The STEM Action Center Professional Learning Project, administered by the Utah STEM Action Center, is a grant initiative designed to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education for educators in Utah. Established under H.B. 139 during the 2013 Utah Legislative Session, the STEM Action Center aims to promote best practices in STEM education and provide real-world STEM learning experiences. This funding opportunity supports professional learning programs that focus on increasing educator STEM identity, improving instructional practices, and expanding educators’ capacity and confidence in STEM content knowledge. The grant is available to STEM education institutions in Utah and will fund projects spanning fiscal years 2026-2027.

Applications for the grant will open on February 1, 2025, and must be submitted by March 31, 2025, via the application site utahstemgrants.smapply.io. To assist applicants, grant workdays will be held on February 19, 2025, at the STEM Action Center in Salt Lake City and on March 3, 2025, in St. George. Applications will be reviewed from April 8-11, 2025, with award notifications and grant agreements sent by April 25, 2025. The signed grant agreements must be submitted by June 30, 2025, and the contract will run from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2027. Progress reports are required at the end of September, January, and May each year, with failure to comply potentially resulting in the forfeiture of funds.

The grant supports professional learning projects that align with Utah State law H.B. 320, which defines effective professional learning as sustained, evidence-based, and focused on improving educator effectiveness. The funded programs must be structured around learning communities, include skillful leadership, incorporate technology, integrate research-based strategies, and align with state performance standards for educators and students. Eligible organizations must develop a clear implementation plan detailing how their professional learning activities will achieve these objectives.

Funding will be awarded based on the number of participants, with program costs capped at an average of $1,000 per participant per year. The grant does not guarantee full funding of requests, as demand typically exceeds available resources. Funds are distributed in two installments per contract year—75% upon signing the agreement and 25% upon successful completion of reporting requirements. Allowable expenses include stipends, substitute teachers, professional learning materials, facilitation costs, travel for trainers, and conference registration fees. However, funding cannot be used for out-of-state travel, classroom materials, learning management system costs, or equipment.

Applications must be submitted online and will be evaluated based on a scoring rubric available on the STEM Action Center website. Bonus points may be awarded for proposals that deliberately include professional learning for special education teachers, incorporate AI tools in a protected educational environment, support Dual Language Immersion (DLI) educators, or align with Utah’s STEM School Designation process. Participating schools and districts must provide a two-year professional learning plan, baseline data on educator STEM identity, measurable goals, a detailed budget, and sustainability plans for long-term implementation.

Questions regarding the grant can be directed to Kellie Yates, Collaboration & Program Development Manager, at kellieyates@utah.gov or 435-757-9595. The STEM Action Center office is located at 3848 S. West Temple, Suite 105, South Salt Lake, UT 84115. Additional details, including the full Request for Proposals and scoring rubric, can be accessed on the STEM Action Center website, stem.utah.gov.