NYC DOE: STEM Grants and Maker Education

About This Grant

The New York City Department of Education runs STEM and maker education programs that fund classroom hardware, curriculum, and professional development for NYC schools. These programs are separate from NYSED's statewide grants and specifically serve New York City's 1.1 million students across more than 1,800 schools.

NYC DOE STEM grants support physical computing, maker spaces, robotics, coding, and engineering programs. Funding is distributed through competitive applications and select cohort-based programs. Community-based organizations (CBOs) partnering with NYC schools may also be eligible for certain program tracks.

Eligibility

• New York City public schools (all boroughs and grade levels)
• Community-based organizations partnering with NYC schools
• Programs with clear STEM, coding, or maker education focus
• Schools serving high-need student populations are prioritized

Allowable Uses

• Maker space tools and physical computing kits
• Coding and robotics hardware
• CS and STEM curriculum materials
• Teacher professional development in STEM and coding

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

• micro:bit Starter Kit — Entry-level physical computing for grades 4-8. Supports NYC DOE computer science scope and sequence with hands-on, project-based learning.
• Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum connecting CS to real-world problems. Aligns to NYC DOE's emphasis on CS for social good and equity.
• MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy for middle and high school students. Supports NYC DOE's AI and digital citizenship learning goals.
• micro:bit Robotics Kit — Robotics and physical computing for STEM maker programs. Strong fit for NYC maker space and after-school coding programs.

Keep in Mind

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for NYC DOE STEM grants?

NYC public schools and approved community-based organizations partnering with NYC schools. Programs focused on underserved communities are prioritized.

How much funding can NYC schools receive?

Awards typically range from $5,000 to over $100,000 depending on the program track, school size, and scope.

Can funds be used for coding kits and hardware?

Yes. Physical computing tools, maker space hardware, and coding curriculum are allowable when aligned to the program goals and NYC CS scope and sequence.

How do I apply?

Applications are managed through the NYC DOE schools portal. Check schools.nyc.gov for current STEM grant opportunities and cohort openings.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide alignment documents mapped to the NYC CS4All scope and sequence, pricing letters, and letters of support for NYC school applications.

Related New York Grants

• NYSED CS4All Grants
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers
• Bloomberg Philanthropies: Education and Climate

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 — NY CS & Digital Fluency 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

Download the Forward Education Grant Guide

Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.