow a national community of practice committed to advancing STEM education and workforce development.

EdTech Innovation Hub Innovation Awards — Deadline for entry is Nov 7
​In their inaugural year, ETIH wants to shine a spotlight on the most impactful and forward-thinking work happening across K–12, higher education, and workforce learning. Cost is £80 per submission, or £150 for two or more entries.

Upcoming Webinars and Conferences

EdTech Insiders: AI-Driven Accessibility: Rethinking IEPs and Special Education — Aug 29: 9am-10am PDT

AI is rapidly transforming how we teach and learn—and it holds powerful potential to make education more accessible for every student. From personalized support for diverse learners to innovative tools that empower teachers, AI is reshaping the future of inclusive education. Speakers include:

Chronicle Festival 2025 — Sept 15 - 18: Free and virtual ​
​American higher education faces an uncertain future. This year's Chronicle Festival will outline the challenges, but focus on the innovations and inspirations to overcome them. Featured speakers:

ICYMI

How to Ask Reporters to Correct Their Stories

Always ask for corrections to an article, even if you don't expect the reporter to make them. You'll need this if you have to clear up confusion later.

LinkedInEditors

I’m the founder and CEO of Pando Public Relations. If you liked this issue of PR Tips, subscribe to my LinkedIn newsletter here. I publish each Thursday on LinkedIn, alternating between articles with practical advice on the PR profession and PR in EdTech Tips (which you are receiving now).