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National STEM Scholar Program

NATIONAL STEM CELL FOUNDATION INC

Foundation Annual STEM Education GrantsGrants for Science TeachersProfessional Development Grants for Teachers
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

February 1, 2027

299 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

National STEM Scholar Program

Status: Active, accepting applications annually

Geographic Scope: Nationwide (United States); currently 100+ STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 37 states

Focus Areas: STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) professional development for middle school science teachers

Eligibility:

  • Middle school science teachers nationwide

  • Selection based solely on description of a "big idea" Challenge Project the applicant would implement in their classroom if funds were available

  • Projects evaluated for maximum impact in middle school classrooms

    • Program Details:

  • Selects 10 teachers per year from national pool of applicants

  • Week-long advanced STEM training and project development on campus of Western Kentucky University (WKU)

  • All expenses covered (travel, lodging, meals)

  • Includes day with nationally or internationally recognized STEM speaker

  • Year-long mentorship and support from WKU faculty

  • Sponsored attendance at National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) National Conference (all expenses covered)

  • Recipients receive a notebook/tablet (Chromebook or similar) to facilitate ongoing collaboration

  • Recipients receive generous stipend for technology and supplies to implement classroom Challenge Project

    • Program History:

  • Established in 2015 as partnership between National Stem Cell Foundation and The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at WKU

  • Now in its 12th year of operations

  • 100 STEM Scholars representing middle schools in 37 states

  • 93% teach in public schools; 44% teach in mid- to high-poverty schools; 39% teach in communities with population under 15,000

  • By June 2026, STEM Scholars will have directly and indirectly impacted more than 190,000 middle school students in the U.S.

    • Example Funded Projects:

  • Robotics labs

  • 3-D printing labs

  • Rocketry programs

  • Aquaponic farms

  • Trout hatcheries

  • Oyster reef restoration

    • Mission Alignment:
    Program created as workforce development solution for shortage of U.S. STEM-educated graduates. Research shows middle school students who get excited about science pursue STEM courses in high school and beyond; ~50% of 8th graders in America currently lose interest in STEM subjects.

    Contact Information:

  • National Stem Cell Foundation

  • 101 South Fifth Street, Suite 1605

  • Louisville, KY 40202

  • Phone: 502.379.8544

  • Email: press@nationalstemcellfoundation.org

  • Website: nationalstemcellfoundation.org

    • How to Apply

    Application Process

    Timeline for 2026 Class:

  • Applications open: Early November 2025

  • Deadline: February 1, 2026

  • Program dates: May 24-30, 2026

  • NSTA Conference attendance: Following spring (2027)

    • How to Apply:
    1. Visit application portal (link provided on website)
    2. Submit application with description of "big idea" Challenge Project
    3. Answer merit-based questions in application
    4. Selection based solely on quality of project description and application responses

    Required Materials:

  • Description of "big idea" Challenge Project

  • Responses to application questions

  • Applicant information and school details

    • Selection Criteria:

  • Merit of project description

  • Quality of application responses

  • Potential for maximum classroom impact

  • Note: Selection is nationwide and competitive

    • Timeline for Training (2026 Class):

  • One week advanced STEM education and leadership training on WKU campus: May 24-30, 2026

  • Ongoing year-long mentorship following training

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    stem-educationscience-teachersteacher-development

    Categories

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