Every star deserves a strong start.

People have always been guided by the stars. In our communities, kids are guided by their teachers. A first-year teacher is a rising star in the truest sense: new to the classroom, getting brighter every month, and already lighting the way for a room full of kids.

$250 classroom grants for 40 first-year teachers

About Rising Stars

We're proud of first-year teachers. You bring the light, the heart, and the hustle, usually with a whole lot of supplies paid for out of your own pocket. Rising Stars provides $250 classroom grants to 40 first-year teachers, helping you purchase the supplies, books, and resources you need to create a welcoming learning environment from day one. No hoops. No fine print. Just a quick, friendly application and a promise we'll keep.

Our job is lighting up fiber across Wyoming and Idaho. Yours is lighting up young minds. We think that makes us a pretty good team.

Who can apply

  • This is your first full year of teaching (the 2026-27 school year).
  • You teach at a K-12 school in a Silver Star community in Wyoming or Idaho.
  • Every grade, every subject.

Mark your calendar

Applications open Monday, July 20, 2026
Applications close Wednesday, September 30, 2026
Grants awarded July 21 through October 15, 2026

Share your shine

Here's our one small ask. If you receive a grant, tag Silver Star in a social media post about your new classroom, or send us a photo we may share. That's it! Watching your classroom light up is our favorite part.

How Rising Stars are chosen

Forty teachers will be chosen across our Silver Star communities. The money is yours to spend on your classroom for books, supplies, comfy seating, tech or bulletin board glory. We want you to have the ability to make your classroom yours!