Ensuring High Quality STEM Experiences (Grants and other Resources)
High-quality experiences engage all learners to improve their educational outcomes and enjoyment of school.
Afterschool Programs:
Implement New STEM Learning Journeys and Qualify for a Stipend
In partnership with Verizon™, STEM Next has launched a new set of online Learning Journeys to help afterschool educators more easily implement relevant, high-quality STEM learning in their programs. Afterschool programs that choose to complete the Learning Journey focused on nature and sustainability may also be eligible for a stipend of up to $1,500.
What are STEM Learning Journeys?
These Learning Journeys are bundles of virtual lessons and activities hosted on Verizon’s Innovative Learning HQ platform that STEM Next has optimized for flexible implementation in out-of-school-time settings. They are designed to help educators engage young people in hands-on, meaningful STEM learning without extensive preparation or prior STEM expertise.
The new Learning Journeys cover these engaging STEM topics:
- AI, Ethics & Real-World Use (Grades 5-8)
- Nature & Sustainability (Grades 3-8)
- Space, Orbits & Engineering (Grades 4-9)
- Tech Makers – Circuits & Prototyping (Grades 4-9)
More information can be found at STEM Next or complete the application online.
2026 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships
The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD), in partnership with the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund, is encouraging high school seniors and recent graduates to apply for either of two 2026 Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarships. Applications are open through May 3, 2026.
Eligible Michigan residents may apply for scholarships of up to $5,000 through the Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund. Applicants must be graduating seniors or recent graduates enrolling in an accredited institution. Michigan Youth Livestock Scholarship Fund applicants must have participated for at least three years in the Michigan Livestock Expo or Michigan Dairy Expo.
Statewide scholarships of up to $1,000 are open to individuals who may not have exhibited at the Michigan Livestock Expo or the Michigan Dairy Expo but instead exhibited at a local, county, or statewide event for at least three years.
For more information, please email MDARD Commodity Section manager Jeff Haarer or Sheila Burkhardt, chief corporate affairs officer at the Michigan Milk Producers Association.
Grant opportunity coming this month through EGLE
State grants of $1,000-$10,000
These grant opportunities will be available through the From Students to Stewards Initiative (FS2S), a collaboration of OGL, EGLE’s Environmental Education Program, and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity’s MiSTEM Network. Funds are made available through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.
FS2S was launched in 2019 to teach students about the Great Lakes, Michigan watersheds, and the impact people have on water resources. This work has informed a tool kit of resources, information, and real-world opportunities for students and educators, including the MiSTEM Freshwater Literacy and Stewardship playbook. Current FS2S work includes maintaining an updated collection of Freshwater Education Partners and Resources in Michigan to assist schools and educators with accessing local programming and resources to support freshwater education.