2026 K-12 STEM Outreach Grants
10 GRANTS | $500 EACH
South Dakota Biotech is offering ten $500 grants to help educators and community partners provide hands-on STEM and connect K-12 students with learning South Dakota bioscience careers.
PURPOSE
The primary purpose of this grant is to enhance the quality and real-world relevance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in South Dakota's K-12 schools.
In line with South Dakota's Science & Technology (S&T) plan, this grant seeks to:
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Strengthen the STEM Pipeline: Foster student interest in STEM from an early age to help "grow your own" local talent.
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Connect Education to Industry: Create direct connections between students, teachers, and South Dakota's leading STEM companies and research institutions.
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Shape the Future Workforce: Demonstrate clear pathways to high-demand careers in fields like bioprocessing, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing, directly supporting the growth of South Dakota's bioeconomy.
The strongest applications will demonstrate how the proposed activity supports the long-term goal of building a robust science education system that prepares students for future opportunities right here in South Dakota.
Use the grant award to connect K-12 students with STEM careers. Examples: (a) conduct a STEM-related activity that relates to an SD Biotech member or other STEM company/organization and tie it back to a career opportunity, (b) organize a tour with a local facility or host an event that connects youth to a STEM career (c) Other outreach efforts such as STEM scholarships or purchasing science education materials, etc.
WHO MAY APPLY
South Dakota K-12 educators, schools and districts, and nonprofits universities, or community organizations serving a defined K-12 student group.
PRIORITY CONSIDERATION
Rural, Tribal, underserved, and first-time participating schools or organizations, and projects that remove a clear access barrier.
KEY DATES
Grant Application Due Date: September 30th, 2026
Awardees Recognition Public Announcement: October 27, 2026, SD Biotech Summit
Project Period: November 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027
Final Report: Within 30 days of completion
GRANT APPLICATION