STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants

Funder: FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology)

Program Overview:
FIRST's STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants program provides funding to address inequities in access to science and technology for children around the world. The grants directly support students from underserved and underrepresented communities and help community leaders develop new, innovative approaches to close the STEM education gap.

Award Details:

• Amount: $5,000 - $50,000 per grant (average of $45,000)
• Total Impact: As of 2022, FIRST has awarded 78 grants totaling $2.7 million to grantees around the world

Focus Areas:

• Hands-on STEM learning and creative problem-solving opportunities
• Programs serving historically marginalized students
• Support for underserved and underrepresented communities
• Global reach across six continents

Eligibility:

• Community organizations and youth-serving organizations
• Schools and school districts
• Nonprofit organizations
• International applicants welcome

Geographic Scope:
Global (awards given to organizations in United States, Canada, Chile, Greece, Libya, Morocco, and other countries)

Evaluation Criteria:

• Community need
• Demographics served
• Increases in diversity
• Execution strength
• Track record of reaching targeted students
• Value of proposed activities

Program Support:
Grantees receive resources and support from FIRST as they develop community-wide programs incorporating:

• FIRST Robotics Competition
• FIRST Tech Challenge
• FIRST LEGO League (all three divisions: Discover, Explore, Challenge)

Contact Information:

• Website: https://www.firstinspires.org/about/diversityinclusion
• Headquarters: 200 Bedford Street, Manchester, NH 03101
• General Contact: customerservice@firstinspires.org

Program History:
Launched in 2016, the program has grown to support innovative approaches to STEM education globally.

Application Process

Selection Method (as of 2023):
The 2023 FIRST STEM Equity Community Innovation Grant is administered via a nomination process. FIRST field representatives recommend new locations that need funding and have supports in place to ensure program sustainability.

Previous Application Process (2022 and earlier):
While specific application steps are not detailed in the provided materials, the following information is available:

Required Information for Evaluation:

• Community needs assessment
• Demographic information of students to be served
• Plans for increasing diversity
• Organizational capacity and execution strength
• Evidence of track record in reaching targeted students
• Detailed description of proposed activities
• Sustainability plan for program continuation

Note: For current detailed application requirements and procedures, applicants should contact FIRST directly or visit their website for the most up-to-date application guidelines.