Recently, Change the Equation launched the nationwide Start with STEM campaign, with the intent of bringing the nation’s highest quality K-12 Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs to students and teachers. The architects of the program are looking for ways to ensure that educators have the proper tools to teach meaningful STEM lessons in their classrooms.
Many in-depth STEM lessons may come with a price tag, and the NEA Foundation is here to help. Our Learning & Leadership grants can be used for group and individual professional development endeavors, while Student Achievement Grants support classroom projects. For both, we offer $2,000 and $5,000 funding levels. Applications are due June 1st and October 15th, 2015 and February 1st, 2016.
With so much information available through Change the Equation’s STEMworks website, we also thought it might be useful to focus on a few of other nationwide programs that feature prominent professional development opportunities for teachers.
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ASSET STEM Education: ASSET advances STEM education by providing standards-aligned teacher professional development and hands-on, inquiry-based materials. Curriculum materials, materials support, assessments, community involvement, and teacher-driven research and development are areas in which ASSET provides assistance.
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Science Buddies: Science Buddies helps students build their literacy in science and technology so they can become productive and engaged citizens in the 21st century. Their website provides resources to support parents and teachers as they guide students doing hands-on science projects.
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Science Education for Public Understanding Program (SEPUP): SEPUP creates issue-oriented science curriculum for use in 6-12 classrooms. The program also provides guides for teachers and teacher educators looking to improve their STEM practice.
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STEM Equity Pipeline: STEM Equity Pipeline provides professional development and resources for educators to increase the participation of women and underrepresented populations in STEM fields. You’ll find professional development opportunities for teachers at the middle school, high school, and community college levels as well as school administrators and career counselors.
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Web-based Inquiry Science Environment (WISE): WISE is an open-source online platform that allows educators to design, develop, and implement science inquiry activities. WISE provides standards-based units that can be integrated into classrooms or customized for classroom use.
It’s a changing world, and being on the cutting edge of STEM education is more important than ever. To further investigate more grants that can fund your STEM lessons, click here. For more information on the NEA Foundation’s work supporting STEM education, visit our website.
Have any questions about our educator grants or the applications process? I’d be happy to help. Check in with me at jgraytock@nea.org.
