Harbor Freight Tools accepting applications for Teaching Excellence prize

Applications now are open for the 2020 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence, which will award cash prizes totaling $1 million to 18 of America’s best public high school skilled trades teachers or teacher teams and their programs. Applications will be accepted through May 13.

“The best skilled trades programs capture what teaching and learning should look like in any classroom, for any subject. Excellent skilled trades teachers use project-based learning, teach soft skills like leadership and collaboration, and help students apply academics to the real world,” said Danny Corwin, executive director of Harbor Freight Tools for Schools.

The 2020 prize will award three grand-prize winners $100,000 each, with $70,000 going to their high school skilled trades program and $30,000 directly to the individual skilled trades teacher or teacher team. Fifteen additional prize winners will each win $50,000, with $35,000 going to the high school program and $15,000 to the teacher/team. Teachers whose school, district, or state policy prohibits receipt of the individual portion of prize earnings are eligible to apply on behalf of their school’s skilled trades program.

Applicants ranking in the top 50 will be announced on July 14. Three grand-prize winners and 15 additional prize winners will be announced in October.