STEM education funding is under threat. Please help us continue our work!

In the last year, funding for many vital STEM programs has been threatened by federal cuts and shifting grant priorities. The Minnesota Academy of Science has had to adapt in 2025, and some of our programs are hurting.

Most urgently, we have lost much of the funding that powered our volunteer program — a network that engaged over 400 STEM professionals, connecting them with meaningful opportunities to contribute over 3600 hours of volunteer time in just the last year.

We need renewed support from the Minnesota STEM community to continue this important work.

Will you help us to inspire the next generation of students?

Our work impacts over 4,000 students every year:

• Minnesota State Science and Engineering Fair provides nearly 400 students:
  • A hands-on experience of what real scientific research is;
  • The valuable lesson that failure is key to discovery;
  • The excitement of competition and recognition for outstanding work;
  • The chance to be mentored by scientists & judges who care about their success;
  • A fun environment where students connect with peers who share their passion.
• Minnesota State Science Bowls gives over 240 students the opportunity to:
  • Deepen their STEM knowledge;
  • Collaborate with peers to develop teamwork and leadership skills;
  • Build confidence in their abilities through healthy and fun competition;
  • Interact with STEM professionals in an exciting environment;
  • Earn recognition for themselves, their teammates, and their school.

Our FORSE (Fostering Opportunities and Relationships in Science Education) program is a crucial compliment to those competitions. We all know that many students don't have access to the same opportunities, so for the past eight years we have committed to reaching thousands of students from communities underrepresented in STEM fields. In just the past year, our FORSE program served about 3,600 students by working with 15 partners to deliver activities in 21 schools and 4 summer programs, providing:

• STEM experiences such as field trips, speakers, demonstrations, and workshops
• STEM Play Days featuring fun, hands-on activities that connect elementary students to STEM subjects in positive, confidence-building ways
• Financial support for STEM goals, activities, or materials identified by educators;

By bringing these students engaging activities and exposure to role models who look like them, we help show them that a future in STEM is within reach.

We can’t do this important work without you!

Please make a donation today and do your part

to fight for STEM education in Minnesota.