Best Grants for Science Teachers in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits running education, environmental education, or STEM programs can apply for support to benefit communities where Cleveland-Cliffs operates. Grants from Cleveland Cliffs Foundation help strengthen local education, protect and restore the environment, and promote healthy, vibrant communities through workforce preparation, conservation, and community development initiatives.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on environmental education, conservation, or related visual arts and animal welfare programs can seek up to US $10,000 for general operating or project support. Focused on environmental initiatives, Joseph Robert Foundation prioritizes smaller organizations and community-based efforts, which may include science and STEM education programs with sustainability themes.

Public, private, and charter schools in Pennsylvania and other U.S. states can receive up to US $14,000 to launch a new PLTW Biomedical Science program for 2026–2029. Project Lead The Way provides funding for participation fees and core teacher training, supporting schools expanding STEM and biomedical science course offerings.

Public charities and government units in Pennsylvania can seek funding for education, environmental stewardship, and STEM-focused programs that strengthen local communities. Vulcan Materials Company Foundation supports K–12 and higher education initiatives, especially those in Vulcan operating areas, and gives priority to projects that engage employees and connect science and math learning with real-world applications.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Engineering - New Program In Partnership With Ardagh Group

Ardagh Group has partnered with PLTW to support education in its local communities where Ardagh employees live and work. This partnership recognizes the critical role education, and access to education, plays in ensuring equal opportunities and in building successful, vibrant communities. It is expected that over the next 10 years, Ardagh sponsored education programs will benefit more than 500,000 PreK-12 students as well as delivering best-in-class teacher training to more than 5,000 teachers across 2,000 schools in Ardagh's U.S. communities.

Ardagh is a global supplier of sustainable packaging solutions with 16,000+ employees worldwide, and proud local employer.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Engineering program. Grantee must offer the PLTW Engineering program for three academic years. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Engineering courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete three years of grant reporting.

Pennsylvania and mid-Atlantic high school seniors pursuing STEM degrees can access funding for four-year undergraduate study through Scholarship America’s HRG Charitable Foundation Scholarship. Eligible students from Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, and New Jersey with at least a 3.0 GPA may receive up to US $5,000 toward college costs.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking funding for tangible items for education or environmental education programs may be eligible; awards are up to US $10,000. Snee-Reinhardt Charitable Foundation supports a wide range of community-focused projects, with precedence for organizations in Pittsburgh and Southwestern Pennsylvania and limited funding available outside its primary geographic focus.

Pennsylvania schools, colleges, universities, county conservation districts, nonprofit organizations, and businesses can receive up to US $65,000 for environmental education projects, including student programs, teacher workshops, and community initiatives. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection supports work on climate change, water quality, and environmental justice, which can benefit science teachers developing hands-on STEM and environmental curricula.

Middle schools in Pennsylvania 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 and core teacher training fees, providing US $9,100 in in-kind support to eligible schools nationwide, including Pennsylvania science programs.

Nonprofit organizations and public entities in Pennsylvania can receive funding for projects on designated Pennsylvania Water Trails that enhance environmental education, conservation, recreation, and community engagement. Pennsylvania Environmental Council’s mini-grants offer up to US $7,000 for initiatives that advance inclusive access, stewardship, and connections between water trails, land trails, and community assets.

Grants from Andrew Budraitis Foundation help Pennsylvania students pursuing STEM fields access a $5,000 academic scholarship. One Lehigh Valley high school senior or graduate planning to attend a two- or four-year post-secondary institution is selected annually, with priority for applicants demonstrating financial need and a strong commitment to science, technology, engineering, or math studies.

Pennsylvania Department of Education 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, Career and Technology Centers/Vocational Technical schools, public Intermediate Units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges.

PDE also oversees policies related to public, academic, and school libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.

PAsmart

PAsmart is an initiative with the goal to expand inclusion in Career and Technical Education, STEM and computer science teaching, learning and talent development, to help ensure students across Pennsylvania have the skills to meet the economic needs of the dynamic Pennsylvania economy.

