APS/Phoenix Suns STEM Teacher Grants 2024

The APS/Phoenix Suns STEM Teacher Grants program is an educational funding initiative developed through a partnership between Arizona Public Service (APS) and the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation. This program is funded entirely by APS shareholders, ensuring that it is not reflected in customer utility rates. The initiative aligns with APS's broader mission to support education within its service territory, especially in areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). By targeting classroom-based projects that utilize hands-on, innovative learning techniques, this program aims to ignite students’ passion for STEM subjects and reinforce interdisciplinary knowledge in practical, engaging ways. The grant offers up to $2,500 per award and is available to K–12 teachers who work in public and charter schools located within the APS service area. A total of $50,000 is allocated annually to support projects that are scheduled for implementation between January and May. The scope of eligible expenses includes project-related classroom supplies and equipment that are not typically covered by the school or district budgets. However, the grant does not support administrative costs such as teacher salaries or stipends, nor will it fund items like textbooks, food, capital campaigns, or equipment unrelated to core project objectives such as computers, tablets, or phones. Projects aimed at individual competitive teams like robotics are also ineligible. To qualify, applicants must submit a proposal outlining an innovative STEM learning activity that includes measurable and realistic objectives, an interdisciplinary focus, a reasonable itemized budget, and a clear evaluation plan with quantifiable results. Successful applications will demonstrate how the proposed project can meaningfully improve student achievement within the grant timeframe. Importantly, all funded activities must acknowledge the support of APS and the Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury Foundation in any publicity or communications. The application period for the current funding cycle opens on September 1, 2025, and closes on September 30, 2025. Notifications of grant awards will be sent to successful applicants in November, with funds distributed by December to allow time for procurement and preparation. The program is recurring, offered annually for projects to be carried out early in the following calendar year. There are no pre-application requirements or Letters of Intent for this grant. Applications will be evaluated based on the project’s innovation, relevance to STEM education, defined goals and activities, budget alignment, and the plan for measuring success. Although the funder has not provided contact details for inquiries, the structure and clarity of program guidelines suggest a straightforward application process. There is also a related initiative, “Supply My Class,” which provides $500 to 500 Title I teachers in the APS service area for school supplies, but it is separate from the STEM Teacher Grants. Applicants are encouraged to carefully align their proposals with the criteria and limitations set forth to enhance their likelihood of success. Given the recurring nature of this program, those not selected in a given year may consider revising and resubmitting in subsequent cycles. The program provides a consistent annual opportunity to enhance STEM learning experiences for Arizona students through educator-driven, classroom-embedded innovation.