UCOR STEM Education Mini-Grants
Eligibility
K-12 schools and teachers in the Oak Ridge, Tennessee region (Anderson, Roane, and surrounding counties served by UCOR operations). One award per classroom.
Program Goals
UCOR STEM Education Mini-Grants support hands-on STEM classroom projects at schools near the Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Y-12 National Security Complex. The program reflects UCOR's commitment to community education and building the next generation of STEM professionals in east Tennessee.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted through the UCOR website during the annual application window. The 2026 cycle closed August 7. Monitor ucor.com for the 2027 cycle opening. Submit a project description, STEM learning objectives, and budget.
Cycle Notes
Annual fall cycle. The 2026 deadline was August 7. The next cycle is expected in summer or fall 2027. Monitor ucor.com for announcements.
Grant Award Amount
Three award tiers: $1,000 for a single classroom, $1,500 for multiple classrooms, $2,000 for a whole-school project.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit to design solutions to real-world challenges
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for UCOR STEM Mini-Grants?
K-12 schools and teachers in the Oak Ridge region including Anderson and Roane counties. Contact UCOR to confirm your school is within the eligibility area.
How much funding is available through UCOR STEM Mini-Grants?
Tier 1: $1,000 (single classroom), Tier 2: $1,500 (multiple classrooms), Tier 3: $2,000 (whole school).
Can UCOR Mini-Grant funds be used for coding kits?
Yes. UCOR STEM Mini-Grant funds can support hands-on STEM materials including coding kits and physical computing tools when they align to STEM learning goals.
How do Tennessee schools apply for UCOR STEM Mini-Grants?
Monitor ucor.com for the next cycle opening. The 2026 deadline was August 7. Submit online with a project description, STEM objectives, and budget.
How can Forward Education help with UCOR grant funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, pricing letters, and letters of support for Tennessee schools. Our kits meet the STEM outcomes UCOR funds. Contact us before submitting.
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 — Tennessee 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.
Get the Grant Guide
