DWS News Advisory
May 7, 2014
State Announces $6 Million in New STEM Education Funding STEM Link Grant Provides Additional Resources to Schools
SALT LAKE CITY—Utah's public schools now have access to millions of dollars in new funding in the form of grants for education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (better known as STEM).
The new grant program—STEM Link—offers $6 million in grants funded by the Department of Workforce Services through a partnership with the Utah State Office of Education and the STEM Action Center. Grants are available for all public schools k-12 for both in-school and after-school STEM education programs.
"Building the workforce for tomorrow requires equipping our students with high-tech skills today," said Jon Pierpont, DWS Executive Director. "Utah is transitioning to a 21st century economy, so we need STEM education to help us train a 21st century workforce."
Of the total grant funding, DWS is contributing $5 million in TANF funds for after-school programs and an additional $1 million from the job growth fund for in-school programs. Individual grant awards could range from $50,000 to $100,000 per school depending on the needs of the program.
Schools will be able to use these grants to create, enhance or expand STEM education programs. Grants will focus on under-served youth or others who need help gaining employable skills.
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