TEA: T-STEM Planning and Implementation Grant
Eligibility
Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools can apply. Schools must demonstrate a clear vision for a STEM academy model and a plan for sustainability. Applications are accepted during periodic open cycles announced on the TEA portal.
- Eligible: Texas public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools
- Focus: Schools building or expanding dedicated STEM academy pathways
- Applications during periodic TEA solicitation cycles
- Schools must show a sustainability plan beyond the grant period
Program Goals
TEA's T-STEM Planning and Implementation Grant supports schools in developing or expanding dedicated STEM academies and pathways. The program helps schools build the infrastructure, curriculum, and teacher capacity needed to offer rigorous STEM education from middle through high school.
T-STEM schools are expected to implement a coherent STEM pathway with project-based learning, real-world connections, and strong postsecondary alignment. TEA's STEM academy designation goes with this grant for high-performing schools.
Application Timeline
T-STEM grants open on periodic cycles that are not always annual. Monitor tea.texas.gov closely for open solicitations. When a cycle opens, review the T-STEM academy designation requirements to understand what TEA expects from participating schools.
Funding and Eligible Uses
Grant amounts vary by cycle and school size. Funds can be used for curriculum development, equipment and technology purchases, makerspace setup, and professional development for teachers. Schools building physical computing labs or integrated STEM spaces can use T-STEM funds to equip classrooms.
Allowable Purchases
T-STEM funds support equipment, curriculum, teacher training, and program infrastructure. Hands-on STEM tools that support project-based learning across multiple grade levels are strong eligible purchases.
Forward Education Tools That Qualify
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Physical computing tools that support hands-on, project-based STEM learning across grades 6-12. Can be used across multiple T-STEM courses in a coherent physical computing progression. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
AI literacy curriculum for a T-STEM school building a comprehensive computing and AI pathway. Aligns with TEA's expectations for rigorous, future-focused STEM content. -
Coding for Climate Kit
Project-based science and coding integration. Supports the interdisciplinary, real-world learning model that T-STEM schools are built around.
Keep in Mind
T-STEM grants are linked to the TEA academy designation program. Read the full requirements before applying so you understand what a T-STEM school must look like and whether your school is ready to commit.
TEA wants to see a coherent STEM sequence from grade 6 through graduation. Show how physical computing in 6th grade connects to advanced CS courses in 11th and 12th grade.
T-STEM schools are expected to have connections to community colleges and universities. Show how your STEM pathway leads to college credit, dual enrollment, or workforce certifications.
T-STEM grants can fund physical space improvements. If you are building a dedicated STEM lab or makerspace, include that in your budget alongside equipment and curriculum.
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.
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