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Kid Spark STEM Grants Initiative Supported by Bridgestone Americas Foundation

Instructions: Please review the following information prior to filling out the application below.

 

About the Opportunity

The Kid Spark STEM Grants Initiative helps expand access to hands-on STEM and literacy learning for schools through partnerships with corporate and philanthropic supporters.

Through support from Bridgestone Americas Foundation, six elementary schools located in select Bridgestone communities will be selected to receive cost-free Kid Spark STEM and literacy programs during the 2026–2027 school year.

Selected schools will receive comprehensive STEM programs that include hands-on engineering and robotics materials, curriculum, professional development, and ongoing implementation support.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants are limited to elementary schools located in select Bridgestone communities, including Aiken, SC; Wilson, NC; Warren, TN; Nashville, TN; Des Moines, IA; Russellville, AR; Bloomington, IL; and Akron, OH.

Applicants should serve Pre-K–5th grade students and be prepared to implement a hands-on STEM and literacy program during the 2026–2027 school year, including participation in professional development and ongoing implementation support.

Administrative support and commitment to implementation will be considered as part of the application and selection process.

What is Included in a Kid Spark Program?

 Kid Spark offers comprehensive Pre-K through 8th Grade STEM programs that explore a range of STEM topic areas, which can be taught in a traditional classroom setting or in an after-school setting. All Kid Spark programs include everything schools or informal learning providers need to successfully launch a STEM program, including products, curriculum, and professional development for educators. 
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STEM Foundations

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Storytime Inventing

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Mechanical & Structural Engineering

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Rapid Prototyping & 3D Printing

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Coding & Robotics

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Innovation & Invention

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Curriculum

A progressive, hands-on curriculum spanning Pre-K–8th grade that integrates STEM and literacy. Includes teacher lesson plans, student workbooks, design challenges, assessments, and interactive coding tutorials, plus newly developed renewable energy lessons.

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STEM Labs

STEM Labs

Kid Spark STEM Labs feature diverse, reusable engineering and robotics materials that effortlessly cater to various STEM concepts across multiple grade levels. These materials are sturdy, user-friendly, and perfect for collaborative learning and invention.

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Storytime Inventing Book Collection

A curated collection of children’s books that connect early literacy with hands-on STEM learning. Titles are age-appropriate and include a mix of fiction and nonfiction, with select books supporting sports-themed lessons developed with Special Olympics Washington.

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Professional Learning

 Through targeted training and support, we ensure that educators not only gain expertise but also the confidence to implement impactful STEM learning in their classrooms or informal spaces. Kid Spark is committed to ensuring ongoing program success by providing continuous support each year. 

Application Timeline &  Selection Process

Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2026.

Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis during the application period. As part of the review process, the Kid Spark Education team may begin connecting with schools and district representatives to learn more about school needs, implementation goals, and readiness to support a hands-on STEM and literacy program.

Priority consideration will be given to schools that:

  • Serve high percentages of economically disadvantaged students
  • Demonstrate a strong commitment to STEM and literacy learning
  • Have limited access to existing STEM programming or resources
  • Show readiness and administrative support for successful implementation

Because program placements are limited, schools are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

Six schools will ultimately be selected for program implementation during the 2026–2027 school year.

Selected schools will work with the Kid Spark team to coordinate onboarding, training, and implementation planning.

Grant Application