Ohio State Funding
Central Ohio STEM Grant 2026
Eligibility
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations
- Located in Central Ohio: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, and Pickaway counties
- May apply individually or as a consortium
- Program must be new, different, and/or in a pilot phase within the organization
- Program must provide STEM-integrated, informal (out-of-classroom) K–12 learning experiences
Goals
- Support innovative, STEM-integrated informal learning programs for K–12 students
- Align programs to at least one focus area:
- Career-Connected Learning
- Math Skills or Artificial Intelligence
- Student Success
- Increase student engagement, skill development, and measurable impact in STEM
- Encourage scalability and sustainable program models
Application Due Date
- March 24, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.
Grant Cycle
- RFP Opens: February 17, 2026
- Awards Announced and Funds Disbursed: May 2026
- Program period must begin by June 2027 and conclude by August 14, 2027
- Annual reporting period: October 1 through September 30
- Student Impact Report due August 14
Grant Award Total Amount
- Maximum request: $75,000
- One-time award
- Continued funding for a single program limited to two award cycles
Allowable Purchases
- Funds may be used for direct program costs that support implementation of a new or pilot informal STEM program. Budget categories may include:
- Instructional materials and hands-on STEM equipment used in out-of-school programming
- Curriculum materials and technology that support math skill development or artificial intelligence learning
- Career-connected learning resources, including materials that support mentorship, industry exposure, or career exploration activities
- Facilitator or instructor stipends and program staffing directly tied to program delivery
- Professional development and training that prepares educators or facilitators to deliver STEM, AI, math, or career-connected programming
- Program supplies necessary to operate the informal STEM experience
- Direct program-related operational costs, as outlined in the required budget template
- Alignment with LEGO Education Computer Science & AI, LEGO Education Science, and Professional Development:
- LEGO Education Computer Science & AI solutions that support age-appropriate AI concepts, logical reasoning, coding, and data literacy within out-of-school programs
- LEGO Education Science solutions that provide hands-on, inquiry-based STEM learning experiences aligned to math skill development and real-world problem solving
- Professional Development that prepares educators or facilitators to deliver high-quality informal STEM instruction, particularly in AI, math enrichment, and career-connected STEM experiences
- All purchases must directly support the proposed informal STEM program and align to one of the stated focus areas.
Program Implementation Requirements
- Must be an informal, out-of-school-time program such as after school, weekends, or school breaks
- Must clearly describe implementation plan, content, delivery methods, schedule, and location
- Must include at least two measurable goals and defined evaluation methods
- Must identify collaborating organizations and include signed Letters of Support
- Must upload required IRS Determination Letter, Form W-9, and completed Excel budget template
- Must complete eligibility quiz prior to accessing application
Keep in Mind
- Character limits apply to each narrative section
- Review criteria include innovation, feasibility, measurable outcomes, collaboration, recruitment strategy, and budget alignment
- Letters of Support are required for each collaborating organization
- Reporting through an online Student Impact Report is mandatory
- Only one proposal per organization is allowed
- Late or incomplete applications will not be considered
Ready to bring LEGO® Education to your district?
