STEAM PowerWV

The STEAM Power WV grant program is administered through a partnership with the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and is designed to support educational initiatives that integrate the arts with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines for PK-12 students in West Virginia. The program reflects a broader effort to promote interdisciplinary learning and foster skills such as creativity, innovation, critical thinking, and collaboration, which are essential for college and career readiness. By combining artistic expression with STEM learning, the program encourages educators and organizations to develop programming that bridges traditionally separate subject areas. The primary purpose of the grant is to fund projects that intentionally merge arts and STEM disciplines into cohesive educational experiences. These projects are expected to provide hands-on, inquiry-based learning opportunities that engage students in problem-solving and creative exploration. The program emphasizes collaboration among educators, teaching artists, and STEM professionals, aiming to create well-rounded educational environments that extend beyond traditional classroom instruction. Priority is given to initiatives that are innovative, sustainable, and capable of being documented and shared for broader impact. Funding under this program allows applicants to request up to $7,500, covering no more than 75 percent of total project expenses. A required 25 percent cash match must be provided by the applicant, ensuring shared investment in the project’s success. Eligible expenses include professional or artist fees, travel costs, materials, and supplies, provided they directly support the proposed project. All costs must be clearly documented and justified as part of the application process, and incomplete financial documentation may delay or jeopardize funding. Eligibility for the grant includes public and private PK-12 schools as well as nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that serve educational populations, including but not limited to PK-12 students. Applicants must be capable of receiving grant funds and managing project implementation. Schools are required to coordinate with their county boards of education to determine the appropriate applicant entity. The organization listed as the applicant assumes full responsibility for compliance, reporting, and project execution. The application process requires submission through the GoApply online portal and includes multiple components such as project objectives, a detailed budget, a comprehensive project narrative, and required documentation. Applicants must also provide organizational information, including a Unique Entity Identifier and a West Virginia vendor number. Supporting documentation such as contracts, vendor quotes, and material estimates must be included. Optional attachments may include lesson plans, resumes, and evaluation tools, though these are limited in number. Applications are evaluated by a panel of education professionals based on several criteria, including project objectives, budget clarity, narrative quality, alignment with program priorities, and demonstration of artistic and academic excellence. Additional bonus points are awarded for projects located in economically distressed counties or for applicants who have not received prior funding within the last five years. This structured evaluation ensures that funding is directed toward high-quality, impactful initiatives. The program operates on a recurring cycle with two application rounds each year. Deadlines for submission are May 18 and October 1, with corresponding project periods beginning July 1 and January 1 respectively. Grant recipients are required to submit a final report within 30 days of project completion or by July 31, 2027, whichever comes first. The program maintains a clear timeline and reporting structure to ensure accountability and effective use of funds. For additional information or support, applicants may contact the Arts in Education Coordinator via email.

Prioritize strong integration of arts and STEM include hands on learning demonstrate collaboration and include clear evaluation methods