AHA's Jenice Riley Scholarships support K-8 Alabama educators who excel at engaging students with history and civics. Applications are now closed for 2026. Stay tuned to meet this year’s Riley Scholars!
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 110 Riley Scholars and awarded more than $114,000 in teacher scholarships.
“REVOLUTION, REACTION, REFORM IN HISTORY”
All Riley Scholarship proposals in 2026 address how funds would be used to enhance teaching and learning about historical events and movements connected to different revolutions, reactions, and reforms in our history. Inspired by (but not limited to) the 250th anniversary of America’s Declaration of Independence, this is also the theme of AHA’s 2026 Alabama History Day competition!
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).
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.
Learn more about our 2025 Riley Scholars.
For more information about the Jenice Riley Memorial Scholarship, contact 205.558.3992 or landerson@alabamahumanities.org.