Texas · State Competitive Grant

TEA: Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant

Funding

Varies by cycle; covers equipment, staffing, and travel

Grade Focus

K-12 (focus on rural and underserved schools)

Application Due

Check tea.texas.gov for current solicitation

Level of Gov't

State Competitive

Eligibility

Eligible: ESCs, school districts, and partner organizations
Priority: Programs serving high-need, rural, or underserved schools
Applications through TEA's grant management portal
Programs typically operate across multiple schools in a region

Program Goals

TEA periodically funds mobile STEM laboratories that travel to schools across the state, especially those in rural or underserved areas. These mobile labs bring hands-on science, technology, engineering, and math tools directly to students who may not have access to well-equipped school labs.

Programs are operated by ESCs or district partners. The mobile format means students who can't travel to a STEM center get the STEM center brought to them.

Application and Distribution

Mobile STEM Lab grants open on periodic cycles. Check the TEA grants portal at tea.texas.gov to search for current Mobile STEM Lab solicitations. Connect with your regional ESC to ask if they are planning a mobile lab program for the next cycle.

Grant Award Amount

Grants cover equipment, staffing, transportation, and curriculum materials for the mobile lab. The funding amount varies by cycle and program scope. Check the current solicitation for specific budget guidelines.

Allowable Purchases

Forward Education Products for This Grant

These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.

micro:bit Classroom Kits — Classroom sets of programmable microcontrollers for hands-on coding and physical computing. Qualifies as K-12 CS hardware; supports standards-aligned programming instruction across grade levels.
MicroChat — AI-powered classroom learning tool that introduces students to artificial intelligence and machine learning concepts. Qualifies for AI literacy, educational technology, and computer science grant programs.
Coding for Climate Kit — Hands-on curriculum kit teaching climate science, environmental data collection, and coding-based problem-solving. Aligns with STEM and environmental literacy grants; cross-curricular science and CS integration.

Keep in Mind

ESCs are the natural applicants

Texas ESCs already serve multiple districts in a region and have the infrastructure to run a mobile lab program. If you are a school district, partner with your ESC rather than applying as the lead.

Portable and durable tools are essential

Mobile labs need equipment that can handle daily packing and unpacking. Choose tools that are compact, durable, and don't require specialized setup between school visits.

Target rural and high-need communities

Mobile lab grants are designed to reach schools that lack resources. Document the specific schools you will visit, their need level, and why a mobile program is more appropriate than a fixed lab for your region.

Build scheduling infrastructure early

A successful mobile lab program requires a school visit schedule, teacher prep materials for host schools, and logistics for equipment transport. Plan this infrastructure before your application is submitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for TEA: Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant in Texas?

Education Service Centers (ESCs), school districts, and partner organizations can apply to host or operate mobile STEM lab programs. Priority goes to programs that serve high-need or rural schools. Applications are submitted through the TEA grant portal during open cycles. Eligible: ESCs, school districts, and partner organizations Priority: Programs serving high-need, rural, or underserved schools Applications through TEA's grant management portal Programs typically operate across multiple scho

How much funding is available through TEA: Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant?

Funding varies by cycle and applicant. Check the current program guidelines for up-to-date award amounts.

Can TEA: Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant funds be used for STEM and coding tools?

Yes. TEA: Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant 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 schools apply for TEA: Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant?

How can Forward Education help with TEA: Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant funding?

Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for Texas schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes TEA: Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant funds. Contact us before submitting your application.

Grant Support

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 — TEKS, Common Core, and state 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

Talk to Our Team

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