Jenice Riley Memorial Scholarship

Funded through the W. Edgar Welden Fund for Education, AHA's Jenice Riley Scholarships support K-8 Alabama educators helping students engage with history and civics. Now accepting 2024 Riley Scholarships applications through April 30!

About the scholarship

The Alabama Humanities Alliance awards the Jenice Riley Memorial Scholarship annually. Since 2003, we’ve named 104 Riley Scholars and awarded more than $100,000 in teacher scholarships.

This competitive $1,000 scholarship is awarded to K-8 educators in support of history- and civics-related projects in their schools and classrooms. The award aids teachers in attending a conference, purchasing classroom materials, or creating programs that enhance students’ understanding of history and civics.

Created in 2003 in memory of Jenice Riley, the scholarship recognizes educators who share her extraordinary commitment to enhancing the quality of education in Alabama. Jenice was the daughter of former Alabama governor and first lady Bob and Patsy Riley; she had a passion for teaching, and fostered creativity and a desire to learn within her students. 

 

Who is eligible?

The scholarship competition is open to current Alabama educators of grades K-8, in public and private Alabama schools. Teachers must be current educators in the K-8 classroom who seek to enhance the classroom experience or expand their professional development in the areas of history and civics (this includes geography and Alabama geography, Alabama history, world history, U.S. history, and civics).

 

To apply

Applications now open for 2024! Apply by April 30, 2024.

Apply now

Meet our 2023 Riley Scholars

2022 Jenice Riley Scholarship winners:

Lexia Banks, Magic City Acceptance Academy (Birmingham)

Abby Crews, Mulkey Elementary (Geneva)

Willie Davis III, Charles F. Hard Elementary (Bessemer)

Learn more about our 2023 Riley Scholars.

For more information about the Jenice Riley Memorial Scholarship, contact 205.558.3992 or [email protected]