Professional Development Grant Opportunity
Inclusive Schools Professional Development Grant
Up to $2,500 in professional development funding is available to each participating school and district
Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona (JPSA) invites schools and districts across Southern Arizona to send cohorts of educators and administrators to the Southwest Institute 2026: Protecting Students and Strengthening Schools on November 1, 2026, a full day of professional learning designed to help educators better understand antisemitism as a form of discrimination and to be equipped with practical tools to respond.
Each participating school can receive $250 per qualified educator (teacher, counselor, administrator, school board member), for up to 10 educators—a total of up to $2,500 per school. A minimum of four educators from the same school or district office must participate together as a cohort to receive grant funding.
The grant at a glance
Why This Matters
Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects students from discrimination based on race, color, or national origin, including discrimination and harassment connected to a student's shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics.
Antisemitism can be a form of discrimination that affects Jewish students in the classroom, on campus, and in the broader school community. Incidents of antisemitic discrimination have increased in schools nationally and locally. Educators need practical tools to recognize it, understand when an incident may involve discrimination or harassment, and know how to respond.
When educators understand antisemitism as part of the broader landscape of discrimination and intolerance, they are better equipped to protect Jewish students—and to strengthen a culture of belonging for every student.
What Educators Will Gain
Led by Dr. Rachel Fish, a leading expert in the field, in partnership with Brandeis University, the Southwest Institute will provide practical strategies to:
- Recognize antisemitism and other forms of bias and discrimination;
- Respond effectively when concerns arise;
- Better understand how to support and protect students; and
- Strengthen a school culture where every student feels safe, respected, and included.
What We Ask of Participants
We want educators to learn, bring the knowledge back to their schools, and put it into practice.
To receive the grant, participating cohorts agree to:
- Attend the Southwest Institute 2026 professional development day as a cohort.
- Take one meaningful next step to bring the learning back to their school or district. This might include:
- Inviting the Center for Jewish Resilience to provide professional development for staff
- Reviewing school or district policies for inclusion of anti-Jewish discrimination and bullying
- Incorporating education about anti-Jewish discrimination or Jewish inclusion into a school program, assembly, or curriculum
- Another approach developed by the participating school or district
- Share what was done and learned through a brief narrative report.
Save the date
A Day Designed for Educators – November 1, 2026
The Southwest Institute 2026 is FREE TO EDUCATORS and includes:
- Full-day professional development
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Snacks, and refreshments throughout the day
Send a team. Build knowledge. Bring practical strategies back to your school.
Space and grant funding are limited. First come, first served. Reserve today!
APPLY HERE:
Inclusive Schools Professional Development Grant – Fill out formGrant questions and applications
For more information, contact Alissa Noel: [email protected] or call (520) 647-8464.
The Center for Jewish Resilience at Jewish Philanthropies of Southern Arizona is focused on nonpartisan issues of Jewish community concern, including community security, community relations, public affairs and educating on contemporary antisemitism. We are Arizona's only on-the-ground resource fielding, investigating and responding to local incidents of antisemitism. We provide resources, advocacy and education to combat and prevent anti-Jewish hate and bigotry.