Igniting Innovation: DiscoverE’s Outreach Grants for Empowering Future Engineers 

October 12, 2023
An illustration of three people in an abstract futuristic backdrop. STEM Outreach Grants Available Now is written in a blue star; Welcome to the Future is near the bottom.

In a rapidly advancing world, engineering is at the foreground of innovation and progress. To ensure a bright future, it is crucial to empower the next generation of engineers. DiscoverE is dedicated to advocating engineering education and engagement by nurturing young minds and inspiring educators. That’s why DiscoverE offers outreach grants designed to support volunteers and educators in their efforts to inspire future innovators through hands-on exploration of engineering. 

DiscoverE’s 2024 Grants are available right now! 

Past Recipients of Outreach Grants 

Here are some examples of how past grantees are transforming students’ futures!

Surf Skate Science in Coconut Creek, FL Kids were introduced to the engineering principles behind skateboarding, focusing on innovation in deck design, trucks, wheels, and grip tape. They had the opportunity to engage in hands-on projects to test different materials. Additionally, some students took on the challenge of designing their own paper finger-sized skateboards, applying their creativity to the engineering process. The program welcomed K-12 students from homeschool, charter, and micro schools in South Florida. The participants represented diverse cultural and economic backgrounds, creating an inclusive and enriching learning environment.

The Society of Women Engineers Houston Area Section in Houston, TX, organized their annual “Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day” to expose students in grades 6 through 9 to engineering concepts. The event featured three hands-on engineering activities, a keynote speaker, and lunch with an engineer. Its primary objectives were to increase young females’ exposure to STEM fields and help them explore potential STEM career paths. 

American Society of Engineers Younger Members Forum in New York, NY During Kid’s Week at the Intrepid Museum in New York City, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Younger Members Forum organized the Interactive Seismic Structural Experience program. This program aimed to educate children about structural engineering and earthquake-resistant design through hands-on activities. It drew a diverse audience of over 500 attendees, including children, parents, and volunteers.

Want more information?

DiscoverE’s Grant Opportunities 

  • Engineers Week Outreach Grants:
    • Focus: These $250 – $1000 grants support activities and events that specifically target underserved K-12 students.
    • Purpose: The aim is to provide students from underprivileged backgrounds with hands-on engineering experiences that can inspire their interest in STEM careers.
    • Benefit: These grants enable educators and volunteers to organize engaging engineering activities, workshops, and events in and around Engineers Week, reaching out to students who may not have had prior experience to engineering concepts. 
  • Bell Girl Day Grants:
    • Focus: Bell Girl Day Grants are dedicated to events that showcase the exciting world of engineering to K-12 age girls and all students of marginalized gender.
    • Purpose: The grants aim to break down gender stereotypes in the field of engineering and encourage students to pursue STEM careers.
    • Benefit: With these grants, organizers can create events that inspire students to explore the endless possibilities within engineering, nurturing inclusivity and diversity within the field. 

Learn more and apply today!

Recent Posts

Discovering DiscoverE for #GivingTuesday

DiscoverE believes every student in the world deserves access to free engineering and STEM experiences.  Why does this matter? Numerous studies predict STEM job shortages based on industry growth. The US Bureau of Labor predicts a shortage of six million engineers by...

Chats with Change Makers: Leah Baker

On Thursday November 2 our Chats with Change Makers student host Kavya got to interview Leah Baker, a chemical engineer with Cargill and the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Chats with Change Makers is designed to showcase real engineers, technologists, and...

5 Engineering Messages to Share

We've spent more than a year researching student attitudes, thoughts, concerns, and hopes about engineering through our Messages Matter research project.     The Results When we combine appealing messages with engineering role models student interest in engineering...

October Featured Activities

Each month our team highlights three engineering activities that pair the Engineering Design Process with open-ended questions and invite students to Discover Engineering.   Creepy Putty This engineering challenge is perfect for the spookiest month! Students from...

Welcome to the Future: Engineer’s Week 2024

Welcome to Engineers Week 2024! This year’s theme "Welcome to the Future" is about celebrating today’s achievements and paving the way for a brighter and more diverse future in engineering.  Engineers Are Shaping the Future.  Engineering is at the forefront of...

Topic Categories