Pennsylvania's future depends on the development of a highly skilled workforce able to compete in the global economy.

PAsmart strategically invests resources in education and training opportunities to support Pennsylvania's economic growth now and in the future.

PAsmart Grants

PAsmart grants support high-quality Career and Technical Education, STEM and computer science learning and professional development opportunities to communities across Pennsylvania, including within early learning centers, libraries, out-of-school time providers, career and technical centers, post-secondary institutions, and K-12 schools. The department awarded over 500 PAsmart grants since the 2018-19 school year.

Grant Application Information

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is pleased to issue this request for applications to fund programs that address the large gaps in CS and STEM career and technical education offerings and expand access to historically underserved students of all ages.

Applicants may apply for funds in one of two tiers of grants, each with its own purpose and target audience: PAsmart Career and Technical Education Planning Grants and PAsmart Career and Technical Education Innovation Grants

PAsmart Career and Technical Education Planning Grants

These grants are entry-level grants intended to support communities with plans for designing and testing an integrated career and technical education and workforce training systems in alignment with the grant notice priorities, principles, goals, and the career clusters noted in Section III.

PAsmart Career and Technical Education Planning grants are designed to support broad, cross-sector partnerships that use collective impact (ecosystem) approaches to establish integrated or stand-alone CS and STEM career and technical education offerings and are meant to accelerate efforts such as, but not limited to:

• Expanding access to CS and STEM career and technical education (especially for historically underserved students, adult learners and communities) through the design of learning experiences that lead to dual credit enrollment, industry recognized credentials, work-based learning, internships, pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, satellite career and technical education sites, out-of-school time experiences, skills bootcamps; and

• Expanding the number of CS and STEM career and technical education certified or highly qualified educators.

Pennsylvania Department of Education 

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) oversees 500 public school districts, more than 170 public charter schools, public cyber charter schools, Career and Technology Centers/Vocational Technical schools, public Intermediate Units, the education of youth in State Juvenile Correctional Institutions, Head Starts and publicly funded preschools, and community colleges.

PDE also oversees policies related to public, academic, and school libraries, and the State Library of Pennsylvania.

PAsmart

PAsmart is an initiative with the goal to expand inclusion in Career and Technical Education, STEM and computer science teaching, learning and talent development, to help ensure students across Pennsylvania have the skills to meet the economic needs of the dynamic Pennsylvania economy.

Pennsylvania's future depends on the development of a highly skilled workforce able to compete in the global economy.

PAsmart strategically invests resources in education and training opportunities to support Pennsylvania's economic growth now and in the future.

PAsmart Grants

PAsmart grants support high-quality Career and Technical Education, STEM and computer science learning and professional development opportunities to communities across Pennsylvania, including within early learning centers, libraries, out-of-school time providers, career and technical centers, post-secondary institutions, and K-12 schools. The department awarded over 500 PAsmart grants since the 2018-19 school year.

Grant Application Information

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is pleased to issue this request for applications to fund programs that address the large gaps in CS and STEM career and technical education offerings and expand access to historically underserved students of all ages.

Applicants may apply for funds in one of two tiers of grants, each with its own purpose and target audience: PAsmart Career and Technical Education Planning Grants and PAsmart Career and Technical Education Innovation Grants

PAsmart Career and Technical Education Innovation Grants

These grants are high-level comprehensive grants meant to facilitate regional approaches to systemslevel change, in alignment with the grant notice priorities, principles, goals, and the career clusters noted in Section III.

Innovation grants are designed to support broad, cross-sector partnerships that are using the ecosystem and networked approaches to establish integrated or stand-alone CS or STEM career and technical education offerings and are meant to accelerate efforts such as, but not limited to:

• Expanding access to CS or STEM career and technical education (especially for historically underserved students, adult learners, and communities) through learning experiences that promote career-connected learning, advanced standing, dual credit enrollment, industry credentials, integrated education and training, work-based learning, internships, pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, satellite career and technical education sites, out-of-school time experiences; and
• Expanding the number of CS and STEM certified or highly qualified career and technical education educators.

