Idaho teachers encouraged to apply for science education grants
Applications are being accepted for two grant programs in support of excellence and innovation in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education at Idaho National Laboratory. INL will accept proposals for Regional STEM Mini Grants and an Extreme Classroom Makeover Grant from Nov. 2 to Dec. 15, 2015.
Funding for the grants comes from Battelle Energy Alliance, which operates INL for the U.S. Department of Energy.
The 2016 INL Regional STEM Mini Grants will provide funds to enhance public and private elementary, middle school and high school programs. Idaho teachers can apply for up to $500 to fund technology or lab equipment, material for special projects, or professional development.
The INL Extreme Classroom Makeover Grant will provide funding to an Idaho teacher or school to transform a classroom into a 21st-century STEM learning environment. The $5,000 grant award is available to support classroom instructional resources, materials and laboratory equipment used to integrate STEM concepts across all disciplines.
Grant applications are available at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/education/k-12-stem-grants/. Completed applications must be received by Dec. 15, 2015.
A panel of judges will evaluate the applications based on specific criteria. Teachers are required to provide information on how learning objectives and curriculum concepts will be enhanced and how the project or program will improve student interest and achievement. Grant recipients will be announced in January 2016.
Over the past decade, INL has contributed nearly $4.3 million to advance STEM education in Idaho.
