Shell USA / Shell Foundation: STEM Education Grants
Eligibility
Schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in Shell's operating communities in Texas are eligible. Shell typically runs an annual community grants cycle through a web portal. Communities near Shell's Houston, Permian Basin, and Gulf Coast operations are the primary targets.
- Eligible: Schools, nonprofits, and community organizations in Shell's Texas service areas
- Houston area, Permian Basin, and Gulf Coast are priority regions
- Building a relationship with Shell's local Community Affairs team improves your chances
- Annual online application cycle
Program Goals
Shell USA, headquartered in Houston, invests in education and community programs through its corporate giving program and the Shell Foundation. In Texas, Shell focuses on communities near its major operations. K-12 STEM programs related to energy, environment, engineering, and technology are a consistent priority.
Programs with a clear connection to energy careers, environmental science, or engineering education are most competitive. Shell values programs that help build the next generation of energy-sector and STEM professionals.
Application Timeline
Shell runs annual community grant cycles, typically with applications opening in the spring or fall. Visit shell.us/community to find the current cycle information. Connecting with Shell's local Community Affairs team before applying is strongly recommended.
Grant Award Amount
Community grants typically range from $10,000 to $100,000. Larger grants are available for multi-year initiatives with strong community impact. Programs with clear connections to energy careers, environmental science, or engineering education are most competitive.
Allowable Purchases
Shell grants support program materials, equipment, curriculum, and operations. STEM tools that connect to energy, environment, or engineering themes are strong eligible purchases.
Forward Education Tools That Qualify
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Physical computing kits ideal for energy and environmental monitoring projects. Students can build sensors, measure environmental variables, and connect their learning to real-world energy topics. -
Coding for Climate Kit
Environmental and climate coding curriculum with direct connections to energy and sustainability topics. Strong alignment with Shell's environmental responsibility messaging. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
AI literacy tools that prepare students for careers in technology and engineering. AI applications in the energy sector make this a relevant program for Shell-funded initiatives.
Keep in Mind
Shell is most responsive to programs that connect to their business - energy, environment, and engineering. Physical computing projects involving energy monitoring, environmental data collection, or engineering design resonate strongly.
Shell employees can champion grants internally. Find Shell employees in your community, invite them to visit your school, and ask if they would support your application.
Shell focuses on communities near its operations. Schools in Houston, the Permian Basin, or near Gulf Coast facilities have the strongest case. If your school is in one of these areas, lead with your location.
Unlike rolling grants, Shell's community grant cycle typically opens for a few weeks. Watch for announcements and prepare your application materials well in advance.
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 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
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
