Pando PR Tips No. 62
EdTech Funding Opportunities
USC Rossier Education Technology Accelerator — Applications close Sept 30
Applications are still open (until 9/3) for the next cohort. This accelerator looks for entrepreneurs developing promising technology solutions solving some of the most pressing challenges in Ed or that improve educational access and outcomes.
Techstars Anywhere Accelerator — Apply by Nov 19
Anyone in North American can apply for Techstars' remote-first accelerator program. It is for companies innovating across any industry.
Upcoming EdTech Awards and Conference Submissions
Global EdTech Startup Awards (GESA) — Open for submissions
GESA has provided a global stage for the most promising entrepreneurs shaping the future of learning. GESA’s network spans 135+ countries and includes partnerships with organizations like AWS and events like SXSW EDU and Bett.
SmartBrief Innovation Awards in AI 2025 — Entry deadline is Sept 26
These awards celebrate the most cutting-edge products and solutions leveraging AI to solve business challenges and unlock opportunities. Entry fee is $495.
2026 PTA's Legislative Conference (LegCon) — Proposal deadline is Sept 30
Submit a workshop proposal for the National PTA's 2026 Legislative Conference (LegCon). It's an opportunity for training and skill building for PTA advocates and community members.
The 2026 Nebraska Women in STEM Conference — Call for speakers closes on Sept 30
This event aims to foster professional development and support networks for women in STEM careers across Nebraska. Speakers should discuss topics like mastering new technical skills, creating a personal brand, or becoming a leader.
Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies — Submit your application before Oct 3
Fast Co recognizes the organizations that are redefining what’s possible. There are more than 50 categories open to public and private companies of every size and industry.
Association for Talent Development (ATD) 2026 BEST Award — Entries close on Oct 13
The ATD BEST Award recognizes organizations that use talent development as a strategic business tool to get enterprise-level results. Application fee is $300.
The OLC Innovate 2026 — Proposal deadline extended to Oct 14
Share ideas, research, and strategies in this fully virtual OLC program that brings together design innovators, educators, and leaders from across higher education, K-12, and workforce learning.
The Communicator Awards — Early entry deadline is Nov 7
The Communicator Awards is open to all companies, agencies, organizations or individuals producing marketing, communications, or other creative projects . To be eligible, entries must have been produced after January 1, 2024. Entry fees vary.
Education Resources
2025–26 K20 Education Editorial Calendar
SmartBrief’s 2025–26 Editorial Calendar is a roadmap to engaging K-20 education leaders. Discover sponsorship opportunities across SmartPanel Webinars, eBooks, and virtual events that spotlight the trends shaping the future of learning.
Inside Higher Ed’s student survey
This survey on generative AI offers a snapshot of how college students currently view AI in their academic experience.
Upcoming Webinar
The New Realities of PR Visibility (And How to Adapt) — Oct 14: 10 AM PT / 1 PM
From AI to SEO, the rules of PR visibility are being rewritten. Join this Businesswire webinar to learn how to optimize your news releases for maximum impact. I'll be there because there is a lot to learn about how AI search is altering the SEO process!
Upcoming Conferences
- October 21-22 | EDTECH WEEK in New York City
- October 27-30 | EDUCAUSE in Nashville
- November 2-5 | SETDA Leadership Summit in Arlington, VA
- November 17-19 | National Summit on Education in New Orleans
- January 11-14 | FETC in Orlando
- January 31- February 4 | TCEA in San Antonio
I’m the founder and CEO of Pando Public Relations. If you liked this issue of PR Tips, subscribe here. New issues each Thursday, alternating between articles with practical advice on the PR profession and PR in EdTech Tips, which is a collection of awards, conference RFPs, general info, and other links that may be helpful in your PR efforts.
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