Educational Opportunities: A Guide to Nebraska's Education Grants

In Nebraska, STEM programs are a vital initiative dedicated to enhancing student achievement and social development through comprehensive out-of-school programs. This program offers local educational agencies, community-based organizations, and other institutions the opportunity to create community learning centers that provide academic enrichment during non-school hours. By providing crucial support and resources, the program helps bridge educational gaps and promote holistic student development.

Aim High Afterschool Alliance Awards

• Description: Recognizes and promotes high-quality afterschool programs that provide enriching learning and youth development opportunities in Nebraska.

• Amount: Varies; often includes recognition, professional development stipends, or small awards rather than large project grants.

• Duration: Typically an annual award cycle.

• Eligibility: Afterschool programs operating within Nebraska that meet established quality criteria.

• Website: Check the Nebraska Afterschool Alliance website for specific award details.

• Deadline: Typically announced annually, often in late spring/early summer.

Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grants (DLT)

• Description: Supports distance learning and telemedicine services in rural areas, enabling access to education, healthcare, and economic development opportunities.

• Amount: Varies, but can range from thousands to over $1,000,000, depending on the project scope and available funding.

• Duration: Typically 1-3 years for project completion and implementation.

• Eligibility: Rural schools, libraries, medical facilities, non-profits, and other community anchor institutions in eligible rural areas.

• Website: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development website (search for DLT Grants).

• Deadline: Typically announced annually, often with application windows in the spring.

IEEE Foundation Grants

• Description: Provides funding for programs and initiatives that align with the IEEE mission, focusing on advancing technology for humanity through education, humanitarian efforts, and historical preservation in electrical engineering and computing.

• Amount: Varies widely depending on the specific grant program and project scope.

• Duration: Varies by specific program, often 1 year, but some projects may span multiple years.

• Eligibility: Organizations, institutions, and individuals whose projects align with the IEEE Foundation's strategic objectives. Specific criteria depend on the grant category.

• Website: IEEE Foundation website.

• Deadline: Varies by specific grant program, often with multiple application cycles per year.

Nebraska Afterschool Alliance

• Description: This organization works to support, develop, and promote high-quality afterschool and summer learning programs across Nebraska. While not a direct grant-making entity for external projects in the traditional sense, they are a key resource that may highlight or facilitate funding opportunities and provide support to afterschool programs.

• Amount: Does not directly provide grants; instead, it serves as a resource, advocate, and facilitator for the afterschool field.

• Duration: N/A (continuous operation as an organization).

• Eligibility: N/A (supports afterschool programs and stakeholders across Nebraska).

• Website: Nebraska Afterschool Alliance website.

• Deadline: N/A (for the organization itself). For specific programs or awards they may announce, deadlines vary.

Nebraska Space Grant Consortium

• Description: A NASA-funded consortium that promotes aerospace and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, research, and public outreach opportunities within Nebraska. It awards scholarships, fellowships, and research grants.

• Amount: Varies significantly based on the type of award (e.g., undergraduate scholarship, graduate fellowship, faculty research grant).

• Duration: Varies by program, typically aligned with academic terms or project durations (e.g., one academic year for a fellowship, 1-2 years for a research grant).

• Eligibility: Students (undergraduate and graduate) and faculty at consortium-affiliated institutions within Nebraska. Specific requirements apply to each program.

• Website: Nebraska Space Grant Consortium website.

• Deadline: Varies by specific program (scholarships, fellowships, research grants) and is typically announced annually.

Motorola Solutions Foundation

• Description: The philanthropic arm of Motorola Solutions, this foundation primarily funds programs in public safety, disaster preparedness, and STEM education, with a focus on underserved populations and communities.

• Amount: Varies, depending on the program's scope and the foundation's annual grantmaking priorities.

• Duration: Typically 1 year for project support, though some initiatives may involve multi-year commitments.

• Eligibility: Non-profit organizations and educational institutions that align with the foundation's strategic funding areas.

• Website: Motorola Solutions Foundation website.

• Deadline: Varies by program; typically involves specific application windows that are announced annually.

Toshiba America Foundation

• Description: Provides grants to K-12 teachers for innovative projects designed to improve the quality of science and mathematics education in U.S. schools, emphasizing hands-on, inquiry-based learning.

• Amount: Two main categories: small grants (up to 5,000) and large grants (over 5,000).

• Duration: Typically 1 year for project implementation.

• Eligibility: K-12 public and private school teachers in the United States.

• Website: Toshiba America Foundation website.

• Deadline: Small grants have rolling deadlines. Large grants have specific annual deadlines (e.g., February 1st and August 1st).

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Science, Mathematics, & Computer Education (CSMCE)

• Description: This center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is dedicated to enhancing science, mathematics, and computer education at all levels, from K-12 to higher education. While not a direct external grant-giving organization, the CSMCE often leads or participates in grant-funded research projects, offers professional development, and provides resources for educators and researchers in STEM.

• Amount: Does not directly provide general grants for external applications. Its funding is typically for internal research, project leadership, or professional development programs.

• Duration: N/A (continuous operation as a university center).

• Eligibility: N/A (its services and resources are available to educators and researchers, but it does not offer an open grant program for external applications).

• Website: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Center for Science, Mathematics, & Computer Education (CSMCE) website.

• Deadline: N/A (for the center itself). Deadlines for specific projects or professional development opportunities they offer would vary.

Navigating the Grant Application Process

• Research Thoroughly: Understand the grant's goals, eligibility requirements, and funding priorities.

• Develop a Strong Narrative: Clearly articulate your project's objectives, activities, and expected outcomes.

• Create a Realistic Budget: Provide a detailed budget that aligns with the grant's guidelines.

• Submit on Time: Adhere to all deadlines and ensure all required documentation is included.

Don't Go It Alone!

Securing grant funding can be a complex process. Our team of experienced grant consultants can provide expert guidance and support throughout the entire journey, from identifying suitable opportunities to crafting compelling applications.

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