STEM Sprouts is a grant from the Glenn W. Bailey Foundation that funds early education STEM programs for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. The program supports organizations introducing young children to foundational concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with the goal of fostering curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and a lifelong love of STEM learning.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations and other entities operating early childhood STEM education programs that can demonstrate program planning and measurable outcomes. Organizations do not need to meet all criteria — a unique aptitude in program development and proven outcomes is sufficient. Awards of up to $25,000 are available.

Program Grants — Glenn W. Bailey Foundation Our programs are designed with the grantee in mind. We provide a direct path to obtain funding for organizations seeking programmatic support for STEM education at all levels.

Explore each program below to find detailed eligibility and submission information. We do not expect Organizations to meet all criteria. The programs were created to provide a wide range of funding options.

Organizations can meet as little as one criteria if they are able to show a unique aptitude in the development and proven outcomes of the program for which they are requesting funding.

STEM Sprouts - K - 5th Grade STEM STEM Stars - Advanced STEM for Grades 6 - 12th Grade STEM Scholars - STEM programs for and benefiting College and Post-Secondary Students Teen-Tech - Grants to fund Tech Competitions Mr. Bailey believed in education and knew that a strong U.S. economy wasn’t possible if we didn’t have an educated workforce.

Mr. Bailey believed in the importance of STEM careers and an entrepreneurial spirit to help American’s solve our most pressing issues pertaining to STEM. STEM Sprouts Program Outline Our Early Education STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program is designed to fund organizations that introduce young children, grades K - 5th, to foundational concepts and skills across these four fields.

Such programs should aim to foster curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, and a love of STEM learning from an early age. Grants will be made to organizations supporting STEM initiatives geared towards providing K to 5th-grade students with a solid, hands-on early experience with in-depth STEM subjects.

Organizations should have invested in careful planning and consideration of various elements of their STEM programs, and are or will be providing young learners with a comprehensive and engaging educational experience who meet some or all of the following objectives: 1. Hands-On Learning: STEM education for young children should emphasize hands-on, experiential learning.

This means providing opportunities for children to engage with materials, conduct simple experiments, build structures, and solve age-appropriate problems. 2. Age-Appropriate Curriculum: The curriculum should be tailored to suit the developmental stages and abilities of young children.

Concepts should be introduced in an accessible, engaging way, focusing on concrete experiences before moving to more abstract ideas. 3. Play-Based Approach: Play is a natural way for young children to learn.

STEM programs should incorporate play-based activities that integrate STEM concepts. For instance, building with blocks can introduce engineering principles, while exploring nature can teach basic biology. That said, we hope to partner with organizations that go beyond these basic STEM principles and build on foundational concepts to push the limits of what we can expect from our young learners through guided inquiry.

Children should be encouraged to ask questions and explore answers, which promotes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. 5. Use of Technology: Technology may be introduced in age-appropriate ways, depending on the age group.

This could include educational applications, simple coding activities, or interactive simulations. 6. Parent Involvement: Parents play a crucial role in supporting STEM education at an early age.

Programs are encouraged to provide resources and guidance to help parents continue STEM learning at home. 7. Professional Development: We encourage teachers and educators working in Early Education STEM programs to pursue specific training and continuing education courses to implement these curricula effectively.

We will accept applications for continuing education and professional development seminars and classes. 8. Resources: Adequate resources and materials should be available to support STEM activities.

This includes access to educational materials, equipment, and age-appropriate books. Early Education STEM programs can have significant benefits, including preparing children for future STEM-related careers, fostering a love for learning, and developing essential skills for success in the 21st century.

When well-designed and implemented, these programs can be both enjoyable and educational for young learners and will help to launch a lifelong aptitude in STEM subjects. We do not expect Organizations to meet all of the above criteria. The program outline was created to give a wide range of funding options.

Organizations can meet as little as one criteria if they are able to show a unique aptitude in the development and proven outcomes of the program for which they are requesting funding.

Program Grant Application Link STEM Stars Program Outline Grants will be made to organizations supporting Middle and High School students participating or interested in advanced STEM programs and who ultimately want to pursue a college degree in a STEM-related field.

Organizations that have invested in careful planning and consideration of various elements of their STEM program who are providing students with a comprehensive and engaging educational experience and who meet some or all of the below objectives should apply: 1.

Basic Objective: The supported programs’ primary goals should include but are not limited to, fostering a love for STEM, preparing students for college majors and careers in STEM fields, and promoting problem-solving and critical thinking skills. 2.

