TEA: Texas Mobile STEM Laboratory Program Grant
Eligibility
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 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 Timeline
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.
Funding and Eligible Uses
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
Mobile STEM lab grants can fund portable, durable STEM tools, curriculum, and transportation. Physical computing kits designed for mobile deployment are an ideal use of this funding.
Forward Education Tools That Qualify
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Compact, durable physical computing kits well-suited for mobile lab deployment. No permanent infrastructure required. Students get hands-on computing experience without a dedicated school computer lab. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
Portable AI literacy curriculum that can be deployed in any classroom setting. Curriculum is included, reducing setup time between school visits. -
Coding for Climate Kit
Environmental coding curriculum that travels well and connects to local community contexts. Works in any location without special equipment requirements.
Keep in Mind
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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