MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants Support Innovative STEM Learning

LANSING — MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants are designed to support hands-on, community-connected STEM learning across Michigan. Through this initiative, educators can create Project, Problem-, and Place-Based learning experiences that help students build transferable skills. As a result, students are encouraged to explore real-world challenges while connecting classroom learning to future career pathways. Ultimately, the program strengthens local partnerships and prepares learners for Michigan’s evolving innovation economy.

The MiSTEM Network invites educational partners to apply for up to $50,000 in 2025 MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants. Through this program, Michigan educators, schools, and community partners can design innovative 3P (Project, Problem, and Place Based) STEM learning experiences. In turn, these experiences spark curiosity, deepen transferable skills, and build stronger community connections. A total of 16 grants will be awarded through the MiSTEM Playbook mini-grants.

1. How MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants Support 3P STEM Learning

By supporting community-engaged STEM experiences, the MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grant helps students see STEM as relevant today. At the same time, it highlights pathways to future careers in Michigan’s innovation economy. As a result, students learn by doing, lead with curiosity, and contribute to a stronger Michigan.

“Preparing Michigan students for the high-demand careers of tomorrow starts with giving them hands-on, real-world learning experiences today,” said Megan Schrauben, MiSTEM Network Executive Director. “These grants help educators bring STEM learning to life. In practice, they connect classrooms to Michigan’s growing industries. For example, this includes advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and construction. By investing in innovative classroom experiences, we build a stronger talent pipeline. As a result, opportunity and innovation continue to thrive across the state.”

2. Who Can Apply for MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants

Until 11:59 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, Michigan Intermediate School Districts (ISDs), Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs), Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and MiSTEM Fiscal Agencies are eligible to apply. Tribes and tribal community organizations may apply with an identified eligible fiduciary (ISD, RESA, LEA, or MiSTEM Fiscal Agency). Applications that demonstrate collaboration among community partners across all learning spaces are strongly encouraged.

3. What is 3P learning?

Project-Based Learning is where students design solutions and share what they create with their communities.
Problem-Based Learning is where students investigate real challenges, such as local water quality or mobility access.
Place-Based Learning is where instruction is rooted in local environments and partnerships with organizations and industry leaders. These approaches strengthen student voice, build career awareness from the earliest grades, and provide opportunities to co-create solutions with community experts, families, and STEM professionals.

4. MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants Strengthen Michigan’s STEM Future

In partnership with Michigan State University, these Mini Grants will “expand opportunities for educators to be innovative,” said Dr. Stefanie Marshall, Associate Professor of Science Education at Michigan State University, who will serve as the Director of the MiSTEM grant. “This funding creates an opportunity to bridge local STEM innovations. Specifically, it connects K–12 classrooms, professional learning, and STEM partners. In turn, it strengthens pathways to STEM opportunities across Michigan.”

Thanks to generous support from partners like General Motors, the MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grant invests in educators. In addition, it supports schools and community partners bringing 3P learning to life.

To support applicants, an informational webinar will be held Thursday, Dec. 18, at 4:30 p.m. Afterward, the recording will be shared online. To learn more, educators can visit the MiSTEM grants website to register and apply.

These materials were developed under a MiSTEM grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education and a grant awarded by General Motors.

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Final Thoughts:

MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants stand out as a meaningful investment in both educators and students across Michigan. Rather than funding isolated projects, the program encourages collaboration, creativity, and real-world problem solving. In doing so, it helps learning extend beyond the classroom and into local communities. Overall, this approach supports long-term impact by connecting STEM education directly to future opportunities.

FAQs:

1. Who is eligible to apply for MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants?

Michigan ISDs, RESAs, LEAs, MiSTEM Fiscal Agencies, and tribal organizations working with an eligible fiduciary may apply.

2. What types of learning do MiSTEM Playbook Mini Grants support?

The grants support Project-Based, Problem-Based, and Place-Based (3P) STEM learning that connects students with real-world challenges and community partners.