Dr. Bernard J. DuBray STEAM Grant for Fine Arts Educators

The Dr. Bernard J. DuBray STEAM Grant for Fine Arts Educators is a funding initiative administered by the Economic Development Council (EDC) of St. Charles County, Missouri. The EDC, in collaboration with Partners for Community Progress, has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to advancing STEM and STEAM education within the region. Over the years, their work has included launching more than 100 robotics teams, coordinating STEM summer camps, and hosting an annual STEM Awards Breakfast to recognize high-achieving students in science, technology, engineering, and math. Building on this foundation, the DuBray STEAM Grant extends that mission to the arts, supporting the integration of Fine Arts within STEAM education. This program offers up to $1,000 in funding to K–12 Fine Arts educators in public and private schools throughout St. Charles County. It is specifically intended to enhance classroom instruction in Fine Arts disciplines—namely art, band, choir, music, orchestra, and theatre—by supporting the purchase of innovative, technology-based instructional materials. These resources must directly enhance the integration of technology within Fine Arts curricula, such as through adaptive tools for students with disabilities, audio/visual equipment for performances and classroom engagement, or specialized software for graphic design or music composition. Applicants must clearly articulate how their proposed project supports long-term engagement with STEAM education. Proposals should not only outline how the funding will be used in the classroom but also demonstrate alignment with future STEAM-related coursework or career pathways. Additionally, priority will be given to requests that procure durable materials capable of benefiting multiple classes or academic years. Requests for items already covered under existing school budgets or curricula are not eligible for funding under this grant. All submissions are reviewed and evaluated by the EDC’s STEM Education Committee, which is comprised of educators, business professionals, and civic leaders, along with a subcommittee specifically focused on Fine Arts. The application process does not involve any pre-application steps such as Letters of Intent or concept papers. Applicants should focus on submitting a comprehensive proposal by the stated deadline. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026. There are no interim deadlines or gating requirements. Selected awardees will receive funding for use during the 2025–2026 academic year. In cases where a proposed budget exceeds $1,000, the application must indicate how the applicant plans to fund the remaining balance of the project. Interested applicants may contact the Economic Development Council of St. Charles County for additional details. The office is located at 5988 Mid Rivers Mall Drive, St. Peters, MO 63304, and may be reached by phone at (636) 441-6880 or fax at (636) 441-6881. There is no indication of a separate grant program contact or email. Based on historical context and the general language used on the application site, this appears to be an annually recurring grant program, although specific prior years are not listed. Applicants should consult the EDC website for future application windows.

Emphasize cross-grade reusability and STEAM career preparation to strengthen proposal.