Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1518807
APRIL: Autism Acceptance Month According to the Centers for Disease Control, autism affects an estimated 1 in 36 children in the United States today. Because autism is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a distinct set of strengths and challenges. In April and beyond, focus on increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism. Find information and resources at autismspeaks.org. Grants for CTA Summer Conferences CTA's Board of Directors is awarding Incentive Grants for summer conferences. Grants cover registration fees and reimbursement for transportation. Application deadline for both is May 13, 2024: Presidents Conference Hyatt Regency OC, Garden Grove JULY 18–21, 2024 Summer Institute Westin Bonaventure, Los Angeles JULY 24–28, 2024 Incentive Grants are available in the following categories: • Small Chapter • BIPOC Members • New Members • Emerging Leaders • Education Support Professionals To learn more and to apply, visit cta.org/grants. Questions? Contact Grants@cta.org. Harvey Milk Day Harvey Milk Day is a California state holiday observed annually on May 22 (his birthday). The day honors Milk, one of the first openly gay elected officials in the country, and his legacy advocating for civil rights and the LGBTQ+ community. The legacy includes working alongside labor unions to defeat Prop. 6 (the Briggs Initiative) in 1978, which would have banned gays and lesbians from working in California's public schools. Find educator resources at milkfoundation.org. San Jose Public Library CTA's LGBTQ+ Safety in Schools Grant and Scholarship Program in Honor of Guy DeRosa This grant and scholarship program was created to promote human and civil rights by making our public schools safe for LGBTQ+ persons. It was renamed in 2009 in memory of CTA member educator Guy DeRosa, a lifelong advocate for civil and human rights and LGBTQ+ issues. Award amounts are up to $2,500. Apply by May 31, 2024, at cta.org/scholarships. • The grant program supports groups, projects and presentations that promote understanding of and respect for LGBTQ+ persons. Active CTA/CTA Aspiring Educators members, or public school students sponsored by such a member, are eligible. • The scholarship program supports self-identified LGBTQ+ active CTA/ CTA Aspiring Educators members enrolled in a teacher/counseling credential or graduate program who are pursuing a career in public education and who understand the importance of LGBTQ+ educators as role models in our public schools. 10 cta.org In the Know N E W S & N O T E S