NEOSTEM Now | April 24, 2026
Federal K-12 Grants to Remain in Education Department System This Summer
Despite the Trump administration’s ongoing efforts to transition federal programs to the Department of Labor, billions in essential K-12 funding—including Title I and IDEA grants—will continue to flow through the U.S. Department of Education’s existing portal this summer to avoid potential distribution delays. Learn More
Ohio launches a statewide attendance dashboard
Governor Mike DeWine has launched a first-of-its-kind statewide attendance dashboard that provides weekly data updates to help educators and families identify and support students at risk of falling behind due to chronic absenteeism. Learn More
Society for Science Awards $110,000 to Empower STEM Educators Nationwide
Society for Science has awarded 41 educators across 16 states more than $110,000 in grants and specialized research kits to bring advanced scientific tools—ranging from DNA analysis to solar engineering—directly into middle and high school classrooms. Learn More
Ohio Honors Seven Schools for Ongoing Excellence in STE(A)M Education
The Ohio STEM Committee has officially approved the redesignation of seven schools across the state, recognizing their continued commitment to providing students with rigorous, real-world learning experiences and strong community partnerships. Learn More
LAUSD Approves Landmark Policy to Limit Classroom Screen Time
The Los Angeles Unified School District board unanimously voted to implement grade-level screen time limits starting in the 2026-27 school year, which includes a total device ban for students in first grade and younger and restricted access to platforms like YouTube. Learn More
Events & Resources
Family STEM Exploration Days are Back!
This May, we’re bridging the accessibility gap by bringing hands-on STEM activities directly to where students live and play. Join us for Family STEM Exploration Days to spark curiosity and inspire our city’s next generation of innovators. Free activities & food | No registration required.
May 09: Cle Public Auditorium (9AM-4PM)
May 16: Gunning Park (12-2PM)
May 23: Collinwood (12-2PM)
NSF Launches TechAccess: AI-Ready America Initiative
The TechAccess: AI-Ready America program is a national initiative providing up to $1M per year for three years to establish coordination hubs in every state and territory, with the first round of full proposals due July 16, 2026, following a required Letter of Intent by June 16, 2026. Learn More
27th Annual Rock Your World with STEAM Family Festival
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District invites families to the Cleveland Public Auditorium on Saturday, May 9, 2026, for a dynamic day of scholar performances, interactive exhibits like the MEGA Body™ walk-through, and hands-on STEAM learning. Learn More
Youth Success Summit: A Few Tickets Left for Beyond the Bell!
Join Youth Success Summit on April 30, 2026, from 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm at The Bank at the East End to celebrate our collective impact and secure the future of high-quality youth programming—grab one of the final remaining tickets today! Buy Tickets Here
Step Up to the Plate: Exhibit at the 2026 Cleveland Guardians STEM Days
Join NEOSTEM and the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field to inspire thousands of students through high-energy, hands-on activities that showcase your organization’s commitment to regional STEM learning and career pathways. Learn More
New STEM Grant Opportunity: Funding for Student Success
The Glenn W. Bailey Foundation is offering rolling grants of up to $25,000 to support U.S.-based middle and high school programs that provide hands-on, project-based learning and prepare students for future careers in STEM. Learn More
2026 ReadOhio Literacy Academy: Registration Now Open
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce will host this year’s academy on June 3–4, 2026, at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, focusing on “Integrating Systems for Student Success” through sessions dedicated to advancing statewide literacy and teacher leadership. Learn More
Unlock Funding to Launch and Expand Hands-On STEM Programs
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) offers comprehensive resources to help schools secure grants, federal funding, and local partnerships to cover the costs of teacher training, equipment, and curriculum for transformative K-12 STEM pathways. Learn More
NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY: Fostering Interdisciplinary Networks for K-12 STEM Innovation
The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program provides funding for collaborative teams of educators, technologists, and researchers to co-design and scale technology-based solutions—with a particular emphasis on early AI exposure—to address persistent challenges in K-12 learning and workforce development. Planning Proposals Due: May 27, 2026 | Development Proposals Due: Nov.18, 2026 Learn More
In-Demand Jobs Week 2026: Powering Ohio’s Future
In-Demand Jobs Week is a statewide celebration held from May 4-8, 2026, designed to connect students and job seekers with the high-growth industries and essential skills driving Ohio’s economy. Learn More
About NEOSTEM
NEOSTEM connects over 100 organizations working across education, business, and community sectors to make STEM equitable, exciting, and career-connected.
From in-school support to out-of-school enrichment, we’re building a regional talent pipeline, from kindergarten through career.
Visit www.neostem.org | Contact us at info@neostem.org| Support NEOSTEM