Best STEM Education Grants in South Dakota

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by Lockheed Martin, offers grants for schools to implement STEM and CTE-aligned curricula. Aimed at enhancing educational access for students, it provides funding of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year. Eligible schools include public and charter institutions across the U.S. This initiative, part of a long-standing partnership since 2007, addresses the critical need for future engineers and scientists, benefiting over 77,000 students through innovative coursework.

The PLTW Gateway Program Expansion, in partnership with Lockheed Martin, aims to enhance STEM education in schools across the United States. With a total grant of $10,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year, this initiative focuses on expanding existing PLTW Gateway programs, allowing schools to introduce new units and train additional teachers. Since 2007, Lockheed Martin's support has enabled over 300 programs, providing critical skills to more than 77,000 students nationwide.

The Gretchen Miller Bowker Scholarship, offered by the Central Indiana Community Foundation, provides financial assistance to women pursuing education in STEM fields. Designed to support tuition, room and board, and related fees, this scholarship aims to empower women in their educational journeys. Eligibility includes demonstrating financial need and enrollment in a qualifying program. With a commitment to building a community of opportunity, this scholarship is a vital resource for aspiring female STEM students.

The Teacher Professional Development Grant (Pre-K-5) aims to enhance mathematics teaching skills for classroom teachers in grades Pre-K-5. Sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, this grant supports professional development initiatives that foster effective teaching practices. Eligible applicants include experienced classroom teachers and organizations that support mathematics education. Project activities should occur between June 1 and May 31, with a focus on improving student learning outcomes in mathematics.

Maine STEM and higher education institutions in South Dakota can use this fellowship funding to build research capacity and advance STEM professional development. Maine Sea Grant provides South Dakota STEM / STEAM Education with support to establish long-term research collaborations, access specialized facilities, and strengthen investigators’ career trajectories through extended or periodic visits to premier research institutions.

Graduating high school seniors in Palm Beach County pursuing engineering, science, or technology degrees can apply for the Reuter Scholarship Fund from the Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties. Awards support STEM education for students with at least a 3.5 GPA and demonstrated financial need, with preference for Glades Central and Pahokee High School seniors.

South Dakota higher education institutions conducting STEM research can access funding through the Department of the Navy’s Office of Naval Research for basic and applied STEM projects. This long-running opportunity supports curriculum development and other research initiatives at the Naval Postgraduate School, with a two-stage process involving an optional white paper followed by a full proposal via Grants.gov.

Students pursuing STEM-related higher education in South Dakota and across the U.S. can use the Norah Salt Scholarship to attend accredited 2- or 4-year institutions. Grants from Legacy Foundation help full-time undergraduates with more than US $3,800, paid directly to schools or for book reimbursement, through its universal application.

Students pursuing college studies in industrial arts, technology, construction, manufacturing, or related STEM fields, including those from South Dakota, can apply for the Thomas S. Ritter Memorial Scholarship to support tuition and expenses. Administered by Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, it prioritizes low- to modest-income applicants, especially Kansas and Midwest residents, with awards that vary.

Community organizations supporting STEM education in South Dakota can access funding through Community Foundation of North Central Washington’s W.R. “Bill” Asplund Scholarship, which backs STEM-focused college majors. Students who graduated from Wenatchee or Westside High School and later study STEM fields may benefit, especially first-generation or disadvantaged students and those interested in environmental studies.

American Indian and Alaska Native undergraduate and graduate students pursuing STEM, environment, energy, or cultural sustainability degrees at accredited U.S. institutions can receive $5,000 need-based scholarships from Native Forward Scholars Fund. South Dakota students in STEM fields may be eligible if they meet GPA, full-time enrollment, and Tribal affiliation requirements verified through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

South Dakota Indigenous STEM and trade students can access funding through the American Indian Science and Engineering Society for vocational and certificate programs. Scholarships of US $2,000 support full-time AISES student members in fields like welding, automotive or diesel technology, clean energy, IT, construction, business, and other eligible technical studies.

Female high school seniors in Erie, Huron, or Ottawa Counties in Ohio planning to study STEM or medical fields can apply for the Zonta Club of Greater Sandusky High School STEM Scholarship Fund from Erie County Community Foundation. This scholarship supports study at accredited nonprofit colleges, universities, community colleges, or vocational schools in the U.S., and may benefit those pursuing STEM education paths.

South Dakota American Indian and Alaska Native students pursuing full-time STEM degrees can access funding through Native Forward Scholars Fund, with awards ranging from US $100 - US $30,000 per academic year. Eligible applicants must study at accredited institutions and demonstrate Tribal affiliation through a Tribal Eligibility Certificate.

South Dakota students pursuing STEM or arts-related post-secondary education can access funding through the Erie Community Foundation’s Dr. Alice M. Hudder–Richard T. Molder Scholarship Fund. Erie County high school seniors with a 3.0+ GPA and financial need who plan to study science, math, business, art, or music at a college or university may be eligible.

High school seniors pursuing STEM degrees at U.S. colleges, universities, or technical institutions can receive support for higher education costs through the Future’s Resilient Student Scholarship. Aiaa Foundation and Club for the Future award one US $10,000 scholarship plus mentorship, and South Dakota students planning aerospace or STEM studies may be eligible.