Curriculum Development: A well developed rigorous and integrated STEM curriculum that aligns with national and state standards and could offer a mix of core STEM subjects, including mathematics, science, technology, and engineering. Integrate hands-on, project-based learning to encourage students to apply their knowledge and solve real-world problems.

Include interdisciplinary courses that emphasize the connections between STEM disciplines and careers. 3. Specialized Tracks: Programs that offer specialized tracks within their existing framework, such as computer science, biomedical science, environmental science, or robotics, based on student interests and local industry demands.

4. Highly Qualified Teachers: Programs that emphasize hiring and retaining experienced, certified STEM teachers who are passionate about their subjects and skilled in project-based learning methodologies. Including providing ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers to stay current with STEM advancements and teaching methodologies.

5. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Programs that have access to well-equipped laboratories, maker spaces, and technology resources for hands-on experimentation and innovation. 6.

Partnerships and Externships: Programs that forge partnerships with local universities, research institutions, and STEM-based companies to provide students with opportunities for internships, mentorships, and real-world experiences. 7. Enrichment Activities: Offer extracurricular activities such as STEM clubs, science fairs, hackathons, and robotics competitions to extend learning beyond the classroom.

8. Parent and Community Engagement: Involve parents and the community in STEM education by hosting events, workshops, and STEM-related family and community activities. 9.

College and Career Guidance: Provide college and career counseling services to help students navigate STEM-related educational and career paths. 10. Showcase Achievements: Celebrate student achievements and projects through exhibitions, showcases, and publications to inspire and motivate others.

11. Adapt to Technological Advancements: Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in STEM fields and update the curriculum accordingly. 12.

Sustainability: Develop a long-term sustainability plan to ensure the program's viability over time, understanding that the success of funded programs will depend on a collaborative effort involving educators, administrators, parents, and the community. Organizations should be regularly assessing and adjusting their programs to meet the evolving needs and interests of their students.

STEM Scholars Program Outline Project Presentation Forums In-House Competitions and Showcases Career Management Counseling Services Student Clubs and Organizations Summer Camps and Organizations Conferences and Committees The program outline was created to give a wide range of funding options.

Organizations can meet as little as one criteria if they are able to show a unique aptitude in the development and proven outcomes of the program for which they are requesting funding. Teen Tech Program Outline Grants will be made to schools and organizations interested in creating, implementing, and participating in a Teen Tech Competition within their school or a partner organization.

The Teen Tech Competition aims to foster creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills among its participants. The basic outline of the parameters of the event should include: Timeframe: The Competition can take place any time of the year and only once per year.

Categories for the Competition: IoT or Internet of Things Virtual Reality (VR) or Augmented Reality (AR) To ensure fair competition and age-appropriate challenges, create age-specific groups, such as 10-12, 13-15, and 16-18. Allow participants to compete individually or in teams. Open a registration period well in advance of the competition date.

Participants should provide necessary information, such as name, age, contact details, and category of interest. Ideation and Proposal (Pre-Competition): Participants submit project ideas, including a description, goals, and a plan for implementation. Judges evaluate the proposals and select the most promising ones to move forward.

Development Phase: Participants work on their projects. This phase can last for several weeks or months, depending on the complexity of the projects. Mentorship and Workshops: To help participants enhance their technical skills and refine their projects, offer mentorship sessions and workshops led by experienced professionals.

Midway Checkpoint: Conduct a midway checkpoint where participants present their progress to judges and receive feedback. Final Presentation: Participants present their completed projects to a panel of judges. This can be done through live presentations or pre-recorded videos.

Establish clear and transparent criteria for judging the projects. Common criteria include: - Innovation and Creativity - Practicality and Real-World Application - Problem-Solving Abilities - Teamwork (if applicable) Offer attractive prizes, certificates, and recognition to winners in each category and age group. Prizes can include tech gadgets, scholarships, internships, or mentorship opportunities.

Sponsors and Partnerships: Seek sponsorships from tech companies, local businesses, or educational institutions to help cover the costs of organizing the competition and provide additional prizes and resources. Plan a timeline for the competition, including registration deadlines, development phases, mentorship sessions, and the final presentation date.

Coordinate the final presentations either in person or virtually, depending on the circumstances. Invite the finalists and judges, and ensure a smooth and fair evaluation process. The competition outline was created to give a wide range of ideas and options.

Organizations can meet some or all criteria if they are able to show a unique aptitude in the development and proven outcomes of their competition for which they are requesting funding. Program Grant Application