About the Junior League of Dallas

Signature Projects

GRANTS FOR INNOVATIVE TEACHING

Presenting Sponsor: Texas Instruments

On September 1, 2021, the Junior League of Dallas, along with Presenting Sponsor Texas Instruments, awarded 41 Dallas Independent School District (Dallas ISD) educators with funding up to $2,500 each through the annual Grants for Innovative Teaching (GFIT) program. Now in its 30th year, the Signature Project has awarded more than $2 million to Dallas ISD educators since its inception in 1992. This year, the League distributed more than $88,000 to fund deserving educators’ winning projects that address reading and literacy enrichment; diversity; special education; science, technology, engineering and math (STEM); or arts and culture enrichment across one or more grade levels. Each teacher is recognized for their passion and excellence in providing special projects and experiences for their students that would be impossible within current school budgets. Co-sponsors include The Hillcrest Foundation, Bank of America N.A., Co-Trustee and Agnes Cluthe Oliver Foundation.

KIDS IN THE KITCHEN

Presenting Sponsor: UnitedHealthcare

This Signature Project empowers youth in grades K – 5 to make healthy lifestyle choices and helps fight childhood obesity and its associated health issues through an eight-week after-school program. The League provides each agency with a curriculum, materials, fitness equipment and funding for food. The Kids in the Kitchen program is supported by the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) Inc. and its member Leagues.

WOMEN LEAD

Presenting Sponsor: Ryan Foundation

This scholarship program helps female high school students pursue their dreams of higher education and creates opportunities for future women leaders. Ten finalists from three Dallas ISD high schools - Emmett J. Conrad, Thomas Jefferson and South Oak Cliff Dallas ISD - compete in a speech contest held each spring. On March 30, 2022, the Junior League of Dallas awarded $40,000 to the ten finalists. Since the inception of this Signature Project in 2013, the League has awarded 62 scholarships totaling $305,000.

T. BOONE PICKENS LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

Established in 2008 with a generous gift from the T. Boone Pickens Foundation, the T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute is designed to provide leadership training to a selected annual class of our members.

Today, more than 360 members have participated in the 9-month development and Predictive Index training and have taken what they have learned to advance their careers, lead for- and nonprofit boards and serve in elected and civic held positions. Alumnae have gone on to lead city-wide initiatives, task forces and organizations, working to make positive changes in North Texas.