Mini-Grants
What is the Region 13 MiSTEM Mini-Grant Program?
The Region 13 MiSTEM Mini-Grant Program is to support educators in the teaching and learning of STEM in K-12 classrooms and out-of-school time programs. The emphasis is on stimulating new teaching ideas and new learning opportunities made possible through the creative spark of educators. The statewide STEM strategy supports 3P (Project, Problem, and Place based learning) developing community outreach projects in which students and schools work with local business partners and community organizations to solve local problems and develop career awareness, exploration, or preparation.
Application is Closed for 2024-2025
STEM Mini-Grant Cycle Information
Eligible Applicants:
The program is open to all public school teachers and out-of-school time educators in Emmet, Charlevoix, Antrim, Benzie, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, and Leelanau counties, for grades K-12. Team projects from several educators working together with multiple groups of students are also accepted and encouraged.
Grant Award: up to $1000
Application Details:
Expenditures for program materials to enhance or extend a regular program or to create a new program are encouraged. If a pre-packaged kit is the major activity for your project, indicate how you would supplement the kit and customize it for your program. All purchases should be tax-exempt and sales tax will not be reimbursed.
-
The Fall application deadline is November 1, 2025
-
Notification of awards will be made by December 1, 2025
-
The Spring application deadline is April 1, 2026
-
Notification of awards will be made by May 1, 2026
-
Funds will be dispersed in reimbursement form.
-
Final reports are due by the end of the 25/26 academic year.
Criteria for Review:
Applications will be reviewed by a team of regional stakeholders. Winners are determined on a county-wide competitive basis, with awards going to the top-ranked proposals. Priority will be given to proposals that:
-
Increase equity of access to STEM fields for under-served groups
-
Include a business/community partner
-
Demonstrate a potential for positive impact on students and community
-
Includes a detailed budget and clear rationale for expenses
-
Align to standards
-
Adhere to proposal guidelines
-
New applicants who have not already received funds from this program
For questions or technical assistance:
Contact Sarah Roche, Region 13 MiSTEM Director, sroche@northwested.org
Spring 2025 Grant Cycle Statistics:
-
20 applications were awarded funds
-
Applicants came from 10 regional school districts
-
Benzie, Glen Lake, Petoskey, Charlevoix, TCAPS, Boyne Falls, Kingsley, East Jordan, Boyne City, and Char-Em ISD
-
-
A total of nearly $20,000 was awarded.
-
3,989 regional K-12 students served!
Spring 2025 Region 13 MiSTEM Mini-Grant Awardees
Awardee | School
District | Grade Level | Project | Grant Award |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Kyle Taylor | Betsie Valley Elementary | K-5 | 3D Printing | $994.83 |
Carla Gipson
Van Farowe | Benzie Middle School | 6-9 | ||
Ben O’Neal | Glen Lake Community Schools | K | Raising Chicks &
STEM Materials | $998.98 |
Will Havill | Glen Lake Community Schools | K-6 | 3D Printing
Outdoor Learning Class | $1,000 |
Megan Bartley | Traverse City West | 9-12 | 5 Force Tables - Physics | $985.65 |
Cal Meyers | Traverse City West | 9-12 | 3D Printing Materials
Innovation & Design | $991.24 |
Tamara Batcha | Traverse City West | 9-12 | Bilingual Career Exploration | $973.24 |
John Failor | Traverse City Central | 9-12 | CoDroneEDU Drones | $1,000 |
Matt Gorman | Traverse City Central | 9-12 | 3D Printer
Trojan Integrated Exp. | $923.41 |
Tiffany Smith | Kingsley Middle School | 7-8 | Raised Garden Beds | $996.14 |
Brandi Clark | Kalkaska Middle School | 6-8 | LEGO Science Kits | $999.90 |
Hillary Thorin | Public Schools of Petoskey | K-5 | Chompsaw for Cardboard | $610.95 |
Audrey Tessmer | Charlevoix Elementary School | K-6 | Popcorn PBL Project | $1,000 |
Hayden Dvoracek | Charlevoix Middle/High School | 7-12 | Bead Roller for Sheet Metal | $1,000 |
Angela Barrera | East Jordan Middle/High School | 6-12 | Books to Support
Robin Wall Kimmerer | $992.40 |
Anne Petrie | East Jordan Elementary School | 6 | School Forest PBL Project | $1,000 |
Julie Sisson | Boyne City Middle School | 5-8 | After School Lego Club | $1,000 |
Molly Hamilla | Boyne City Middle School | 5-8 | LiteZilla Mini
Therapeutic Play | $1,000 |
Linnea Gibson | Char-Em ISD | K-12 | Place Based Learning
Collaboration | $1,000 |
Services provided through a MiSTEM grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education.