New STEM Grant Program Targets High-Poverty Schools with $1M for Girls and Minorities

The “21st Century STEM for Girls and Underrepresented Minorities Act” establishes a new, targeted competitive grant program managed by the Department of Education. If you’re a parent, teacher, or just someone who believes the next generation needs better access to high-demand technical skills, this bill is setting aside serious money—$10 million annually from 2026 through 2029—specifically to close the opportunity gap in science, technology, engineering, and math.

The $1 Million Dollar Opportunity

This isn't a small pot of money for a bake sale. The bill authorizes grants of $250,000 per year for four years—a total of $1 million per recipient school district. The catch? The funds are highly targeted. To even apply, a local educational agency has to meet two strict requirements: it must already receive funding under Title I (meaning it serves disadvantaged students) and at least 40% of its student population must be eligible for free or reduced-price lunch. This means the bill is laser-focused on high-poverty districts where resources are often stretched thin, making it potentially huge for those communities.

Once a district secures the grant, the money must be used to run a dedicated STEM program for girls and underrepresented minorities. The bill spells out exactly what this money can cover, and it goes far beyond buying new computers. Districts can use the funds for things like tutoring and mentoring, after-school or summer programs, and academic advising to push students toward advanced STEM courses. Crucially, up to 50% of the cost of a student STEM internship can be paid for, which is a game-changer for getting real-world experience.

Training Teachers to Eliminate Bias

One of the most interesting provisions addresses the classroom environment itself. Grant money can be used for professional development for teachers specifically focused on eliminating bias, engaging students, and creating a positive environment in STEM subjects. For a teacher, this means access to training that directly addresses why certain students—like girls or minority students—might feel unwelcome or unsupported in a traditionally male or non-diverse field. This recognition that bias is a systemic issue, not just a student problem, is a significant shift.

Another key use is parent engagement. Funds are allowed to be spent on educating and enlisting the help of parents to overcome obstacles and encourage student interest. For a working parent who might not have a background in engineering, this provision offers a pathway to support their child’s career path effectively.

The Fine Print: Strict Eligibility and Reporting

While the funding is great, the eligibility criteria mean that many schools serving significant minority populations—but that don't hit that 40% poverty threshold—will be left out of this specific program. If you live in a school district that just misses the cutoff, your students won’t see these funds, even if they have a large need for STEM equity programs.

Also, the reporting requirements are serious. Every year, the recipient agency has to submit a detailed evaluation, including the percentage of time students spent engaged in STEM activities and an assessment of their academic progress based on evaluations taken at the beginning and end of the program. This ensures accountability for the $1 million investment. However, the bill also gives the Secretary of Education the power to require “any other information” they deem necessary, which could lead to administrative headaches for school districts already burdened with paperwork.