Grant Opportunities and AwardsAcademic Excellence :

New!  Important Grant Information Update:  The Minnesota Department of Education is pleased to announce the launch of a new Grants Management System. The system will provide a stream-lined process for grant applicants to search for and download grant opportunities in a dedicated location. During the transition process, existing, open grant applications will continue to be located within the relevant program site location, though supporting materials and resources – including FAQs – will be available only from the Grants Information page. Visit the new Grants Information page.

What is STEM?  The STEM program innovation is defined as a course(s) or series of linked learning opportunities that enable high school students to discover, explore, and/or solve real-life problems through the integration of science, technology, engineering and mathematics content.  The STEM program will expand student interest and motivation in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics by applying scientific methods and/or engineering processes to rigorous math and science content in high schools. 

How does STEM fit into Minnesota’s NGA Grant?  Minnesota and all of the United States face global challenges and opportunities in science and technology.  The knowledge and skills of our students in a fast-changing world will determine their access to life’s opportunities, as well as our state’s capacity to meet future workforce needs.  One of the NGA grant goals is to improve teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

High School Incentive Grants. As part of the National Governors Association (NGA) Honor States Grant to Minnesota, eight Minnesota high schools have received $20,000 grants for the purpose of planning and implementing new career and technical education courses leading to industry certifications. In addition, 20 Minnesota high schools were awarded a total of $400,000 in incentive grants for innovative model programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) earlier this year.  A list of schools and descriptions of their grant-winning projects is available under Model Schools-Best Practices at right.

Grants for Students to Pursue Rigorous College Majors. In an effort to help put competitiveness at the top of America’s national agenda, Governor Pawlenty, Chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) Education Committee, joined U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings at a press conference in St. Paul. Together they introduced two upcoming grant opportunities for college students: Academic Competitiveness Grants and the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants. These grants will encourage Minnesota students to take more challenging courses in high school and to pursue college majors in high demand areas in the global economy, including science, mathematics, technology, engineering and critical foreign languages.

Minnesota Academic Excellence Foundation (MAEF) School Spotlight Awards.  This award recognizes academic excellence and student achievement. The 2008 application form is now available. Read the list of past MAEF School Spotlight Award winners below.  For more information, contact Connie J. Anderson at 651-582-8750.

Minnesota Elementary School Principals Association (MESPA) announced the eight elementary schools that have been endorsed as Minnesota Schools of Excellence for 2007-08. * Visit the MESPA website for the list of winners.

Contact:  Sally Wherry, Supervisor of High School Initiatives

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