When the drive is there to integrate STEM and STEAM into your curriculum but the budget is lacking, there are education grants that can help to fill the gap. There are numerous grants available that aren’t always highly publicized, but can provide funds or curriculum materials. Here are 10 STEAM education grants you should know about.
1. Project Lead The Way
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) provides a series of learning pathways for PreK–12 students, focused on biomedical science engineering, computer sciences and other STEM-related subjects. Grants are available to implement or expand PLTW programs in public or private schools.
PLTW grants are awarded on a rolling basis from July 1 to June 30. Schools may submit an application annually. Grants are typically awarded at the end of both fall and spring semesters, and schools may be considered for more than one grant opportunity throughout the funding cycle.
2. Air and Space Forces Association STEM Educator Grants
The Air and Space Forces Association (AFA) awards $500 to 40 STEM educators each year. This grant is designed to support STEM lesson plans and aid in providing allocations for teachers who demonstrate outstanding efforts in any K-12 classroom.
The AFA works to educate and advocate for members and families of members of the United States Air and Space forces. One of the ways they do this is by educating the youth about STEM in order to encourage students to pursue careers in the Air and Space Force. Educators interested in this grant can apply here.
3. American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Foundation Classroom Grants
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) awards grants of up to $500 for projects with a clear connection to STEAM and aerospace. Potential uses of the grant money can include parts and supplies for robotics projects, STEAM software, STEAM demonstration kits and more. K–12 classroom teachers can apply here.
4. Toshiba America Foundation Grant
The Toshiba America Foundation awards grants to promote innovative project-based STEM learning in 6–12 grade classrooms. The grant system is broken down into two categories that have different application deadlines: grants less than $5,000 and grants greater than $5,000. Funds must be used for project-based learning and cannot be used for computers, laptops and tablets.
5. Chevron’s Fuel Your School Program
Fuel Your School helps educators afford classroom supplies for STEM learning, including technology and safety materials. Since 2013, the Fuel Your School program has raised over $31,000,000 in funds for educators.
6. Rural Technology Fund Grant
The Rural Technology Fund works to connect low-income and rural schools with opportunities they might not otherwise have. The Fund awards grants for classroom projects that relate to computer science, computer engineering, robotics, cybersecurity and programming, with a special emphasis on hands-on learning. Educators interested in the Rural Tech Fund Grant can apply here.
7. Verizon Foundation STEM Education Grants
The Verizon Foundation offers need-based grants and funding for the use of STEM lesson plans for grades K-12. These funds are intended to integrate new afterschool or summer STEM programs or support already existing STEM programs. Interested educators should review grant requirements and contact the Foundation here.
8. P. Buckley Moss Foundation Teacher Grants
One major element of STEAM education is art! The P. Buckley Moss Foundation for Children’s Education awards grants of up to $1,000 to promote the incorporation of the arts into mathematics and science education. The funds are intended for art supplies to be used in hands-on classroom learning.
9. MG Eugene C. Renzi, USA (Ret.) STEM Teachers Scholarships
Offered through the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association, this scholarship provides educators with $2,500 for STEM-based programs. Current and future K–12 educators (enrolled as a teaching major) can apply.
10. ACS-Hach High School Chemistry Classroom Grant
This grant awards up to $1,500 to high school chemistry teachers to use toward laboratory equipment and supplies, instructional materials, and field studies conducted by students. This grant has provided over 700 educators with classroom funding since 2008. Educators interested can apply here.
Looking for more ways to promote STEM and STEAM in the classroom?
Now that you have this list of STEM and STEAM education grants, refer to this grant writing guide to help you write customized proposals that will get the best results. The Programs for Teachers section of our website includes e-learning tools, STEM and STEAM lesson plans, field trip scholarships and professional development opportunities. Our Students page includes programs, virtual field trips, STEM and STEAM activities and more for you to explore!