Securing STEM Education Funding: Transitioning from ESSER to Grants and Creative Strategies
With ESSER funding no longer available, K-12 school administrators, teachers, and district leaders must explore new ways to secure STEM education funding. This comprehensive guide will outline alternative funding sources, creative budgeting strategies, and best practices for sustaining and growing STEM programs in schools.
By diversifying funding strategies, schools can keep their STEM initiatives thriving, even as temporary federal relief programs expire.
The Demand for Sustainable STEM Programs in Schools
With the increasing emphasis on preparing students for a technology-driven workforce, the demand for sustainable STEM programs in schools has never been higher. The National Science Foundation highlights that STEM fields are among the fastest-growing in the job market, with expected growth in engineering, computing, and life sciences over the next decade. Yet, without proper and consistent funding, maintaining a high-quality STEM program is nearly impossible.
Funding is a critical factor for sustaining STEM programs, as discussed in SmartLab’s webinar on Critical Factors for STEM Program Sustainability. Schools need stable, diverse funding streams to support long-term STEM education initiatives.
The ESSER Funding Cliff
The COVID-19 pandemic brought a temporary influx of federal funding for K-12 schools through the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds. These funds supported various needs, from janitorial supplies to teacher training and tech purchases, helping schools to adapt to new challenges. However, the final round of ESSER funding expired in September 2024, leaving many districts wondering how to fill the financial gaps. Some schools face significant budget reductions due to unmet federal deadlines and grant requirements, highlighting the urgent need for new funding sources.
The transition from ESSER to other funding options requires strategic planning. Schools must replace these temporary funds with sustainable, long-term financing to continue supporting STEM initiatives that enhance student learning and future readiness.
Key Funding Sources for STEM Programs
- Local Funding: A Foundation for STEM Local funding through property taxes, community foundations, and local business partnerships provides about 45% of a school’s budget and serves as a primary source for many K-12 STEM programs. Citizens may not be aware of this and may be opposed to raising funds through local tax increases. Additionally, the amount of local funding can vary significantly depending on a district’s level of wealth.
It’s vital that schools look for ways to engage the community about the importance of STEM initiatives to increase support for the programs and for funding. Finding ways to highlight the benefits of STEM education — and the achievements of learners — can help increase local support. Schools can also maximize local funding through community-driven initiatives, such as crowdfunding, partnerships with local businesses, and volunteer support. - State Funding: Bridging the Gap State-level grants focused on STEM education and technology can provide additional support, providing up to 47% of a school’s budget. State funding is also effective in addressing disparities between districts, as more funds can be allotted to districts that are underfunded. Bonds are an effective means for states to raise funds, as they are more likely to pass than fail, though they do face longer odds in some states.
The best approach is for schools to be strategic about which state funds they can apply for. Many states offer both general and targeted funds, which can have specific use requirements. Accordingly, schools should review state grant programs and align their goals with state priorities to increase the likelihood of securing these funds. This can include investing in specific technology, or promoting workforce-aligned initiatives. - Federal Funding: Supplemental Support for STEM Schools should consider federal grants as supplemental, but important, sources to support STEM initiatives alongside other funding options. That’s because while federal programs tend to make up the smallest portion of school budgets, programs such as Title I, II, and IV, can and should be leveraged to support STEM-related activities, from teacher training to technology acquisitions.
Federal funds are meant to support specific programs and provide assistance for high-need populations, so look for how to leverage your district’s needs when searching and applying for federal funds. Additional opportunities, such as Perkins V for Career and Technical Education (CTE) and grants from the National Science Foundation, are also available to bolster STEM programs. - Private and Corporate Funding Corporate foundations, non-profit and private donations, and crowdfunding campaigns offer unique opportunities for STEM program funding beyond government funding. Local businesses are often eager to support education initiatives that develop the future workforce for the area. Look for ways to build sustainable relationships with corporations — such as providing regular and meaningful communication — to secure long-term support for STEM initiatives. Nonprofit organizations, such as the NEA Foundation and McCarthey Dressman Education Foundation, offer grants tailored to specific educational needs. While these grants may be smaller in scale, they can be ideal for targeted initiatives. Aggregator sites like GrantWatch can help you locate relevant opportunities. Crowdfunding platforms like DonorsChoose and GoFundMe offer educators a quick, flexible funding for smaller-scale needs, such as classroom supplies, field trips, or project materials. Crowdfunding can also raise awareness and build a network of local supporters invested in your school’s success.