AAUW branches and state organizations in South Dakota designing or running hands-on STEM programs for girls in grades K–12 can access funding through the American Association of University Women. Grants up to US $10,000 support skill-building, confidence and STEM identity, college and career preparation, and mentorship connections with women in STEM fields.

South Dakota STEM education organizations and schools serving girls in grades K–12 can access funding through the American Association of University Women to run community-based STEM programs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits, tax-exempt educational institutions, and fiscally sponsored groups may receive up to US $50,000 for hands-on learning, mentorship, and confidence-building experiences in STEM.

The Carter Creech Scholarship offers financial support up to $8,000 for graduating seniors of Troy Buchanan High School in Missouri who aim to pursue a four-year degree. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, achieve an ACT score of 27 or higher, and rank in the top 10% of their class. This scholarship encourages academic excellence and allows recipients to reapply annually for up to $32,000 over four years, fostering educational opportunities in the community.

The Ralph M. Knight Chemistry & Engineering Scholarship, established in 2010 by Nancy Knight, honors her late husband, Ralph. This scholarship is aimed at full-time seniors in Catholic high schools within the Diocese of Phoenix who are practicing Catholics and U.S. citizens. Awardees receive a one-time $5,000 towards freshman-year tuition at a four-year college or university, provided they major in chemistry or engineering.

The Dr. Jim and Betsy Bobenhouse Scholarship, established in 2026, supports graduating high school seniors from Lancaster County, Nebraska, who plan to pursue a degree in education or healthcare at a Nebraska college or university. The scholarship aims to encourage students with a GPA of 3.0 or above who are actively involved in extracurricular activities and demonstrate financial need. This initiative reflects the commitment of the Lincoln Community Foundation to foster educational opportunities in the community.

The SMART Scholarship-for-Service Program, managed by the Department of War, aims to enhance the U.S. military's technical workforce by offering competitive scholarships for STEM degrees. With a funding cap of $1.3 billion over ten years, the program prepares scholars for critical roles in national defense, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals. Since its inception in 2005, over 8,000 scholarships have been awarded, fostering a strong connection between education and service in defense-related fields.

The Stephen Francis McNally Scholarship Fund offers need-based scholarships up to $4,250 for undergraduate students at UNCF-member institutions or accredited HBCUs. Established in honor of Steve McNally, this fund aims to support students facing financial challenges that hinder their college completion. With over 70% graduation rates for recipients, the scholarship not only alleviates financial burdens but also empowers students to thrive and succeed in their academic pursuits.

The MCTS Legacy Scholarship Program, established by the Mobile County Training School Alumni Association in collaboration with UNCF, offers ten $3,500 need-based scholarships for MCTS attendees or their descendants. This initiative aims to support educational pursuits among students connected to MCTS, enhancing access to higher education. Recipients will be notified within eight weeks after the application deadline, promoting academic success and community engagement. The program reflects UNCF's commitment to empowering minority students and fostering leadership.

Community Foundation for Mason County, MI

At the Community Foundation for Mason County, we work with donors, grantees, and advisors to address key community issues. As a leader in community philanthropy, building a vibrant community with great opportunities for all, we are focused on advancing education, increasing recreation opportunities, and community and economic development.

The mission of the Community Foundation is to engage donors and connect them with opportunities to make a lasting impact, build community endowment, provide leadership on key issues, and make grants that reflect the communities we serve.

Emily & Frank Smiddy Scholarship

This scholarship has been made possible by the generosity of Emily & Frank Smiddy who established the Emily & Frank Smiddy Scholarship Fund of the Community Foundation for Mason County.

Frank Smiddy, former owner of ProAct Environmental Services located in Ludington, has always had a passion for STEM-related learning and wants to give back to the community where he owns his business. He and his wife, Emily, wanted to leave a legacy of students going into this field the best chance possible to get their college education with as little debt as possible, so they established the Emily & Frank Smiddy Scholarship Fund. It is their hope that students receiving this scholarship will be motivated, when they are financially able, to give back to the community to help others see success.

Judith A. Resnik Memorial Fund and Judith A. Resnik Scholarship Fund of the Women's Network

Established in memory of Judith A. Resnik to award scholarships to seniors at Akron Public Schools who plan to pursue a career in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or allied fields.

Amount:

• $1,000

Number of awards:

• 2

Renewal:

• Renewable for three additional years. Must maintain a minimum 2.5 GPA, full-time student status, and continue to major in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) or allied fields.

Clarinet Scholarship & Education Program

The Clarinet Scholarship & Education Program seeks to honor Renna Clarinet Thornton’s philosophy and enthusiasm for education.

After graduating from Coppin State College with her degree in special education in 1972, Renna started her 40-year teaching journey with Baltimore City Public Schools as a science teacher and special educator.

Through the Clarinet Program, the Claude C. Thornton Foundation offers workforce development training, a $1,000 scholarship to collegiate students, as well as parent coaching 1:1s and workshops.

Mission

The Clarinet Scholarship provides awardees with unrestricted monetary and mentorship support to empower minority students through their academic journey, ultimately promoting exceptional achievement. The Clarinet Scholarship also serves to encourage awardees to continue utilizing inquiry-based strategies to gain the academics and skills needed to be victorious and productive within the community.