Washington State STEM Education Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Washington State STEM Education Foundation supports STEM literacy and education in the state of Washington.
IP TAKE: This accessible foundation’s single focus area prioritizes local teachers who have ideas for exposing students to STEM topics and careers.
PROFILE: Established in 2008, the Washington State STEM Education Foundation is a philanthropic organization based in Richland, Washington. The foundation is led by an executive director, business manager, career connected learning manager and program manager. The foundation aims to "foster a 100 percent home-grown STEM workforce” and be a “national model for passionate support for STEM education.” It funds local efforts for STEM education and K-12 education.
The Washington State STEM Education Foundation believes that the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and math build critical thinking, collaboration and creativity. It supports STEM proficiency efforts for building these skills in youth to prepare them for the labor market. The foundation’s first project was to fund and launch Delta High, a multi-school-district collaboration with a highly personalized STEM education program. Numerous STEM elementary schools and middle schools followed this program. The foundation also formed the Mid-Columbia STEM Network and created the STEM Like ME! collection of interactive programs that use STEM professionals to inspire students to pursue STEM careers. STEM Like ME is a mini-grant program to benefit students in grades K-12.
Grants range between about $250 and $1,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the Mid-Columbia region in the state of Washington. This includes the Pasco, Kennewick, Richland, Columbia, Finley and Kiona-Benton City school districts in Washington. Past local grantees include teachers who work at these school districts.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from teachers. The application process is designed to be streamlined and simple. The foundation awards grants each fall for piloting new ideas and expanding career-connected learning experiences. Direct general questions to the staff at info@STEMlearning.org or 509-420-9316.
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