The Community 411 program at Townsquare Media featured the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.^® Eta Xi Omega Chapter in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in partnership with the Uplift Our Local Community Initiative, for their First-Year Educator Grant Award. This award provides funding support to first-year educators in the Tuscaloosa City and County system.

Eta Xi Omega Chapter President, Althenia Morrow Tate, a retired educator, said it is important to support first-year educators at the very beginning of their careers. “We are proud to stand beside them as they lay the foundation for student success and lifelong learning.”

Building on the success of previous years, in 2025, the Uplift Our Local Community Initiative aims to award two $500 grants to first-year educators in the Tuscaloosa City and County School systems.

How to Apply for the Grant

Community members can nominate deserving first-year educators, and first-year educators are encouraged to self-nominate. Click here to access the application, which includes basic information and requires you to answer two questions.

• Why should you be selected for the First-Year Educator Award?
• How would you use the award funds to support your students and enhance their learning experience?

You can complete the application from now until Friday, October 10, 2025.

“This grant reflects our chapter’s commitment to strengthening education and building brighter futures for our community’s children,” said Lillian McKinney, Uplift Our Local Community Initiative Chair.

Community 411 News Coverage

Have a community event coming up? We’d love to help spread the word!

The Tuscaloosa Thread and Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa radio stations welcome press releases for possible coverage in our “Community 411” news coverage.

To be considered, events should be either free to the public or fundraisers that benefit the community. Sharing your event with us is a great way to reach more people across Tuscaloosa and West Alabama, encouraging their participation and support.

We are excited to help highlight the positive work happening in our area and to support community programs together, making a meaningful impact.

How to Submit Your Press Release

Send your press release to TuscaloosaPSA@townsquaremedia.com at least two weeks (or earlier) before your event.