Jenice Riley Memorial Scholarship

This competitive $2,000 scholarship is awarded to Alabama 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.

The Alabama Humanities Alliance awards the Jenice Riley Memorial Scholarship annually. Since 2003, we’ve named 112 Riley Scholars and awarded more than $114,000 in teacher scholarships.

2027 proposal theme

“INNOVATION IN HISTORY”

Riley Scholarship proposals should address how funds would be used to enhance teaching and learning about innovation. This year’s theme is inspired by the theme of AHA’s 2027 Alabama History Day competition, “Innovation in History: Influence, Impact, Change.” Not to be confused with invention, innovation is about new ways of seeing, imagining, improving, and organizing society and is key to our state’s (and nation’s) civic life and health.

Who is eligible?

This competitive scholarship is open to Alabama educators of grades K-8, in public and private Alabama schools. Teachers should demonstrate their commitment to enhancing the classroom experience or expanding 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).

Application deadline: March 31, 2027

About Jenice Riley

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.