VASE Grants and Awards
One of VASE’s main missions is to foster a deeper understanding and interest in scientific and technical matters among Vermont's citizens. For that reason, we are very interested in promoting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education opportunities.
The Paula Five-Taylor STEM Teacher of the Year Award
VASE recognizes and honors Vermont's outstanding science teachers by granting two annual awards to teachers in Vermont who have served as role models for their colleagues and are leaders in the improvement of science education. One award will be given for a teacher of kindergarten through 8th grade and the second for 9th through 12th grade.
Next round of nominations for Teacher of the Year Awards open February 1, 2025.
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For more application information and past recipients, refer to: Teacher of the Year Awards
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NEW! Mentor/ Coach Stipends
VASE is delighted to offer funds received from the Leahy Institute for Rural Partnerships toward STEM mentorships for education in underserved rural Vermont. VASE is now accepting applications from rural communities in Vermont that need funds to attract mentors who will guide STEM extra-curricular educational activities for students. Approved mentors will receive financial compensation of up to $2,000 for one year (with a possible extension in 2025). Mentors might run an after-school STEM program or coach a robotics team, for example. These stipends might occur in conjunction with a VASE grant for Hands-On Science and Technology (HOST) programs.
To apply for a mentor/ coach stipend, please check this webpage again in 2025.
Applications are not currently being accepted.
For a press release about his new opportunity, click this LINK.
VASE Small Equipment Grants to K-12 Teachers
The Small Equipment Grants are designed to enable Vermont teachers to incorporate opportunities for hands-on STEM activities in their classrooms only. The grants are generally between $500 and $1000 and are made annually in the Fall of each year.
Call for Fall 2024 applications for Small Equipment Grants!
Grant application forms will be available on Sept. 1, 2024. Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30, 2024.
For more application information and past recipients, refer to: Small Equipment Grants
VASE Hands-On Science and Technology (HOST) Grants
These grants are designed to support independent science activities such as extra-curricular science clubs, science/robotic clubs (e.g. FIRST robotics), and independent citizen science projects, not for in-classroom projects. The grants are generally between $500 and $1000 and are made annually in the Fall of each year.
Call for Fall 2024 applications for VASE HOST grants!
Grant application forms will be available on Sept. 1, 2024.
Applications will be accepted through Sept. 30, 2024.
To see a PDF copy of the grant application, please click HERE.
For more application information and past recipients, refer to: HOST Grants
Other Partnership Opportunities
Do you need more than a small equipment grant? The VASE membership extends to a variety of Vermont private and academic sectors and thus we may be able to broker connections to serve your needs. If this is the case, please click here to contact us to start a discussion of the program you envision.