Best STEM Education Grants in Iowa

Schools and nonprofit partners in Iowa providing after-school academic and enrichment programs, including STEM education, can seek US $50,000 - US $150,000 annually through the Nita M. Lowey 21st CCLC program. With a mission to expand community learning centers, Iowa Department of Education funds Title I-eligible schools serving significant low-income student populations.

American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation

At American Family Insurance, we believe in the power of dreams and the strength of community. Through the Dreams Foundation, we're committed to nurturing resilient and thriving communities, making a real difference where we live and work. Our employees and agency owners are passionate about giving back, and together, we're a force for good. Through volunteerism and matching gift programs, we're dedicated to creating lasting impacts that truly matter. The Dreams Foundation also supports organizations that are making a positive change through unrestricted grants and targeted program investments. If your organization is ready to make a difference, we invite you to apply for a grant through the link below.

The American Family Insurance Dreams Foundation is powered by our purpose—we champion dreams and opportunities so everyone can rise. We support our communities by offering unrestricted general operating grants and targeted programming investments to eligible non-profit partners. Our funding priorities align with our organizational efforts to invest in and improve the communities where we live and serve:

• Housing Access & Home Ownership
• Climate Ready Communities
• Supported Individuals & Families
• Future Ready Workforce
• Inspired & Innovative Communities
• College Access & Success 

Iowa public school districts and accredited nonpublic school systems can seek funding to provide proven computer science professional development for teachers. Focused on STEM education, the Iowa Department of Education invites Iowa school systems and collaboratives to support high-quality computer science instruction, including allowable costs like required training equipment and stipends for off-contract time.

Middle schools in Iowa seeking to launch the PLTW Gateway STEM program for the first time can receive US $9,100 in non-cash support for participation and teacher training. Grants from Project Lead The Way help cover PLTW Gateway participation fees and six Core Training registrations for eligible public, private, and charter schools, including rural and high-need campuses.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities can access funding for STEM and workforce development education, sustainability, and thriving community initiatives. Marathon Petroleum supports programs with measurable outcomes in regions where it operates, including Iowa, with grants focused on technical and vocational training, youth development, environmental conservation, and community safety and resilience.

Public, private, and charter schools in Iowa seeking to launch a PLTW Biomedical Science pathway can receive up to US $14,000 to cover participation and teacher training fees over three years. Project Lead The Way provides funding for new PLTW Biomedical Science programs running from 2026–2027 through 2028–2029.

Iowa public school districts and accredited nonpublic school systems can apply for Iowa Department of Education funding to reimburse tuition and textbooks for teachers pursuing computer science or 5–12 CTE Information Technology endorsements. Awards up to US $1,300 help build local capacity for high-quality STEM and computer science instruction in Iowa schools.

STEM BEST® Program

The STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program focuses on teachers and industry professionals working side-by-side to craft curriculum and projects that prepare students for exciting STEM careers local to their community in manufacturing, information technology, bioscience (agriculture and medicine), finance and more. 

The goal of the STEM BEST® Program is to support the launch of new or expanded STEM BEST® K-12 Program models specifically focused on creating work-based and career connected learning opportunities that allow students to develop future-focused, high-demand skills through real-world experiences. These future-focused skills align with the Iowa Academic Standards and Universal Constructs and create opportunities for students to become leaders and innovators of a future-focused Iowa. 

The STEM BEST® funding opportunity offers:

• award amounts up to $50,000.
• a 16 to 17-month timeframe to spend funds.
• a cost-share match of 2:1 is required ($50,000 state funds to $25,000 awardee match).

Secondary STEM educators and pre-service teachers in Iowa can receive up to US $5,000 and three graduate credits for completing 200–240 hours in a summer workplace through paid externships. Iowa STEM Council provides Iowa STEM / STEAM education professionals with hands-on industry experience to better connect classroom learning to real-world careers.

