PLTW Engineering - New Program (John Deere) Grant

The John Deere Foundation, in partnership with PLTW, aims to enhance access to engineering programs for underserved students in its home communities. This initiative is part of a 10-year commitment to support equitable educational opportunities. By providing grants, the foundation encourages schools to expand their PLTW Engineering courses, fostering critical STEM skills to empower students. Eligible schools must be near John Deere facilities and demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and student engagement in engineering education.

John Deere Foundation has partnered with PLTW to increase access and participation to PLTW programs for students located in John Deere home communities who historically have been underserved and underrepresented in STEM. This partnership is part of the John Deere Foundation's Bold Commitments to support 1 million underserved and underrepresented youth by 2030.
As part of their 10-year commitment, the John Deere Foundation is dedicated to ensuring inclusive and equitable student access to resources and educational opportunities critical for human dignity and self-sufficiency.
PLTW programs empower students to develop and apply in-demand, transportable skills by exploring real-world challenges. Through this partnership, John Deere Foundation has committed funds to support PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW Engineering programs beginning in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Program Requirements
Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Engineering program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Engineering course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Engineering courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Engineering courses for the 2025-2026 academic year.

Eligibility

Geographic Area: Eligible schools must be located within 40 miles of the following John Deere facilities: Georgia: Augusta Illinois: Champaign, Quad Cities Iowa: Des Moines, Dubuque, Ottumwa, Paton, Quad Cities, Waterloo Wisconsin: Horicon Or within 15 miles of the following John Deere facilities:California: Santa Clara, Torrance Illinois: ChicagoKansas: OlatheTexas: AustinSchools, or school districts, must enroll at least 50% of students who participate in the Free and Reduced Lunch program. Allowable Expenses: PLTW Participation Fee; Required computers and/or tablets; Program required equipment and supplies; PLTW Core Training and the following related expenses incurred: travel, room, and board

Ineligibility

Unallowable Expenses: Benefits; Meals; Infrastructure; Renovations; Indirect Costs; Equipment and supplies listed as Optional; Training Cancellation Fees; Training Substitution Fees; Trainings where there was a no-show; Trainings where a credential was not earned; Salaries; Stipends for use during PLTW Core Training; Stipends unrelated to PLTW Core Training; Any other expenses not specified as allowable