STEM Equity Community Innovation Grants

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.