Best STEM Education Grants in Texas

Texas public school districts, charter schools, and other eligible school systems can access funding for K–8 mobile STEM laboratory programming in Texas, supporting hands-on STEM/STEAM education. Grants from the Texas Education Agency provide up to US $225,000 to continue offering reservable Mobile STEM Laboratories with pre-approved activities and equipment statewide.

The 2025-2026 Texas Strategic Compensation for Districts Grant, awarded by the Texas Education Agency, aims to assist school districts in moving towards a compensation model that rewards educators based on effectiveness rather than tenure. This initiative supports local educational agencies, charter schools, and nonprofit organizations in fostering a more effective educational environment, ultimately enhancing the quality of teaching and administration across Texas.

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA)

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) is a federal K–12 education law. ESSA was signed into law in 2015, replacing No Child Left Behind, and reauthorizing the original Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), which was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson.

ESSA requires every state to measure performance in reading, math, and science. Every school must inform parents about their standards and their results. 

ESSA requires every state to provide parents important information on test performance in reading, math, and science. The report cards must also provide data on graduation rates, suspensions, absenteeism, teacher qualifications, and many other areas. Texas provides maximum transparency for parents and publicly shares performance information on TXschools.gov and in data reports on the Performance Reporting pages.

Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Consolidated Federal Grant includes: 1) Title I, Part A Grants; 2) Title I, Part C Grants; 3) Title I, Part D, Subpart 1 Grants; 4) Title I, Part D, Subpart 2 Grants; 5) Title II, Part A Grants; 6) Title III, Part A ELA Grants; 7) Title III, Part A Immigrant Grants; and 8) Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1 Grants.

 Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1

Program Purpose, Goals, and Objectives

Title IV, Part A, Subpart 1, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) grants are designed to improve the academic achievement of all students by increasing the capacity of school systems, schools, and communities to:

• Provide all students with access to a well-rounded education,
• Improve school conditions for student learning; and
• Improve the use of technology to enhance the academic outcomes and digital literacy of students. 

Intended program beneficiaries are school systems that receive funds under Title I, Part A. 

LEAs must ensure it is using Title IV, Part A, funds to supplement and not supplant State or local funds. Title IV, Part A, funds may not be used to meet State and/or local requirements.

Marathon Petroleum Corporation's Community Investment Grants aim to enhance community welfare through strategic partnerships with 501(c)(3) non-profits and government entities. The focus areas include workforce development, sustainability, and thriving communities, reflecting the company's commitment to making a measurable impact in regions where they operate. Eligible organizations must be U.S.-based and recognized as non-profits. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its values and community needs, ensuring support for impactful projects.

Texas 501(c)(3) public charities with STEM education, workforce development, safety, environmental, or community vitality programs can apply for Union Pacific Foundation’s Community Ties Local Grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $30,000. Eligible projects must primarily serve Texas communities on the Union Pacific service list and clearly align with one of the program’s stated cause areas.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) is launching the 2025-2027 Development of Accelerated Supports Grant Program to provide essential support for K-12 education. This initiative aims to enhance curricular resources in Reading Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, ensuring local educational agencies receive the necessary tools to improve student outcomes. Through this program, TEA seeks to empower school districts, charter schools, and other educational institutions to foster better learning environments.

The Vulcan Materials Company Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community quality of life through education, environmental stewardship, and employee involvement. Established in 1988, the Foundation supports public charities and government units, prioritizing proposals that improve public education and promote sustainable practices. Special consideration is given to initiatives that engage Vulcan employees and integrate multiple focus areas, ensuring a positive impact in the local communities where Vulcan operates.