Iowa 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering STEM education, workforce readiness, safety, environmental, or community vitality programs in Union Pacific–served communities can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation for programmatic projects, not general operations. Grants of US $5,000 - US $30,000 prioritize underrepresented populations and initiatives that demonstrate clear need, strong capacity, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

About STEM BEST® Award 

The STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program focuses on teachers and industry professionals working side-by-side to craft curriculum and projects that prepare students for exciting STEM careers local to their community in manufacturing, information technology, bioscience (agriculture and medicine), finance and more.The goal of the STEM BEST® Program is to support the launch of new or expanded STEM BEST® K-12 Program models specifically focused on creating work-based and career connected learning opportunities that allow students to develop future-focused, high-demand skills through real-world experiences. These future-focused skills align with the Iowa Academic Standards and Universal Constructs and create opportunities for students to become leaders and innovators of a future-focused Iowa. 

The STEM BEST® funding opportunity offers:

• Award amounts up to $50,000.
• A time frame for expenditure of 17 months – January/February 2027 through May 2028.
• Cost-share requirement is a 2:1 match required, for example $50,000 state to $25,000 awardee

The STEM BEST® Program The STEM BEST® (Businesses Engaging Students and Teachers) Program focuses on teachers and industry professionals working side-by-side to craft curriculum and projects that prepare students for exciting STEM careers local to their community in manufacturing, information technology, bioscience (agriculture and medicine), finance and more. The STEM BEST® Enhancement Award The STEM BEST® Enhancement Award is a funding opportunity for existing STEM BEST® Program models. This is an opportunity to enhance or improve your current model with an award of up to $15,000 with no cost share to cover any unforeseen needs that have come up after the period of performance has ended for your STEM BEST® award. The intent of the Enhancement Award is to improve upon your program. It is not intended to provide continuous funding or to sustain your STEM BEST® Program.  

The Melissa Skiera Myers Scholarship, managed by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports female students pursuing degrees in math, science, and business. Funded by Melissa Skiera Myers to alleviate educational financial burdens, this scholarship prioritizes first-generation college students and those overcoming challenges. Applicants need to submit transcripts and specific documents. With a competitive selection process, the fund aims to empower Tri-Cities women, including adult learners, to achieve their academic goals without the weight of student debt.

The Ruby A. Trivette Ruritan Scholarship, administered by the North Carolina Community Foundation, supports graduating seniors from Ashe and Watauga counties in North Carolina. Eligible applicants must reside in Todd or be active members or children of active members of the Todd Ruritan Club. This scholarship opens for applications on December 16, 2025, and closes on March 3, 2026, providing crucial financial assistance for students pursuing higher education.

The Robert E. Barnhill, Sr. Scholarship Fund provides financial support for North Carolina high school seniors who plan to attend a four-year college or university as full-time students. Eligible applicants are evaluated on leadership potential, community involvement, academic achievement, and financial need. The scholarship may be renewed for up to three additional years, contingent upon maintaining a 2.0 GPA and continuous enrollment. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

The RAK Education Foundation Scholarship provides financial assistance to residents of Camden, Chowan, Gates, Pasquotank, or Perquimans Counties who have earned a high school diploma or GED. This scholarship supports students pursuing degrees or certificates in Career and Technical Education fields such as trade education, computer science, business, health science, and more. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, encouraging eligible students to apply.

The Peter S. Slomianyj Scholarship Fund offers financial assistance to Subway employees and their children who meet specific eligibility criteria, including a minimum of 500 work hours over the past year and a GPA of 2.0 in high school or 2.5 in college. Applications for this scholarship will be open from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. It is part of a broader initiative by the North Carolina Community Foundation to support students pursuing education at various institutions.

The NC Hunter and Jumper Association’s Norah Morris Memorial Scholarship Endowment supports individuals pursuing higher education who have engaged in equestrian activities. Open to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, the scholarship aims to assist those attending various educational institutions in the United States. Applications for NCCF scholarships will be accepted from December 16, 2025, to March 3, 2026. Be sure to check specific eligibility requirements for each scholarship.

