FY25 K-5 STEM Grant - Round 2

The K-5 STEM Grant is a competitive funding opportunity administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT). This office, created by the Nevada Legislature under NRS 223.600, is responsible for enhancing the state’s capacity in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and workforce development. The initiative focuses on early STEM exposure as a critical factor in long-term student engagement and success in STEM fields. Data suggests that one-third of students lose interest in science by the fourth grade, underscoring the importance of introducing hands-on, evidence-based STEM education during early learning years. This grant program is intended to increase the quantity and quality of formal and informal STEM learning opportunities in Nevada’s elementary schools. Specifically, it supports the integration of experiential STEM lessons, aims to expand the number of schools providing three or more hours of STEM instruction per week, and seeks to foster greater interest and performance in STEM among elementary students, particularly those from historically underserved populations. Applicants may request funding under two award types: Classroom Awards, which offer up to $2,000 for individual educators to purchase STEM-related instructional materials, and Program Awards, which provide up to $25,000 per school for implementing full-scale programs listed on OSIT's official STEMList. Classroom funds may be used for lesson-aligned materials such as kits, technology, and curriculum, while Program Awards may support training, travel, and curriculum associated with pre-approved programs. All grant funding is structured on a reimbursement basis. Eligible applicants include public or charter elementary school educators and administrators within Nevada. Application submission requires a PDF upload of the completed application template to the specified Google Forms link by 5:00 PM PST on November 21, 2025. Supporting documentation must include a signed letter of commitment from the school principal, and budgets must list itemized, exact-cost expenditures directly tied to specific STEM lessons or units. Applications should detail timelines, project descriptions, alignment with Nevada Academic Content Standards, and sustainability plans. Projects must begin within 30 days of funding and all funds must be expended by June 30, 2026. There is no provision for multi-year funding, so proposals must include a plan for future financial sustainability. All awarded projects are subject to audit and require both fiscal and programmatic reporting, including proof of expenditure, site visits, and outcome assessments. Contacts for inquiries include Lis Dziminski and Tracey Howard of OSIT. The grant program recurs annually and updates are posted regularly on OSIT’s website.

Focus on sustainability, standard alignment, innovation, and clear connection between the budget and described project. Avoid unfocused supply requests or unclear project standards.