Education
For years, the EDC has championed STEM education as a key public policy priority, partnering with local school districts, business leaders, and civic organizations to strengthen workforce readiness across the region.
STEM and STEAM Educators Grants
To further that commitment, the EDC has administered grant programs for local educators since 2021, directly increasing access to STEM and STEAM materials, classroom technology, and hands-on learning opportunities for students across St. Charles County.
2026 Grant Program Impact
This program provides a grant of up to $1,000 for STEM-related classroom materials for the 2026-2027 school year to 10 K-12 teachers in St. Charles County.
This program is open to K-12 classroom teachers at public and private schools in St. Charles County, Missouri. Community organizations (YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.) are also eligible to participate. Winners will be selected by the EDC Partners Education Committee, which is comprised of representatives from local public and private schools, as well as local business and civic leaders.
Successful submissions will:
- Grab the imagination of students while laying the groundwork for future careers in STEM fields or later STEM coursework.
- Explain how they would use the funding in their classroom.
- Request materials for innovative STEM activities that can be easily incorporated into a classroom setting.
- Request funding for materials not currently in the teacher’s budget or utilized in their current curriculum.
Priority will be given to requests for materials that can be used in subsequent years and across multiple classes/grades.
If a project budget exceeds $1,000 applicants must advise how the balance will be funded.
This program provides a grant of up to $1,000 for STEAM-related Fine Arts materials for the 2026-2027 school year.
Open to K–12 Fine Arts teachers in both public and private schools across St. Charles County, Missouri, this grant supports educators who teach:
- Art
- Band
- Choir
- Music
- Orchestra
- Theatre
Successful projects will focus on enhancing Fine Arts curricula through the use of technology. Examples include:
- Adaptive technology to bring the arts to diverse learners or students with disabilities.
- Audio/visual equipment to improve fine arts performances or classroom engagement.
- Innovative software programs or equipment for music composition or graphic arts.
Winners will be chosen by the EDC's STEM Education Committee, which includes local educators, business leaders, and civic representatives, along with a subcommittee of Fine Arts educators.
Submissions must:
- Lay the groundwork for future careers in STEAM fields or later STEAM coursework.
- Explain how they would use the funding in their classroom.
- Request materials for innovative STEAM activities that can be easily incorporated into a classroom setting.
- Request funding for materials not currently in the teacher’s budget or utilized in their current curriculum.
Priority will be given to requests for materials that can be used in subsequent years and across multiple classes/grades.
If a project budget exceeds $1,000 applicants must advise how the balance will be funded.
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"THROUGH SUSTAINED INVESTMENT IN STEM, WE ARE NOT ONLY ENHANCING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES BUT LAYING DOWN THE FOUNDATION FOR A BRIGHTER, MORE INNOVATIVE FUTURE FOR ALL OF ST. CHARLES COUNTY." RANDY SCHILLING |