Applications for AFA’s Annual STEM Educator Grants Open Sept. 1

Applications for AFA’s Annual STEM Educator Grants Open Sept. 1

Our nation’s STEM educators are molding the next generation of aeronautic engineers, computer scientists, cybersecurity experts, programmers, and researchers. The future is in their hands, making the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics projects they provide their students today vital to STEM’s prosperity tomorrow. But the reality is that not all teachers, schools, and districts can fund the projects students need to grow.

That’s why every year, the Air & Space Forces Association proudly awards $500 grants to 40 educators poised to make a lasting difference in K-12 STEM classrooms. The grants can be used to fund research projects or purchase materials needed to make STEM projects, activities, or clubs possible in their schools.

Since 2007, AFA has awarded more than 1,000 STEM educators with more than $300,000 in grants. These grants have funded robotics competitions, flight simulator systems, lab equipment, drone operation lessons, 3D printing workshops, and more at elementary, middle, and high schools all around the country.

Applications for this year’s educator grant may be submitted between September 1 and December 15. Selections will be announced in February 2023. 

CLICK TO APPLY FOR A 2023 GRANT

Hear From Past Recipients

“Students have really struggled this year to get along and socialize. This activity gave them a fun way to learn together and re-learn how to cooperate and work together as a team to accomplish a task. Students BEGGED to work with the drones and the teamwork was outstanding! The drones became a great motivator for students who had been otherwise unengaged in learning! Thank you!” —Alethea Setser, Charles Pinckney ES, Mt Pleasant, S.C.

“The students LOVED this unit! Many have asked if we would reuse the drones again this year and at least six students who are not in my classes have stated that they are planning on taking my class next year specifically because we use drones. At least two said that they were interested in becoming professional drone pilots either through the military or privately.” —Carol Jemiolo, Apex Friendship MS, Apex, N.C.

“The outcome of this project was that my classroom of all-girls middle-school science students saw themselves as scientists and aerospace engineers. As they worked on their projects, I heard them state over and over again, ‘I feel just like a scientist’ and (during the straw rocket launch), ‘I bet this is what real aerospace engineers do as they design machines to fly through the air and on to space!’” —Caroline Little, Visitation School, Mendota Heights, Minn.