STEM Grants
IEEE TryEngineering STEM Grant Program
Share. Give Back. Inspire.
The 2026 application window is now open. The deadline to apply is 2 January 2026 at 11:59pm ET.
TryEngineering.org is the home for volunteers who are committed to inspiring the next generation of engineers. Our STEM Grant Program is designed to support your STEM outreach work in your community, so that you may Share, Give Back and Inspire. In doing so, you are partnering with other IEEE members who, like you, are interested in finding ways to introduce pre-university students to IEEE’s fields of interest.
We invite IEEE members to apply for funding to support their event, program, or resource. There are three levels of funding available, noted below in US dollars.
Inspire Level
$1,001 – $2,000
(minimum of 5 grants available)
Share Level
$501 – $1,000
(minimum of 10 grants available)
Introductory Level
Up to $500
(minimum of 15 grants available)
In 2026, the IEEE Computer Society will again support up to $10,000 for this program (multiple grants in various amounts). Applications that have a computer science or computer engineering focus will be considered.
In 2026, the IEEE Communications Society (ComSoc) will support up to $10,000 for this program (multiple grants in various amounts). ComSoc members with an application that focuses on Communications and Networking Technology (e.g. 5G, IoT, Wireless) will be considered for these grants.
In 2025, the IEEE Oceanic Society (OES) supported up to $5,000 for this program (multiple grants in various amounts). Applications that had an ocean engineering focus (ocean protection, renewable ocean energy, coral reef protection) were considered.
In 2025, IEEE Women in Engineering (WiE) supported grants up to $2,000. Applications focused on girls in STEM were considered.
In 2025, the IEEE Signal Processing Society (SPS) supported up to $3000 for this program (multiple grants in various amounts). Grants that had a Signal Processing Technology focus (e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Speech, Image and Video Processing, Virtual Reality) within this level of funding were considered.
Donations to the IEEE TryEngineering Fund of the IEEE Foundation are used to support the TryEngineering STEM Grant Program. Thank you to all of the donors who help make this program possible. If you would like to contribute to TryEngineering programs, please make a donation via our IEEE TryEngineering Fund donation page.
STEM Grant Program Spotlights
The TryEngineering STEM grant program provides funds to IEEE volunteers and groups to support their outreach activities for school-aged children around the globe.
Who is Eligible?
Any IEEE member may apply for a grant.
IEEE members who apply for and are selected for funding can choose to receive funding upfront through their IEEE Section or be reimbursed via the IEEE Concur system after the successful completion of the grant program.
What is Funded?
The grant funding is available to support implementing an IEEE pre-university program (ie. materials, venue fees, supplies). Members are encouraged to review resources, events, and programs at tryengineering.org.
IEEE organizational units may apply for various levels of funding as noted above. Organizations that are not a division of IEEE are not eligible for funding.
What is not Eligible for Grant Funding?
- Travel for volunteers/speakers
- Monetary honorariums
- Organizations that are not a division of IEEE
- Overhead (general and administrative or indirect costs)
- Construction or building renovations
- Lobbying or electioneering
- Commercial promotion activities
- Personal or commercial loans
- Grants with an individual as the sole beneficiary
- Scholarships to individuals
- Endowments
- Participation of specific/individual teams at competitions
- Most Food and Beverages (Up to 25% of the grant funds may be used for refreshments for participants in the event as a way to motivate participation and engagement.)
What is the Criteria?
Programs must meet the following criteria:
- Fulfill the mission of IEEE
- Be implemented by an IEEE operating unit
- Must fit in one or more of the pre-university categories:
- Event:
- Camps
- Competitions
- Student Workshop
- Teacher Workshop
- Industry/Company Tour
- Career Day
- Parent Program
- Program:
- Mentoring
- Parent Program
- Resources:
- Series of videos
- Development of a game
- Hands-on activities
- Event:
What is the Submission Date and Timeline?
- The 2026 application window opens on 1 November 2025
- The deadline is 2 January 2026 at 11:59pm ET
* The Pre-University Education Coordinating Committee (PECC) will review all proposals and final reports.
What Tool is Used for Evaluation?
The Pre-University Education Coordinating Committee (PECC) will review all proposals using the STEM Grant Evaluation Rubric. Take a look at the 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 STEM Grants awarded.
Watch the 2024 How to Write a STEM Grant Application webinar or review the 2024 presentation deck. The 2025 webinar is scheduled for 16 December 2025 at 10am ET. Register to participate.
Preference will be given to applications aligned with the TryEngineering mission and goals:
- Focused on school-aged children ages 5-12
- Applicant is engaged with the Pre-University STEM Community
- Being a STEM Champion
- Following TryEngineering on social media
- Subscribing to the TryEngineering newsletter
The PECC will award grants that reflect:
- High-quality applications
- Projects in our partners’ fields of interest
- A diverse representation of IEEE Members
The evaluation includes the follow elements:
- Program Description
- Goals and Objectives
- Milestones & Schedule
- Budget
- Evaluation & Sustainability Plan
What are the Terms and Conditions?
A final report must be submitted by 1 December 2026.
IEEE members who apply for and are selected for funding can choose to receive funding upfront through their IEEE section or be reimbursed via the IEEE Concur system after the successful completion of the grant.
All funds must be spent during 2026.
Support provided by this grant must be acknowledged in all program marketing.
IEEE Photo Release forms will be completed by participants of TryEngineering STEM Grant funded programs. IEEE Photo Release Form
Programs working directly with children will adhere to the IEEE Working with Children Guidelines.
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