Telecommunications company Ciena offers grants of up to $3,000 to classroom teachers doing innovative work in STEM. Their goal is to increase learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math and to make access to the digital sphere more equitable. Applications are accepted and awarded on a rolling basis.

Eligibility

This grant is open to teachers in the United States, the District of Columbia, or employed by the Department of Defense Education Activity. They must be teaching science, technology, engineering, or math to K-12 students.

Priority consideration will be given to schools with more than 50% of students receiving free or reduced lunch.

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds must be spent on materials and equipment for STEM-based projects. This can include distance or virtual learning programs that are particularly inventive.

Application Requirements

All applications must include:

• A letter of recommendation from your school principal
• Volunteer opportunities for Ciena employees

Potential volunteer opportunities include:

• Exhibit or activity judging
• Award presentation
• Program preparation
• Direct assistance in the classroom or during extracurricular activities

SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics, sponsors educational activities through their Education Outreach Grants.

Applications for up to $5,000 are due by December 1, 2023. Applicants must be SPIE members.

Eligibility

This grant is open to SPIE members associated with:

• Primary and secondary schools
• Universities
• Youth clubs
• Optics centers
• Science centers
• Industry associations
• International optical societies

Allowable Expenses

Grant funds may be used for:

• Outreach kits and materials
• Promotional materials
• Snacks
• Refreshments and other event related expenses

Grant fund may not be used for:

• Administrative costs and overhead
• Entry fees
• Membership fees
• Equipment
• Travel
• Salaries, stipends, or honoraria
• Food and beverages exceeding 25% of the total budget

Evaluation Criteria

All applications will be evaluated based on:

• Potential to impact the chosen audience
• Potential to raise awareness of and interest in optics and photonics
• Clarity and structure of the project
• Clear timeline and budget

Fund for Teachers supports teachers and their professional growth through the FFT Fellowship. Fellowships take place over summer vacation and should be completed before school starts again in the fall.

Individual teachers may apply for up to $5,000 and teams may apply for up to $10,000. Applications are due by January 18, 2024 at 5:00 PM CST.

Eligibility

This fellowship is open to teachers in the continental United States and Hawaii who:

• Teach Pre-K through 12th grade full time (30 or more hours per week)
• Spend at least 50% of their time providing direct instruction (one-on-one instruction does not count)
• Will have at least three years of full time teaching experience at the end of the school year
• Have not won a FFT Fellowship in the last five years

Goals for Fellowship Participants

After participating in this fellowship, educators should be able to:

• Serve as problem solvers and innovators
• Apply what they gained to student learning
• Help students develop into more globally minded individuals, empowered to take action
• Grow as leaders and change makers

Allowable Expenses

Fellowship funds may be used for:

• Materials and supplies
• Transportation
• Lodging
• Food
• Registration or course fees
• Equipment justified for fellowship
• COVID-19 testing (up to $100)

Fellowship funds may not be used for:

• Onsite professional development
• Completion of degree programs
• Transportation other than economy class
• Lodging extras such as laundry and mini-bar
• Luggage, clothing, toiletries, or souveniers
• Technology accessories

The Mitsubishi Electric America Foundation (MEAF) supports projects that help youth* with disabilities develop leadership and employment skills through their National Grant program. They award 6 – 12 grants each year, ranging from $10,000 – $100,000. Grants may also be for 1 – 3 year periods.

Applications are accepted July 15 – November 1. Funding decisions are made in March of the following year and money dispersed on April 1.

*MEAF defines youth in this context as individuals up to age 26.

Eligibility

Applicant

This grant is open to organizations in the United States who:

• Have a 501(c)3 tax designation
• Operate on a national scale OR
• Have a plan to replicate and share their project on a national scale
• Primarily work with young people with disabilities or disabled young veterans transitioning to post-service life

Project

Eligible projects must:

• Help disabled youth develop skills needed to gain employment OR
• Develop tools that lower barriers to allow employers to hire disabled youth
• Advance inclusive, competitive employment practices that put youth with disabilities alongside their non-disabled peers
• Have a well developed plan to evaluate, replicate, and share their project

Excluded Activities

MEAF does not fund:

• Capital campaigns and building funds
• Projects focused only on research
• Political activities
• Religious activities
• Fundraising events
• Purchase of equipment or devices for individuals unless part of a larger project

Funding Strategies

At this time, MEAF is focused on the following strategies:

• Inclusive Education – Quality educational opportunities that prepare youth with disabilities for the workforce
• Increasing the Talent Pipeline – Focusing on unique abilities to prepare youth with disabilities for in-demand jobs
• Mentoring & Internships – Creating opportunities for youth with disabilities to participate in mentoring and internship programs
• School-Industry Partnership – Creating equitable opportunities for education and employment through partnerships

Educator Grants from the Air & Space Forces Association support STEM education projects with preference given to aerospace science activities.

Applications for up to $500 are due by December 15th. Awards will be announced in late February and must be spent within 6 months.

Eligibility

This grant is open to Kindergarten through 12th grade educators in the United States. Grant activities must benefit at least 15 students.

Allowable Expenses

Potential grant expenses include:

• Classroom science supplies
• Science and technology software
• STEM demonstration kits
• Supplies for making flying objects
• Supplies for robotics programs

Grant funds may not be spent on:

• Competition registrations
• Awards, t-shirts, or other promotional items
• Teacher workshop registrations

Evaluation Criteria

All applications will be evaluated based on:

• Project description clarity and completeness (25 points)
• Alignment with school district’s strategic education plan (15 points)
• Clearly articulated enhancement and enrichment of student learning (15 points)
• Teaching method (10 points)
• Evaluation plan (15 points)
• Plan to communicate results (10 points)
• Budget (10 points)