APS Foundation: 2025 STEM Education Grants - Spring Cycle
Apply to Internal Competition // Limit: 2 // Tickets Available: 2
The submission of this funding program is coordinated by RSD with the assistance of the University of Arizona Foundation. For more information, please contact Selena Valencia-Salazar.
The APS Foundation supports programs that enhance academic achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Since 1981, the Foundation has invested more than $44 million in projects throughout Arizona that help prepare students to compete in a 21st century economy.
A workforce proficient in STEM skills is critical to attracting and retaining high-quality businesses and industries to the state. The APS Foundation targets projects that help educators increase content knowledge in STEM subjects as well as the ability to transfer this knowledge effectively to students.
This program is funded by APS shareholders and not included in customer rates.
Program Information:
- Organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity in good financial and public standing.
- Programs should demonstrate their ability to improve educational outcomes, increase access and/or offer an innovative approach to learning.
- Programs that support teacher professional development is APS Foundation’s primary focus.
- Programs that impact students, supporting them in achievements in STEM, are the next priority.
- Pilot projects may be funded, and those awards are generally in the $10,000 = $30,000.
- Programs requesting substantial funding (≥$75,000) should demonstrate proof of concept, detailed budget, and have a detailed execution plan.
- Strong measurements for proof of success are essential, especially for higher dollar asks. (At minimum, a pre, during, and post survey or variation of measurement will be required)
- Criteria used for evaluation include sustainability, ability to leverage other funding (not required).
- Programs that serve underserved/under resourced students are well-received.
- All grantees will have specific reporting requirements and must submit a final evaluation before they can be considered for additional funding.
Proposal Tips:
- Proposals should be written in lay language.
- Multi-year funding is not available.
- New interest in board for AI components in proposals (not required)
- Higher asks will be scrutinized at a higher level. Please ensure you have a solid description, strong success measurements, and have an established program/project for best chance of being successful.
- Proposals that involve medical themes are discouraged from applying as the funder has a separate initiative dedicated to medical themes/programming.
- Seed funding applicants should consider the following questions: What will be measured for the ethicality of the program? What is guiding the assumption for need/success of your proposed project/proposal?