At schools and community organizations across Idaho, students are doing more than just learning about science, technology, engineering and math. They are building robots, designing prototypes, solving real-world problems and exploring careers they may never have imagined for themselves just a few years ago.
In many cases, those opportunities began with a single grant.
Through its annual education grant program, Idaho National Laboratory invests in hands-on STEM learning experiences that expand opportunities for students, educators and communities throughout the state. From rural classrooms to community libraries, these grants help turn curiosity into confidence and help students begin to see themselves as future engineers, scientists, coders and innovators.
“Every student deserves the opportunity to discover their potential, regardless of where they live,” said Jennifer Jackson, director of K-12 STEM education at INL. “These grants help schools and community organizations create meaningful STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, strengthen problem-solving skills and open doors to future opportunities.”
The impact reaches far beyond equipment and supplies. Grant-funded programs have launched robotics teams, expanded engineering curricula, built innovation labs and connected classroom learning to Idaho’s real workforce needs. This funding helps close a critical opportunity gap, ensuring that geography does not determine what a student can achieve.
The results are already visible. Teachers report stronger student engagement and growing interest in STEM careers. Students who once hesitated to participate are now leading projects, mentoring peers and showcasing their work to their communities.
These grants are not just funding programs. They are helping students discover what they can achieve.
This year, INL awarded 20 grants through its STEM education grant program across four categories: Innovation in STEM, INL STEM Impact/Governor C.L. ‘Butch’ and Lori Otter, Classroom, and Family and Community Engagement.
The 2026 recipients represent schools and organizations from across the state, each with a unique and innovative project, and each committed to expanding what STEM education can look like in their community.
2026 INL Education Grant recipients
Innovation in STEM Grant
West Jefferson High School, Terreton
Project: Rural Idaho Innovation Lab
This grant funds a regional STEM innovation hub serving West Jefferson, Leadore, Butte County and Clark County students through hands-on experiences in engineering, robotics, coding, fabrication and collaborative project-based learning.
INL STEM Impact/Governor C.L. “Butch” and Lori Otter Grant
Teton Middle School, Driggs
Project: Next-Gen Community Planetarium
A portable planetarium will provide Teton Valley students with immersive STEAM learning experiences through interactive lessons in astronomy, earth science and related subjects. It will support K-12 instruction across multiple disciplines and expand access to science education through community events, family science nights and outreach programs.
Classroom Grant Recipients
- Black Canyon Middle School, Idaho Falls
- Nampa School District, Nampa
- Payette High School, Payette
- Sandcreek Middle School, Ammon
- Leadore School, Leadore
- Sugar-Salem High School, Sugar City
- Summerwind STEM Academy, Boise
- Taylorview Middle School, Idaho Falls
- White Pine Charter Schools, Ammon
Family and Community Engagement Grant Recipients
- Burley Discovery Museum, Burley
- Friends of the Children – Eastern Idaho, Pocatello
- Idaho Falls Public Library, Idaho Falls
- Kershaw Intermediate School, Sugar City
- Leadore Community Library, Leadore
- League of Idaho Cities, Boise
- Lemhi Regional Land Trust, Salmon
- Westside Elementary, Idaho Falls
