PRISM Award (Promoting Innovation in Science and Mathematics)
Eligibility
Full-time public school teachers in North Carolina or Virginia who teach science, mathematics, technology, or engineering in grades K-12 may apply. Teachers must be currently employed in a public school. PRISM nominees are typically submitted by a principal, district administrator, or peer colleague, but self-nomination may also be accepted — check current program guidelines.
Program Goals
The PRISM Award from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund recognizes outstanding public school science and mathematics teachers in North Carolina and Virginia who demonstrate innovative instructional practices and inspire student interest in STEM. Award recipients receive a grant to support their classroom program and are recognized publicly. The award aims to elevate great STEM teaching and provide teachers with resources to continue their work.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Nominations or applications are submitted through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund website by September 30, 2026. Applications require evidence of innovative teaching practice, student impact, and professional engagement. Award recipients are notified in the winter. Check the BWF website for current nomination and self-application procedures.
Cycle Notes
PRISM Award applications are accepted annually with a deadline historically around September 30. The 2026 deadline is September 30. Visit bwfund.org for the current application and to confirm eligibility criteria for the award year.
Grant Award Amount
PRISM Award recipients receive up to $1,000 to support their classroom science or mathematics program. Funds can be used for classroom materials, equipment, curriculum, and professional development related to the recognized teaching program.
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 award-winning science and math classroom programs
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI and technology skills for innovative STEM instruction
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — environmental science and data investigations for PRISM-quality teaching
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the PRISM Award in North Carolina?
Full-time public school science, math, technology, or engineering teachers in NC or Virginia (grades K-12) may apply or be nominated. Teachers must be currently employed in a public school.
How much funding is available through the PRISM Award?
Award recipients receive up to $1,000 to support their classroom STEM program.
Can PRISM Award funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. PRISM 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 the PRISM Award?
Submit a nomination or application through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund website by September 30, 2026. Include evidence of innovative teaching, student impact, and professional engagement. Visit bwfund.org for the current application.
How can Forward Education help with PRISM 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 to support award-winning classroom 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
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
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