Montana Space Grant Consortium K-12 Mini-Grants
Eligibility
Montana K-12 educators, schools, and nonprofits running STEM outreach programs. University partnerships can strengthen applications but are not required. Rural and frontier Montana schools are especially encouraged — the Space Grant program prioritizes expanding STEM access to underserved communities.
Program Goals
Montana Space Grant K-12 mini-grants support STEM outreach that brings science, technology, engineering, and math to Montana students. Coding, robotics, space science, and engineering design programs aligned to Montana content standards are a strong fit.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications submitted through the Montana Space Grant Consortium at montana.edu/spacegrant. Rolling cycle — no fixed deadline. Contact the Consortium directly to confirm the current application window.
Cycle Notes
Rolling applications. The program is funded by NASA and administered through Montana State University. Apply when your program is ready — contact the Consortium for current availability.
Grant Award Amount
Up to $3,000 per grant. Awards are designed for classroom-scale STEM programs. Perfect for a starter kit purchase combined with a teacher-led outreach program.
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 for real-world challenges
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
- Climate Action Kit — a beginner-friendly STEM kit combining micro:bit sensors to code solutions for climate change and sustainability
- CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a university partner to apply?
No — individual Montana educators and schools can apply. University partnerships can strengthen applications but are not required.
What types of programs does the Space Grant fund?
STEM outreach programs expanding access to science, technology, engineering, and math for K-12 students in Montana.
Is there a match requirement?
Check current guidelines at montana.edu/spacegrant. Some Space Grant programs require a cost share; others do not at the K-12 mini-grant level.
Can rural Montana schools apply?
Yes — rural and frontier schools are especially encouraged. The program prioritizes expanding STEM access across Montana.
How can Forward Education help?
Our Coding for Good Kit and Climate Action Kit with micro:bit align directly to the hands-on STEM outreach learning the Space Grant supports.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Montana standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
