Best Grants for Science Teachers in New Mexico

Public and charter middle schools in New Mexico can receive US $10,000 to expand existing PLTW Gateway STEM programs, covering participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. Project Lead the Way and Intel Foundation prioritize schools serving students with demonstrated economic need, supporting hands-on, real-world science and engineering learning.

Public, private, and charter schools in New Mexico can receive up to US $14,000 to launch a new PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026–2029 school years. Project Lead The Way provides funding for participation fees and teacher core training, supporting science teachers building STEM and biomedical pathways for students.

Public and charter middle schools in New Mexico can apply for Project Lead the Way’s Intel Foundation–supported grants to start or expand PLTW Gateway STEM programs, with awards of US $20,000 over two years. Funding covers PLTW fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and core training, with priority for schools serving students with economic need.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) nonprofits and eligible government entities working on STEM and environmental education, workforce development, sustainability, or community resilience can seek support through Marathon Petroleum. Grants may benefit science teachers and related school or district programs, especially in communities near company operations, with an emphasis on measurable community impact.

K–12 schools in New Mexico seeking hands-on STEM and environmental education resources can receive in-kind support to build and use outdoor learning gardens. Captain Planet Foundation provides a US $7,500 in in-kind support package including raised beds, a mobile cooking cart, curriculum access, supplies, and teacher training to integrate garden-based science lessons.

Public and charter schools in New Mexico expanding their PLTW Engineering offerings can receive $15,000 to add courses, increase class sections, or train additional PLTW Engineering teachers. Project Lead the Way and Intel Foundation support STEM/engineering programs, including participation fees, required technology, equipment, supplies, and core training costs, with priority for schools serving students with economic need.

Middle schools in New Mexico offering public, private, or charter education can access funding to launch the PLTW Gateway STEM program for the first time. Grants from Project Lead The Way help cover PLTW Gateway participation fees and six core teacher training registrations, with a total in-kind award value of US $9,100 applied directly to the school’s PLTW account.

Public and charter schools in New Mexico interested in launching or expanding PLTW Engineering courses can receive US $40,000 in support for STEM program costs. Project Lead The Way provides funding for PLTW participation fees, required computers or tablets, equipment and supplies, and core training with related travel and lodging, with priority for schools serving students with economic need.

Students pursuing health-related majors in New Mexico and other eligible states can receive scholarship support for accredited U.S. colleges or universities. With a mission to create a better Hawai‘i, Hawai'i Community Foundation provides Robanna Fund awards to Hawai‘i residents who demonstrate financial need and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA in their higher education studies.

Public charities and government units in New Mexico working on STEM and environmental education can seek funding to strengthen education and community quality of life. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation supports K–12 and higher education, especially math, science, and engineering initiatives, as well as environmental stewardship programs and projects that engage Vulcan employees as volunteers.

With a mission to support environmental education and community beautification, New Mexico Tourism Department provides New Mexico municipalities, counties, Tribal Governments, and other government units with funding and technical assistance for litter eradication and waste reduction projects. Science teachers partnering with eligible local governments on environmental education or youth-focused beautification initiatives may be able to participate through these community programs.

University students in conservation-related fields in New Mexico can receive up to US $2,000 for field research or public education projects on native plants. Grants from Native Plant Society of New Mexico support environmental education, botanical research, and habitat conservation, which may benefit science teachers mentoring student projects or integrating native plant studies into STEM curricula.

Students pursuing STEM education at New Mexico State University can apply for the Dr. Karen M. Trujillo Memorial Foundation STEM EDucator Scholarship, offered through the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico. Science education students and future STEM teachers in New Mexico may benefit from this support for their higher education or professional certification paths.

New Mexico students studying plant and environmental sciences at New Mexico State University can receive scholarship support for higher education or professional certifications. New Mexico science and environmental education teachers may share this Emroy Shannon Scholarship opportunity with eligible students. Funding is provided by the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico.

New Mexico 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering STEM or environmental education programs, safety initiatives, workforce development, or community vitality projects can access funding through Union Pacific Foundation; awards US $5,000 - US $30,000 for work in communities served by Union Pacific. Science education and STEM-focused organizations may be especially competitive when aligned with the program’s priority cause areas.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Science education nonprofits and public entities working in STEM and environmental education, human services, or environmental science can apply for Change Happens Foundation grants, including organizations in New Mexico. Grants support 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and IRS-recognized tribes in the U.S., with a preference for initiatives that create broad, catalytic impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in New Mexico working on STEM and environmental education can seek up to US $5,000 through the STEM Action Grants program to support operating costs, existing programs, or expansion efforts. Focused on broadening STEM participation, Society for Science prioritizes community-driven groups serving underrepresented populations in the U.S.

New Mexico science and STEM education organizations offering programs for health care providers or patient communities can access funding through Stealth Biotherapeutics to support disease awareness, therapeutic management, and scientific advancement. Accredited institutions may receive charitable contributions for humanitarian and social programs, scientific education, or community awareness related to rare genetic, neurodegenerative, or ophthalmic disorders.

Nonprofit and NGO programs offering STEM or youth leadership education in or near New Mexico communities with an H.B. Fuller presence can seek US $10,000 - US $25,000 for sustained programming. H.B. Fuller Company Foundation supports STEM and youth leadership initiatives that expand access, mentorship, and career pathways for students facing systemic educational disadvantages.

The Green Our Planet - HydroConnect Grant supports K-12 schools in implementing hydroponics programs, enhancing student engagement in STEM education. This initiative offers comprehensive resources, including lesson plans, virtual workshops, and a collaborative network of educators. By integrating hydroponics into classrooms, schools can foster interactive learning, community involvement, and improved teacher satisfaction. Eligible institutions include public, private, home, and charter schools, promoting access to innovative agricultural education.

The Mini-Grants for Education program, funded by the Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Foundation, aims to support K-12 educators in eligible communities. Grants ranging from $100 to $500 are available for diverse projects, including environmental initiatives and STEM education. Since its inception in 2006, the program has allocated over $700,000 to enhance classroom experiences. Teachers and school staff in specified areas can apply, ensuring that resources are directed where they are most needed.

High school seniors pursuing environmental science, marine biology, STEM, or education degrees can receive scholarship support through the Turtle Trackers - Linda Zambelli Family Scholarship Fund, administered by Community Foundation of the Lowcountry. While based in South Carolina, this opportunity may interest science-focused educators and programs similar to those in New Mexico.

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation

Vision: We envision a vibrant, prosperous northern Chautauqua community, rich in opportunity today and tomorrow.

Our Mission

To realize our vision we focus on:

• strategic and responsive grant making
• encouraging local philanthropy and building permanent endowments for the future
• actively serving as a community leader and partner for the benefit and enrichment in our community.

Scholarships

Northern Chautauqua Community Foundation proudly manages over 200 individual scholarship funds,

Terence J. Centner Agricultural and Environmental 4-H Scholarship

The Terence J. Centner Agricultural and Environmental 4-H Scholarship benefits student that participated in 4-H for a minimum of 3 years and completed an outstanding agricultural or environmental project.

This fund is established in memory of Harry E. and Mary Ellen Centner to honor their dedication and hard work on their family farm in the Town of Dunkirk and their leadership activities in the Chautauqua County 4-H Program.

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.

The Fred and Betty Worsh Scholarship Fund, managed by the North Carolina Community Foundation, offers financial support to residents of New Hanover and Brunswick Counties who are U.S. citizens attending accredited four-year colleges or universities. Scholarships are available to undergraduates, graduates, and adult re-entry students, and may be renewed annually based on academic performance and financial need. Applications open on December 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026.

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.