The STEM Mini-Grant Program is to support educators in the teaching and learning of STEM in K-12 classrooms and out-of-school time programs. The emphasis is on stimulating new teaching ideas and new learning opportunities made possible through the creative spark of educators. An additional emphasis is placed on developing community outreach projects in which students and schools to work with local business partners and community organizations to solve local problems and develop career awareness, exploration, or preparation.

Eligible Applicants 

The program is open to all public school teachers and out-of-school time educators in Allegan, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, and Ottawa Counties, for grades K-12. Team projects from several educators working together with multiple groups of students are also accepted and encouraged.  

Expenditures for program materials to enhance or extend a regular program or to create a new program are encouraged. If a pre-packaged kit is the major activity for your project, indicate how you would supplement the kit and customize it for your program.  All purchases should be tax-exempt and sales tax will not be reimbursed.  Stipends are not an allowable expense for these grant funds. 

Application 

Before applying, click here to create your own copy of the Project Description Template (in Google Docs).  Put name of your project in the title.

Click here to apply.  You will be asked to provide the link your Project Description in the application form. 

Timeline 

• The application deadline is November 15, 2021. 
• Notification of awards will be made by December 17, 2021. 
• Funds will be dispersed in early February. 
• Awardees are to complete their project by the conclusion of the 21/22 academic year. 
• Paid receipts for all expenses, along with a brief summary report of the project are due no later than June 30, 2022. 

Criteria for Review 

Applications will be reviewed by a team of regional stakeholders. Winners are determined on a county-wide competitive basis, with awards going to the top-ranked proposals.  Priority will be given to proposals that: 

• Increase equity of access to STEM fields for under-served groups 
• Include a business/community partner  
• Demonstrate a potential for positive impact on students and community 
• Demonstrate an integrated/interdisciplinary/transdisciplinary approach to STEM education 
• Includes a detailed budget and clear rationale for expenses 
• Align to standards 
• Adhere to proposal guidelines 

For questions or technical assistance, contact Olga Martinez-Capistran at martiolg@gvsu.edu. 

Click to view a list of the Mini-Grant Program 2019-2021 Grant Cycle awardees.