Specifications include, but are not limited to: schools with formal and informal learning opportunities. While the city of Phoenix does not deliver K-12 education services, the support it provides to students and families can make the difference between academic failure and success. The mini-grants will be designed to fund programs that provide learning opportunities in both formal and informal educational settings. These STEAM programs and activities will foster 21st century career skills, in addition to providing on-going access and opportunities to student populations that have historically been underserved and underrepresented throughout the city of Phoenix. The applying entities will be encouraged to connect these programs and activities with other partnership or organizations implementing STEAM activities. Goals. The goals of the mini-grant program include: • Strengthen STEAM opportunities in schools and coordinate community efforts to support expanded learning opportunities for Phoenix students. • Secure and mobilize community resources to enhance and improve student learning experiences and meet STEAM education needs specific to the needs of the school. • Ensure that quality formal and informal STEAM learning opportunities are being developed and delivered to challenge and expand students’ abilities in order to place them at a competitive advantage for lifelong success. The program will target Phoenix schools that are Title I and have high percentages of minorities who are on the Free and Reduce Lunch program. The program will ultimately stimulate innovative projects in instructional approaches and content delivery in STEAM to improve student learning in K-12th grades. Proposed Grant Awards. Between $1,000 and $5,000 grants will be awarded per project, and will be funded based on detailed information submitted by local schools. Preference will be given to those programs and activities that align with other collaborative partnerships in the community. Proposals will need a clear sustainability plan that explains how these activities will be funded beyond the awarded amount. The city of Phoenix is particularly interested in funding STEAM projects that: • Target schools with underserved and underrepresented populations that include Title 1 schools that have high percentages of minorities on the Free and Reduce Lunch program. • Investing in STEAM projects that emphasize on authentic experiences and local contextual issues. • Demonstrate deep critical thinking skills and understanding around STEAM. • Have strong partnerships to local, high-demand business, industry or STEAM focused community partner.