The more your school or district is able to approach private funders with well-defined proposals that highlight community impact, the more you can increase the likelihood of funding success. - Blending and Braiding Funding Sources One of the biggest lessons from the ending of the ESSER funds is that your schools can’t rely on a single source of funding if your programs are going to be sustainable in the long term. It’s really only through a combination of funding sources that schools can create a robust financial foundation for their STEM programs. The most effective means of combining funds is through either blending and/or braiding funding sources from local, state, federal, and private entities.
Blending creates a unified pool of funds for a single project, enhancing flexibility in budgeting. For example, merging Title IV funds with local business donations for a STEM lab.
Braiding coordinates multiple funding sources while keeping them distinct for reporting purposes or accountability. For example, using Title I funds for low-income support and corporate grants for STEM equipment in the same program.
Though blending and braiding requires careful planning and execution, the reward is a more flexible and diversified funding approach that can serve a broader range of students. Here’s an example of how a suburban charter school could achieve its funding goals through a blended or braided approach.
Looking for key strategies on how to engage local businesses and build relationships? See our full guide on Funding STEM Initiatives for the Long Term.
Steps for Building a Sustainable STEM Funding Plan
Creating a sustainable funding strategy for STEM programs involves both short-term and long-term planning. To ensure the success of your STEM program consider the following steps to meet the evolving needs of your students and community:
- Cultivate Ongoing Support: Engage the community, involve parents, and build local partnerships to generate consistent support for your STEM programs. Engage local media to share success stories to maintain visibility and interest.
- Diversify Funding Sources: Avoid over-reliance on a single funding stream. Seek grants, develop partnerships, and continually explore new funding opportunities to create a balanced portfolio.
- Foster Partnerships: Collaborate with local businesses and universities. Invite prospective funding partners to visit your schools and districts to see the impact they can make directly. These partnerships can lead to internships, mentoring, and hands-on STEM experiences that enrich the program.
- Adapt to Changing Needs: STEM fields evolve quickly, so it’s crucial to align programs with current trends and workforce demands. Continuously assess and adapt funding strategies to meet evolving program needs and national funding trends.
- Document and Share Successes: Share stories that highlight student achievements and program outcomes. Schools provide invitations to school and community events and nurture relationships to support grant applications, foster community pride, and showcase the value of STEM education.
Call to Action: Take the Next Steps Toward Sustainable STEM Funding
To secure the future of your STEM programs, download our comprehensive funding guide. This resource offers practical insights and strategies for creating a sustainable funding framework, as well as curated funding opportunities for STEM education, helping your schools move beyond ESSER funding.
For tailored support, consider connecting with the Strategic Partnerships Team at SmartLab. Our experts can help you curate a diverse and sustainable funding portfolio, drawing from community resources, private donations, public grants, and corporate foundations. By working with us, you can supplement your local, state, and federal funding options to develop a funding strategy that aligns with your school’s goals and empowers your STEM programs for years to come.
Featured FAQ Section
Q: What happens when ESSER funds run out?
A: As ESSER funds expire, schools need to transition to other sources of funding, including local, state, federal, and private grants. Strategic planning is essential to ensure that STEM programs continue without disruption.
Q: How can schools secure STEM funding in 2025?
A: Schools can pursue diverse funding streams, including local business partnerships, state grants focused on technology, federal support through education programs, and private donations. Blending and braiding funds from multiple sources can help create a stable financial foundation.
Q: Where can I find STEM-related grants and awards?
A:Staying informed about available grants and building relationships with local and corporate funders can enhance your funding opportunities. Search Grants.gov, your state’s Department of Education website, and private funders. Tools like GrantWatch can also help identify grants suited to your needs, including those from the National Science Foundation, Perkins V for CTE, and corporate foundations.
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