Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) are the building blocks for a successful and innovative future. These subjects play a vital role in shaping the future of the U.S. economy and creating a workforce equipped to handle the challenges of the 21st century. 

However, many schools struggle to provide adequate resources and funding for STEAM education. As a result, students may be missing out on important learning opportunities. It is crucial for schools to invest in STEAM learning resources.

It is worth noting that remaining ESSER funding may be used for STEAM and coding programs. For those districts that have not obligated all funds, purchasing a STEAM and coding solution with multi-year subscriptions and professional development would be a more immediate answer to funding woes. 

Why Invest in STEAM Learning Resources

Investing in STEAM learning resources is crucial for the future of U.S. education. By providing students with access to high-quality resources, schools can prepare them for the workforce, encourage their interest in STEAM subjects, close the achievement gap, and support teacher professional development. 

Investing in STEAM education is an investment in the future, and it is essential that schools prioritize this investment in order to ensure the success of their students.

Prepare Students for the Future Workforce

STEAM jobs are among the fastest-growing and highest-paying industries in the United States. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in STEAM occupations is projected to grow by 8.9% from 2016 to 2026, which is faster than the average for all occupations. 

By investing in STEAM learning resources, schools can prepare students for the future workforce and ensure that they have the skills necessary to succeed in STEAM careers.

Encourage Student Interest in STEAM

Many students struggle with STEAM subjects because they lack access to hands-on, engaging learning resources. 

A study in Black Engineer confirms, “opportunities are not the same for all families. Nationally, three in five children in families with higher incomes (62%) participate in a STEM activity in their afterschool program twice per week or more, but just 56% of children in families with low incomes do. Students in families with higher incomes also have a greater variety of STEM offerings, particularly in technology/engineering, science, and computer science.”

Investing in resources and programs can help to increase student engagement and interest in STEAM subjects. For example, providing students with access to cutting-edge technology, after-school programs, or a STEAM summer camp can help to make STEAM more exciting and accessible.

Close the Achievement Gap

The achievement gap in STEAM subjects is a well-documented issue in the United States. Students from low-income and minority backgrounds are often less likely to have access to high-quality STEAM resources, which can result in lower achievement in these subjects. 

Investing in STEAM learning resources can help to close the achievement gap by providing all students with access to the tools and resources they need to succeed in STEAM subjects.

Support Teacher Professional Development

Investing in STEAM learning resources also provides teachers with the tools and resources they need to improve instruction and support student learning. 

Teachers need access to ongoing professional development opportunities in order to stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods and technologies. By providing access to cutting-edge resources, schools can support professional growth and help teachers become more effective educators.

Fund STEAM Initiatives With Education Technology Grants

Now the question is: How do schools fund these new STEAM and coding initiatives? Grants are a great start. 

Even though they may seem mysterious or confusing, grants are becoming increasingly important for funding technology initiatives for classroom, school, and district-wide EdTech implementations. 

Many organizations supply funding for diverse learning technology experiences to help teachers achieve what their school district may not fiscally be able to provide.

6 EdTech Grants for Classroom Technology Initiatives in 2023

While qualifying and applying for grants may seem daunting and tedious, we’ve compiled a list of six incredible EdTech grants you can check out today to kick-start your own STEAM or coding program in 2023.

If you have other suggestions on grants, we welcome your comments to help other educators below!

Interested in a longer list covering 24 of the top education technology grants you can currently apply for and grant writing tips and tricks? Check out our Ultimate Edtech Grant Guide!

1. Community Action Grant

Thinking about trying to excite girls in your schools about the power of STEM? The Community Action Grants sponsored by the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is an incredible funding opportunity focusing on the needs of girls and women. 

The organization prioritizes projects that can help educate the community on those issues. Proposals that incorporate women’s and girls’ achievements in science, math, and technology are also preferred.

• Deadline: Rolling

• Region: Nationwide

• Grade Level: K–14 (including two-year colleges)
• Amount: $2,000–$7,000 over one year or $5,000–$10,000 over two years

2. 3Mgives Education Grants

3M believes that every student should have access to a robust STEM education, and that’s why they provide education grants as part of their charitable arm, 3Mgives. 

The application window opens each spring and invites proposals for STEM and business learning, especially for under-represented and under-resourced populations.

• Deadline: June every year

• Region: Nationwide in a 3M community location

• Grade Level: K-12
• Amount: Varies

3. TAF Project-Based Learning Grants for Grades K–12

The Toshiba America Foundation awards classrooms on a rolling cycle every year across grades K-12. They target schools and educators who have a burning desire to make science and mathematics more engaging for students. 

Grants range anywhere from $1,000 – $5,000 and typically fund the materials needed for that STEM project you’ve been dreaming of implementing.

• Deadline: Rolling depending on grade

• Region: Nationwide

• Grade Level: K-12

• Amount: $1,000-$5,000+

4. McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation Academic Enrichment Grant

The McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation is truly a STEAM grant, as it prioritizes proposals that focus on the intellectual, artistic, and creative abilities of children from low-income households. 

This grant is a fantastic option for pitching after-school programs, enriching criteria, or offering an academic option not currently offered (think coding or computational thinking). 

Depending on your school or district’s needs and eligibility requirements, the foundation will award $10,000 per year for a maximum of $30,000 over three years.

• Deadline: April every year

• Region: Nationwide

• Grade Level: Pre-k to 12

• Amount: Up to $10,000 per year for a maximum of $30,000 over three years

5. Honda USA Foundation STEM Grants

The Honda USA Foundation is a great option for schools and districts that have identified STEAM as a priority for students. 

The STEM grants offered by Honda focus on the areas of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, the environment, job training, and literacy.  They’re perfect for any educator who is looking to incorporate projects or curricula around education technology.

• Deadline: February every year

• Region: Nationwide

• Grade Level: K-12

• Amount: From $20,000 to $75,000 over a one-year period

6. Samsung Solve for Tomorrow Contest 

Thinking about getting competitive about your STEM project with your students? The Samsung Solve for Tomorrow program encourages educators to pitch their projects to Samsung’s community engagement team. 

After the first selection process in October, an Activity Plan is presented and educators and students are given Samsung Tablets to help work on their projects. Teams go through more rounds all the way to the finals while working with Samsung mentors. 

This is a great opportunity if your EdTech solution interfaces with tablets.

• Deadline: October every year

• Region: Nationwide

• Grade Level: Varies

• Amount: Prizes distributed in amounts of $15,000, $50,000, and $100,000

Make it Easy with The Ultimate Guide to EdTech Grant Writing (and a List of Even More Grants)

Searching for and applying for grants can be a frustrating process, but the hard work can be incredibly rewarding if you get funded. 

We’ve compiled The Ultimate EdTech Grant Writing Guide and List of Grants to help kick-start your efforts and make things a little easier going into your grant writing journey.

With over 20 grants, writing tips, and even samples of how you can position a product or project using SAM Labs STEAM and Coding Kits, you’ll be on your way to success in 2023 and beyond.

Shaunda Douglas

Shaunda Douglas is a former educator with over 15 years of experience in all levels of education. In her free time, she reads, plays with her dogs, watches baseball, and loves a good nap.