Career Awards for STEM Teachers
Eligibility
Early- to mid-career public school teachers in North Carolina or Virginia who teach science, technology, engineering, or mathematics in grades K-12 may apply. Teachers must have at least 3 years of classroom experience and demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development and STEM teaching innovation. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
Program Goals
The Career Awards for STEM Teachers (CAST) from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund provide multi-year career development grants to outstanding K-12 public school STEM teachers in NC and Virginia. The award supports professional growth through access to university research experiences, professional networks, and classroom resources. The goal is to retain exceptional STEM teachers in public schools by providing recognition, funding, and career development opportunities over a 5-year period.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund online portal by September 30, 2026. Applications require a personal statement, evidence of teaching excellence, letters of recommendation, and a career development plan. Award recipients are selected through a competitive review process and notified in winter. Check the BWF website for the full application requirements.
Cycle Notes
Career Awards for STEM Teachers applications are due September 30 annually. The 2026 deadline is September 30. Awards are 5-year grants distributed annually. Visit bwfund.org for the current application and detailed eligibility requirements.
Grant Award Amount
CAST awards provide up to $175,000 over 5 years ($35,000 per year). Funds support professional development, university research partnerships, classroom resources, and career growth activities for award recipients.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for CAST award recipients building innovative CS curriculum
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI and technology skills for STEM teaching career development
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — environmental science tools for award-winning classroom programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Career Awards for STEM Teachers in North Carolina?
Early- to mid-career public school STEM teachers in NC or Virginia with at least 3 years of experience may apply. Applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents.
How much funding is available through Career Awards for STEM Teachers?
Awards provide up to $175,000 over 5 years to support professional development, research partnerships, and classroom resources.
Can Career Award funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. Career Award funds can support hands-on STEM materials, physical computing kits, and coding curriculum when they align to the program's stated goals. Document alignment to program objectives before purchasing.
How do North Carolina teachers apply for Career Awards for STEM Teachers?
Apply online through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund portal by September 30, 2026. Include a personal statement, evidence of teaching excellence, letters of recommendation, and a career development plan.
How can Forward Education help with Career Award applications?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for North Carolina schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built for outstanding STEM teaching programs. Contact us before submitting your application.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — North Carolina standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
Explore more North Carolina funding resources
View all North Carolina AI & CS grants →Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
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