County and municipal governments in Pennsylvania can hire full-time staff for regional park, recreation, and conservation programs through this grant, covering salary plus approved training and mentoring over four years. With a mission to support recreation and conservation, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation & Natural Resources invites environmental education and outdoor-focused programs to apply.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities running education or STEM-related programs in southwestern Pennsylvania can seek project support, including science education initiatives. Grants from DSF Charitable Foundation help Pennsylvania education organizations fund programs such as STEM/STEAM education, environmental education, literacy, and academic enrichment across Allegheny and surrounding counties.

Pennsylvania science and STEM education organizations offering health-related educational programs can access funding via Stealth Biotherapeutics for initiatives that benefit patients or health care professionals. Eligible projects include community or scientific education and disease awareness related to rare genetic disorders with mitochondrial dysfunction, neurodegenerative disorders, or ophthalmic disorders, rather than support for individual learners.

With a mission to support community development and sustainability, Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation provides Pennsylvania STEM and environmental education nonprofits and schools with direct grants for STEM/manufacturing education, sustainable construction, workforce development, and affordable housing projects. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited K–12 schools, colleges, and universities in Pennsylvania counties where the company operates.

The Minnesota STEM and Youth Leadership Grants, offered by the H.B. Fuller Company Foundation, focus on empowering young individuals through STEM education and leadership development. These grants are intended for tax-exempt organizations that serve communities near H.B. Fuller facilities, aiming to address racial inequities in education and employment. The initiative underscores the company's commitment to community support and creating opportunities for youth to thrive in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.

The STEM Action Grants, offered by the Society for Science, support innovative nonprofit organizations with grants up to $5,000. Launched in 2016, this program has awarded $1.15 million to enhance public understanding of science and increase participation of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based nonprofits focused on STEM education and outreach. Renewals for funding are allowed for up to three years, with additional capacity-building grants available to long-term recipients.

Pennsylvania 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in STEM education, workforce training, community enrichment, or environmental programs can receive approximately US $15,000 in support. EQT Foundation provides funding for initiatives like in-school STEM curricula, teacher professional development, science camps, and environmental education, primarily in counties within EQT Corporation’s Pennsylvania operating footprint.

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. Community Foundation of the Lowcountry offers this award to U.S. citizens from Beaufort or Jasper County, South Carolina; Pennsylvania science teachers may share this with eligible students interested in these fields.

Science education and environmental nonprofits, schools, and other 501(c)(3) public charities can seek funding for STEM, environmental education, and related academic enrichment projects, including in Pennsylvania. Grants from Change Happens Foundation help U.S.-based organizations advance early learning, K–12 STEM, and climate and environmental initiatives, with occasional community-focused awards in select regions.

Nonprofit charities running science, STEM, environmental education, or youth programs in Pennsylvania and worldwide can seek philanthropic project support that promotes sustainable development and community benefit. La Roche prioritizes high-quality initiatives in humanitarian and social development, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture, especially where its expertise, logistics, and employees can be actively engaged.

Our Mission

The Mission of the Environmental Education Foundation is to award educational scholarships and grants to area students and schools for environmental-centered studies and to promote environmental awareness to all ages of the Geneva Lake area.

Thomas E. Reynolds (TER) Foundation Scholarship

The scholarship was established to support the college education of students who are pursing a career goal related to the conservation or protection of the environment.​ Financial need will be considered if all other criteria are met.

Annual renewal requires that the student stay in touch with the EEF, provide term grade point averages, any change in his/her college program or professional goals, and maintain a 3.0 grade point average while actively working toward an appropriate degree.

The Sammy and Shirley Church Scholarship supports students from Ashe County, NC, including those graduating from the NC School of Science and Math. Eligible candidates must demonstrate academic excellence, physical vigor, and leadership in various activities. Financial need is considered but not the only criterion. Applications open on Dec. 16, 2025, and close on March 3, 2026. Ensure to meet specific eligibility requirements set by the donor for successful application.

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.