Minnesota SciMathMN STEM Grants

Minnesota SciMathMN STEM Grants is sponsored by Minnesota Department of Education / SciMathMN. Provides grants to expand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs in K-12 and postsecondary institutions.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Safeguarding tax dollars is our priority. Report suspicious activity.

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academic-standards@state. mn. us STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) STEM education provides intentionally designed and linked learning experiences for students to develop and apply understandings of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts and processes.

Integrated STEM education exemplifies standards-based, best practice instruction from each field to explore relevant questions and problems based in the natural and designed world.

The Minnesota Department of Education supports STEM achievement for all learners by providing guidance and technical assistance on implementation of academic standards, current literacy best practices, multi-tiered systems of intervention, and STEM policy administration. Standards, Assessments and Graduation Requirements Minnesota has not adopted standalone Computer Science standards.

Instead, starting in 2018, Minnesota requires computer science standards be embedded in all state standards as they come up for revision. Integrated STEM education intentionally links the 2019 Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Science and the 2007 Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards in Mathematics with national engineering and computer science standards.

The Minnesota K-12 Academic Standards are the statewide expectations for student learning in public schools. The standards supplemented by benchmarks identify the knowledge and skills that all students must achieve in a content area by the end of a grade level or grade band. Minnesota’s academic standards are reviewed and revised on a 10-year cycle.

Please review the Standards Implementation Table for the complete standards review schedule. Schools and districts determine how their students will learn all standards by developing courses, curriculum, and instructional materials covering all standards.

When formative assessments are aligned to standards-based learning goals and embedded throughout instruction, teachers can identify where students are at in their learning based on evidence, to guide them where to go next. Summative evidence of learning is usually collected at the end of a grading period. Both types of classroom assessment can help identify student misconceptions and scaffold future instruction.

Learn more about the direct applications to grading, instructional improvement, learning acceleration and equity on Testing 1, 2, 3: Classroom Assessment page . In Minnesota, students are required to complete two kinds of requirements by the time they graduate. Students must: Satisfactorily complete all state academic standards or local academic standards where state standards do not apply.

Satisfactorily complete the state credit requirements under Minnesota Statutes 2025, section 120B. 024 . There are no graduation requirements for STEM in Minnesota.

Please see the Additional Statutory Requirements section below for more information on school and district requirements around STEM. Please see MDE’s Graduation Requirements page for additional information. Additional Statutory Requirements and Updates No legislative requirements around STEM at this time.

2025: No legislative updates. 2026: No legislative updates. Professional Learning and Staying Informed All MDE sponsored professional learning opportunities require registration a minimum of 24 hours in advance.

Please register before the stated deadline. Computer Science Leader Meetings There are seven Computer Science Leader meetings in the 2026-27 school year: Thursday, August 6, 2026, from noon to 12:45 p. m.

Zoom option and in person at Empower MN CS+AI 2026, University of Minnesota. Registration deadline: Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 12:45 p. m.

Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 p. m. Registration deadline: Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 5 p.

m. Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 p. m.

Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 14, 2026, 5 p. m. Thursday, December 10, 2026, from 3:30 to 5 p.

m. Registration deadline: Wednesday, December 9, 2026, 5 p. m.

Wednesday, January 27, 2027, from 3:30 to 5 p. m. Registration deadline: Tuesday, January 26, 2027, 5 p.

m. Thursday, March 11, 2027, from 3:30 to 5 p. m.

Registration deadline: Wednesday, March 10, 2027, 5 p. m. Wednesday, May 26, 2027, from 3:30 to 5 p.

m. Registration deadline: Tuesday, May 25, 2027, 5 p. m.

Computer Science Office Hours Computer Science Office Hours are an informal opportunity to drop in and ask any question related to computer science integrated standards. See below for specific dates and Zoom meeting links. Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.

m. Wednesday, October 21, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 p. m.

Wednesday, November 18, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 p. m. Wednesday, December 16, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.

m. Wednesday, January 20, 2027, from 3:30 to 4:30 p. m.

Wednesday, February 17, 2027, from 3:30 to 4:30 p. m. Wednesday, March 17, 2027, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.

m . Wednesday, April 21, 2027, from 3:30 to 4:30 p. m.

Wednesday, May 19, 2027, from 3:30 to 4:30 p. m. Other Ways to Stay Informed Please consider the following ways of staying informed about resource and professional learning opportunities: Please join the Computer Science mailing list .

Projects, Initiatives and Grant information The STEAM Guidance Toolkit is a comprehensive resource designed to support Minnesota schools in implementing high-quality K–5 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) education.

It includes seven documents that provide guidance for teachers, instructional leaders, and district administrators on creating integrated, culturally responsive, and standards-aligned STEAM programs. The toolkit outlines essential features of effective programs, offers answers to common questions, and emphasizes practices that foster creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration across disciplines.

It also includes practical tools such as discipline-specific practice guides, visual printouts, and an interactive activity to help educators design engaging STEAM learning experiences based on important practices in each content area.

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematic (STEAM) Guidance Toolkit at a Glance - Is a comprehensive set of resources designed to support Minnesota Schools in implementing high-quality K-5 STEAM education. It includes seven documents that provide guidance on creating integrated, culturally responsive, and Minnesota Academic standards-aligned STEAM programs.

K-5 STEAM Guidance - This document provides guidance for implementing high-quality, culturally responsive, and student-centered K–5 STEAM education in Minnesota schools through integrated experiences aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards and Universal Design for Learning.

Features of High-Quality STEAM Programs for Teachers and Instructional Leaders - This document outlines ten key features of effective K–5 STEAM programs, emphasizing hands-on, integrated, culturally responsive learning aligned with Minnesota Academic Standards and focused on collaboration, inclusion, and career connections.

Features of High-Quality STEAM Programs for School and District Leaders - This document identifies seven essential features for school and district leaders to design and sustain STEAM programs, including clear vision, leadership teams, community partnerships, supportive environments, professional development, and collaborative planning.

K–5 STEAM Frequently Asked Questions -This document answers common questions about K–5 STEAM education in Minnesota, clarifying definitions, standards, curriculum guidance, teacher roles, and resources for starting and sustaining STEAM programs.

STEAM Practices 1-Pager - This document lists eight core practices for each STEAM discipline to guide integrated learning experiences that promote inquiry, creativity, critical thinking, and alignment with Minnesota Academic Standards.

STEAM Practices Printout 11X17 - This document provides a visual reference of eight core practices for each STEAM discipline—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics—to support authentic, interdisciplinary instruction.

STEAM Practices Sort Activity - This document offers instructions for an interactive activity that helps educators explore and discuss connections among STEAM practices to foster integration and collaborative planning. No active grants at this time. Recognition and Awards Programs There are currently no active recognition or awards programs.

Minnesota's K-12 Academic Standards Identify the Knowledge and Skills Required for All Students Related offsite resources: Frameworks for Minnesota Math and Science Standards Information Technology Educators of Minnesota (ITEM) Standards International Technology and Engineering Educators Association (ITEEA) Standards for Technological and Engineering Literacy Contact MDE : 651-582-8200 No English?

Call: 651-785-4064 Visit: አማርኛ Lus Hmoob ကညီ Afaan Oromo Af Soomaali Español українська MDE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider For a language other than English, or if you have a disability and need assistance, email mde. engagement@state. mn.

us or call 651-785-4064. Spoken language interpreters, American Sign language interpreters, and other supportive services are available upon request.