The Christa McAuliffe Excellence Award Scholarships were originally created in 1984 and called the JCEA Excellence Scholarships. The scholarships were renamed in 1986 in memory of Christa McAuliffe, the inspirational teacher-astronaut who died in the tragic Challenger explosion. JCEA awards at least one scholarship annually to Jefferson County graduating seniors who plan to pursue a teaching career. Applications are available each spring in high school guidance and counseling centers. Additional application and reference forms (in .dpf) are below:

• Application
• Reference form

The Dave Sanders Quality Teaching Foundation was created in memory of our colleague Dave Sanders who died, along with fourteen students, during the April 20, 1999 tragedy at Columbine High School. It's purpose is to provide JCEA-initiated activities in the area of professional or leadership development, such as designing and/or implementing customized inservice training, (co)sponsoring teaching-related presentations/seminars by recognized experts, and providing stipends to teachers for expenses related to National Board Certification.