H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and Community Grants
Eligibility
Any Texas public school teacher or school can be nominated for H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted by students, parents, administrators, or community members. Community grants are available to nonprofits and schools through H-E-B's Community Investment program.
- Eligible: Texas public school teachers and schools
- Anyone can submit a nomination - no district approval required
- Multiple award categories for different grade levels and program types
- Community grants available separately through H-E-B Community Investment
Program Goals
H-E-B, the Texas-based grocery chain, runs one of the most prominent education recognition programs in the state. The Excellence in Education Awards honor outstanding Texas teachers and schools each year, and winners receive significant cash awards. H-E-B also provides community grants that support education, technology, and youth enrichment programs statewide.
Teachers running innovative STEM programs that produce measurable student outcomes are exactly the kind of stories H-E-B recognizes. Award money can then be reinvested in tools, kits, and curriculum.
Application and Distribution
Nominations open annually, typically in the fall. Check heb.com for the current cycle dates. The Excellence in Education awards process includes nomination review, finalist selection, and an awards ceremony. Community grants operate on a separate cycle.
Grant Award Amount
Excellence in Education cash awards can reach $25,000 for top-tier winners. School awards also include H-E-B gift cards and recognition events. Community grants vary by program and location. Multiple award categories mean that teachers across grade levels and subject areas are eligible.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
Our physical computing and AI literacy kits are built to meet the learning outcomes these programs fund.
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Hands-on physical computing for K-12 CS and STEM programs. Curriculum-aligned and classroom-ready. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
Introduces AI concepts through hands-on activities. Prepares students for technology careers. -
Coding for Good Kit
Project-based learning connecting coding to real-world applications and community impact.
Keep in Mind
Don't wait for someone else to nominate the CS or STEM teacher who is doing innovative work. Submit the nomination yourself and describe specific student outcomes.
H-E-B evaluators respond to real student stories. Collect quotes, photos, and outcome data from your STEM program to make the nomination compelling.
The community grant program operates differently from the awards. Visit H-E-B's Community Investment page to see if there are open grant cycles that match your school's program goals.
H-E-B promotes its award winners publicly. This visibility can attract additional community support, parent engagement, and interest from other funders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and Community Grants in Texas?
Any Texas public school teacher or school can be nominated for H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards. Nominations are open to the public and can be submitted by students, parents, administrators, or community members. Community grants are available to nonprofits and schools through H-E-B's Community Investment program. Eligible: Texas public school teachers and schools Anyone can submit a nomination - no district approval required Multiple award categories for different grade levels and program t
How much funding is available through H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and Community Grants?
Up to $25,000 for top winners; community grants vary. Check the current program guidelines for the latest award ranges and allocation details.
Can H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and Community Grants funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and Community Grants funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do schools apply for H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and Community Grants?
Nominations open annually, typically in the fall. Check heb.com for the current cycle dates. The Excellence in Education awards process includes nomination review, finalist selection, and an awards ceremony. Community grants operate on a separate cycle.
How can Forward Education help with H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and Community Grants funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Texas schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards and Community Grants funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — TEKS, Common Core, and state standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more Texas funding resources
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