Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP)
Eligibility
North Carolina public school teachers and school-based STEM program staff may apply. Programs must be located at a North Carolina public K-12 school. Projects must provide hands-on STEM enrichment activities beyond the standard curriculum. Burroughs Wellcome Fund has a North Carolina focus; teachers must be employed in NC public schools.
Program Goals
The Student STEM Enrichment Program (SSEP), run by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, provides grants to support creative, hands-on STEM learning projects at North Carolina public schools. Projects must go beyond the standard curriculum to engage students in real scientific inquiry, coding, engineering, or environmental investigations. The program aims to build STEM interest and skills among K-12 students across North Carolina.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications are submitted online through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund grant portal. The current cycle is closed; the next cycle opens March 11, 2027. Applications require a project description, student engagement plan, alignment to STEM learning goals, and a budget. Previous SSEP grant recipients may not apply for at least one cycle.
Cycle Notes
SSEP runs on an annual cycle, typically opening in March and closing in June. The next cycle opens March 11, 2027. Award announcements are made in the fall. Visit the Burroughs Wellcome Fund website at bwfund.org for current program announcements.
Grant Award Amount
SSEP grants award up to $10,000 per project. Funds can be used for equipment, curriculum materials, supplies, and program costs directly tied to the hands-on STEM enrichment activity. Administrative overhead is not funded.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for hands-on STEM enrichment projects
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI and coding investigations aligned to SSEP student inquiry goals
- CHARGE Climate Sensor Kit — environmental science and data collection for student STEM projects
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for SSEP in North Carolina?
NC public school teachers and school-based STEM educators may apply. Projects must be at a NC public K-12 school and provide hands-on STEM enrichment beyond the standard curriculum.
How much funding is available through SSEP?
Grants award up to $10,000 per project for curriculum, equipment, and program supplies.
Can SSEP funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. SSEP 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 North Carolina schools apply for SSEP?
Apply online through the Burroughs Wellcome Fund portal when the cycle opens March 11, 2027. Submit a project description, student engagement plan, and budget.
How can Forward Education help with SSEP funding?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, official pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for North Carolina schools. Our STEM kits are purpose-built to meet the learning outcomes SSEP funds. Contact us before submitting your application.
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 — North Carolina 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
Explore more North Carolina funding resources
View all North Carolina AI & CS grants →Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
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