Funding Opportunities
The Lancaster County STEM Alliance (LCSA) is proud to support a variety of STEM initiatives within Lancaster County. We provide funding to nonprofit, charitable organizations that are exempt from income taxes and located within the county. Our grants are aimed at enhancing and launching innovative and creative STEM programming.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
LCSA requires all grant applicants to demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This commitment must be evident in both principle and practice, ensuring services and opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of age, disability, economic status, ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, sexual orientation, or other characteristics. DEI integration is a critical evaluation criterion for funding.
LCSA Grant Opportunities
The Lancaster County STEM Alliance (LCSA) provides funding to support programs that enhance STEM education and career exploration. Our funding priorities focus on key areas that foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity across diverse learning environments.
Out-of-School STEM Learning
We invite applicants to provide innovative hands-on STEM programming, highlighting all aspects of STEM. Programs should focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, and enhancing STEM skills in a fun and informal learning environment. We welcome applications from programs that serve learners of all ages (early childhood, pre-K, K-12, higher education, adult) beyond the traditional school day, including before school, after school, weekends, and summer.
Applications open January 2, 2025
STEM Career Exploration
We encourage innovative and creative programs that highlight STEM careers, the required training, and the necessary skill sets to apply for funding. Programming can occur during or outside of school hours and is open to participants from Pre-K through adult learners with a focus on exploring STEM careers.
Applications open January 2, 2025
In-School K-12 Project Based Learning
Project-Based Learning (PBL) is an instructional method that engages students in learning and applying knowledge and skills through problem-solving experiences. PBL offers opportunities for deeper, in-context learning and the development of essential skills for college and career readiness. Programs must take place during the traditional school day and can serve students within the range of early childhood through post-secondary education, though they do not need to serve all students within this range. Learn more about PBL: https://newtechnetwork.org/resources/what-is-pbl/
Applications open January 2, 2025
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging in STEM Learning
STEM learning environments must be welcoming to all students. Incorporating best practices for diversity, equity, and inclusion into STEM programming ensures that every child can thrive and grow in curiosity, teamwork, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and real-world problem-solving. Funds are available to enhance programming, increase capacity, diversify offerings and recruitment, provide DEI training, or launch new initiatives.
Applications open January 2, 2025
Grant Questions?
Find answers to your questions about our grants process, eligibility, and application guidelines in our Grants FAQ document.