In just one application, our Common Scholarship Application provides students access to more than 150 scholarship opportunities with awards ranging from $1,000 to more than $5,000.

In 2025, San Diego Foundation awarded a record-breaking $5.5 million in scholarships to nearly 1,400 students.

Wen Bo Wang Scholarship

Be graduating high school seniors and plan to enroll full-time at an accredited four-year university in the United States in fall.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. Most NCCF scholarships open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.

Baronowski Family STEM Scholarship

Female graduates of a Brunswick County, NC, high school who plan to attend or currently attend a qualified institution of higher learning, including a college, university or community college, to pursue a degree in one of the STEM disciplines (Science, Engineering, Technology, or Math).

The Carteret County Association of Home Builders Murdoch Scholarship offers financial assistance to graduating seniors and graduates from Carteret County high schools. Eligible students must be enrolled full-time in accredited technical schools or universities pursuing degrees in construction-related fields. Priority is given to those with a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrated financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, making it essential for interested candidates to prepare their submissions accordingly.

The Carteret County Retired School Personnel Scholarship Endowment offers scholarships to graduating seniors from Carteret County public high schools with a minimum GPA of 2.5. Eligible students must apply for admission to an accredited college or university and plan to pursue a degree in education, demonstrating their commitment to serving as positive role models. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

The Chevron Changing the Face of Golf Scholarship, awarded by the LPGA Foundation, aims to empower female high school seniors from minority backgrounds pursuing STEM studies. Established in 2022, this scholarship promotes diversity in golf and education, honoring Dinah Shore's legacy. By supporting young women, the LPGA Foundation continues its mission to change the face of golf and provide educational opportunities, enhancing representation in both golf and STEM fields.

Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains

Our mission at the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is to improve the region’s quality of life through the power of philanthropy. We do this by offering individuals, families, and businesses the most effective charitable giving tools available in the marketplace today. Founded in 1998, the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains is honored to work with hundreds of donors, nonprofits, advisors, and civic leaders to achieve dreams for making the Endless Mountains region of Northeastern Pennsylvania an even better place to live for everyone.

Scholarships

Many generous individuals, families, and businesses have established scholarship funds to provide support to graduates in our region. Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors.

Lawrence & Phyllis DeWolfe Scholarship

Established by the family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence DeWolfe to provide college scholarships to graduating seniors from Blue Ridge, Lackawanna Trail, and Mountain View school districts who will major in agriculture, education, a STEM field or law enforcement.

The Joyce Price Johnson’s Samaritan Fund provides scholarships for young people in North Carolina who are exiting foster care or facing poverty. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students attending various accredited institutions. Applications for NCCF scholarships open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Preference is given to applicants from Wayne County and adjacent areas, ensuring support for those with exceptional financial need.

The JADE Learning Electrical Technologies Scholarship supports students enrolled in North Carolina technical or occupational schools focused on electrical systems technologies. Eligible candidates include undergraduates, graduates, and apprentices who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. The scholarship application requires careful attention to specific donor-defined eligibility criteria. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026, with preference given to those pursuing a two-year associate’s degree.

Scholarships

We partner with donors to administer scholarships for students across the state. Most NCCF scholarships open for applications on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

Undergraduates, graduates, medical and professional school students and adult re-entry students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities, career/technical schools, teaching credential programs and graduate, medical or professional schools in the United States are eligible for scholarships offered at NCCF.

Each scholarship has specific eligibility requirements defined by the donor when the scholarship was established. Be sure to read the requirements of each scholarship carefully as directed through the universal application and address those elements as needed in your application.

Grayce Wills MacDonald and Ivan A. MacDonald Endowment

Shall support students who attended high school in Cherokee, Graham, Clay, Swain, Macon, Jackson, Haywood, Buncombe, and Henderson counties, and who are pursuing a college or post-graduate level degree in the field of nutrition with emphasis on the study of natural foods and the vegetarian lifestyle. Scholarships may be based on both need and merit.