Early Learner STEM Education Grant

The Akamai Foundation's Early Learner STEM Education Grant aims to foster STEM education for students aged 5-19, especially during the pandemic. It addresses digital inclusion and encourages diverse participation in technology. Applicants must provide a detailed plan outlining their program goals, including strategies to eliminate barriers to technology access. The foundation emphasizes equitable opportunities in mathematics education, supporting programs that uplift underserved communities and inspire future innovators. The grant portal opens annually from early February until late March.
The Akamai Foundation
The Akamai Foundation is dedicated to encouraging the next generation of technology innovators by supporting STEM education, with a focus on the pursuit of excellence in mathematics in grades K-12. Grants focus on equal access to quality STEM education with grants supporting programs designed to attract more diversity to the technology industry. In addition, the Akamai Foundation provides disaster resilience, relief and humanitarian aid globally; and enables volunteerism by connecting employees to the communities in which Akamai operates.
Vision and Mission
Excellence in mathematics and innovation has always been and continues to be at the heart of Akamai’s mission. The Akamai Foundation promotes mathematics education and excellence among the next generation of technology innovators.
The Akamai Foundation is pleased to launch the 2025 Early Learner STEM Education grant program. In addition to our core focus on STEM learning, we aim to help global education programs navigate the pandemic's economic impact and address digital inclusion gaps for young learners (pre-college students ages 5-19).
All applicants are required to provide a comprehensive plan outlining their STEM education program goals. This should include a digital inclusion strategy to address and eliminate barriers to access and use of technology in learning, especially for the most disadvantaged. Digital inclusion strategy examples include but are not limited to:

• Internet-enabled Device Access
• Digital Safety, Security & Citizenship Training (Digital Literacy training)
• Quality Technical Support
• Partnership with digital inclusion practitioners and advocates
• Digital content designed to encourage independent learning, participation, and collaboration
• Mental health support for online learners
• Development and implementation of new digital equity and inclusion strategies

Eligibility

Organizations applying for funds must be tax exempt under sections 501 (c)(3) or 170 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code and be classified as a public charity under section 509 (a) of the Code (or, in each case, have equivalent status applicable to non-US entities under the laws and regulations of the country where they are incorporated).
Organizations and agencies may request funds only once during a calendar year.
Organizations must demonstrate direct impact in the area of mathematics education (or other areas of science or technology) for elementary through high school aged children with prioritization given to programs focused on underserved populations.
Organizations that have been previously funded by the Foundation must submit a final grant report before receiving additional funds.
The Foundation reserves the right to apply any additional criteria as it deems appropriate in evaluating requests for funding; eligibility under the criteria above does not provide an entitlement to funding; the Foundation has sole discretion over all funding determinations.The Akamai Foundation is committed to providing an environment free of discrimination where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, have equal opportunities and can contribute fully to their communities.

Ineligibility

General Exclusions from Consideration:Underwriting or contributions to luncheons, galas and social fundraisers
Support for capital campaigns or endowments
Requests to support candidates for political office, political parties or PACs
Major arts organizations
Grants to local, national or international organizations' annual giving or holiday campaigns
Grants to 509 (a) (3) Type III supporting organizationsThe Foundation will not support organizations that engage in illegal or invidious discrimination against individuals based on their age, employment status, socioeconomic status, military status, religion, pregnancy status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, race, ethnicity or national origin.