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 work with local business partners and community organizations to solve local problems and develop career awareness, exploration, or preparation.

Check out this map of the locations of schools who have received MiSTEM Mini-Grant Awards and their business/community partners! 

Click on the pop-out symbol in the upper left to see the map key:

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.  

Application Details

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. 

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 

Application has CLOSED. 

Timeline 

• The application deadline November 17, 2023.
• Notification of awards will be made on December 15, 2023. 
• Funds will be dispersed in January or February, 2024.
• Final report and photos are due by the end of the 23/24 academic year.

For questions or technical assistance, contact Olga L. Kryger at [email protected]. 

2022-2023 Mini-Grant Program Grant Awardees

2021-2022 Mini-Grant Program Grant Awardees

2019-2021 Mini-Grant Program Grant Awardees