Exploring STEAM Funding Options

February 2019 PCS Edventures

This webinar, took place on February 27, 2019, at 3:00 PM MST, to explore funding options for STEAM programs. Longtime education guru, Jim Schmidt, and STEAM specialist, Suzy Haislip, will be joined by a panel of experts to share their expertise on grants and other funding resources.

Topics Included:

Where to find local funding
National grant opportunities
State STEM organizations and supporters
How to write a successful grant proposal

Kaitlin Maguire, iSTEM Coordinator and Grant Writer at the Idaho STEM Action Center, has been a scientific researcher for over 10 years. Throughout that time, she has written grants ranging from small foundation scholarships to large federal grants. One year ago, she started using this experience to write grants for the STEM Action Center, supporting STEM programming, maker education, and computer science programs. With STEM AC, she searches for grant opportunities, applies, and reports to funding agencies. Not to mention, she supports STEM AC’s grant opportunities and reviews applications for STEM funding, allowing her to see the ‘other side’ of the grant and funding process.

Shawn Petty is the Training & Development Manager for Westat. In this role, he oversees the development of training products, coordinates the efforts of consultants, and provides technical assistance for various educational clients. Shawn entered the education industry after a decade of experience in the corporate world with the Disney and Target Corporations. He has been a Regional Coordinator for Harris County Department of Education as well as a Texas ACE Project Director. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from BYU-Hawaii and a Masters of Political Management from George Washington University.

Wendy Weisbart has spent 20+ years creating the best path of success for all students, watching students play important roles in their own education. She has served as a classroom teacher, 21st CCLC Facilitator and District Administrator. Wendy’s main focus is on creating collaboration through effective communication tools. She has a bachelor’s degree in Education, a minor in Early Education, along with multiple masters’ degrees: Technology, Arts in the Curriculum and Leadership and Administration. Wendy is active in community outreach and is currently serving on the Nevada Afterschool Network Board. Her approach is derived from a combination of being a lifelong learner and always being up for an adventure.

Additional Resources

Webinar Slides with Links

STEM Grant Writing White Paper

Kaitlin's Grant Writing Worksheet

State-by-State and National Funding Lists

Jim Schmidt. Ed.D., Educational Specialist

Over 20 years of experience in public school education and administration
Extensive experience in facilitating professional and program development initiatives in STEM areas
Has managed statewide training programs in the state of Idaho, including the creation of the Dehryl A. Dennis Professional Technical Center, one of the top high school technical educational facilities in the Pacific Northwest.
Joined PCS in 2007 after retiring from the Boise School District