Utah STEM Action Center

GRANTS CLOSING SOON: The Classroom Grant, Competition Grant and the UGrow Grant close August 31, so get your applications in!

The Classroom Grant is for pre-k-12 educators who want to add innovative approaches to STEM in their classrooms. Awards are up to $1,500.

The Competition Grant is for students participating in STEM competitions such as Olympiads, VEX and FIRST robotics, science and engineering fairs, math contests, and more.

The UGrow Hydroponics Grant provides funding for equipment to start a hydroponics program in a classroom.

These grants are available in schools and districts across Utah. Learn more and apply: https://stem.utah.gov/educators/funding/

Sign Up for a FREE STEM on Stage Show!

STEM on Stage combines magic, comedy, and STEM to make for an unforgettable show! This program is designed as an all-school assembly for elementary ages. Magician and educator Paul Brewer is the host.

STEM on Stage is free for your school, funded by the Utah STEM Foundation. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.utahmagic.com/stem

There are still classes left for the month of August!

Register through eventbrite and jumpstart your project at our Innovation Hub: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/utah-stem-action-center-54456081773

Fridays is free Tinker Time with different time slots available for registration.

Can’t wait to see you there!

NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITY OPEN NOW: the UGrow Grant includes everything you need to start hydroponics in your classroom or school! Grow fresh food year-round while giving students hands-on learning opportunities.

Students benefit by developing durable skills from hands-on learning, which aligns to Utah Science Standards. Educators are provided manuals and tools to easily integrate hydroponics into their classrooms.

Learn more and apply: stem.utah.gov/hydroponics/

Great Hall Theatrics is opening John Henry vs. the Robot at the Angelus Theatre in Spanish Fork this week, and you're invited free with a special code! The show is a PG musical comedy where the folk hero John Henry faces off against a robot trying to join the family.

Use code STEMFAM2 for up to 2 complimentary tickets to the show on Aug. 14, Aug. 15, or Aug. 19, while seats are available.

Get tickets: https://greathall.live/john/?utm_source=stem_action_center&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=john_henry_organic_outreach&utm_content=stemfam2_opening_week

Join UVU’s third annual MakerCon, a conference designed specifically for educators passionate about bringing the spirit of making into the classroom. This event is a unique opportunity for educators to explore innovative ways to integrate hands-on, project-based learning into their curriculum, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills in students.

MakerCon is Sept. 25 - 26. The registration deadline is Sept. 18. Learn more and sign up here: uvu.edu/school-of-ed/makercon/

Applications are open now for our mySTEM program! This program engages students in STEM through service learning, student-led projects, and connections with STEM professionals. Students receive support from the STEM Action Center through mentors and advisors as they work to solve real-world problems.

This program is for students in grades 6–12. Apply by August 15 to join the 2026–27 mySTEM Scholar cohort! Learn more: stem.utah.gov/mystem

We have two grants opening August 3: the Classroom Grant and the Competition Grant. We also have a NEW grant, our UGROW Grant, open now.

The Classroom Grant is for pre-k-12 educators who want to add innovative approaches to STEM in their classrooms. Awards are up to $1,500.

The Competition Grant is for students participating in STEM competitions such as Olympiads, VEX and FIRST robotics, science and engineering fairs, math contests, and more.

And the UGROW Hydroponics Grant provides funding for equipment and manuals to start a hydroponics program in a classroom.

All these grants close August 31. Learn more and apply: https://stem.utah.gov/educators/funding/

STEM Action Center | A Division of the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement Utah's Partner in Innovative STEM Education MISSIONThe STEM Action Center is Utah’s partner in promoting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education through the identification and support of best practices and leveraging of resources across education, industry, government and community par...

🐰🦔 FREE PETTING ZOO FOR KIDS AT CHILL ACT SALT LAKE CITY! 🐢🐹

Bring the whole family to CHILL ACT Salt Lake City, a joyful, inclusive event that connects families with valuable autism, developmental, educational, therapy, and special-needs resources—all in one welcoming place.

🌟 Kids can meet and interact with:

🐰 Rabbits
🐭 Chinchilla
🦔 Hedgehog
🦎 Bearded Dragon
🐢 Tortoise
🐾 Ferrets
🐹 Guinea Pig

Families can also meet local providers, schools, therapists, specialists, nonprofits, and community organizations while children enjoy exciting, family-friendly activities.

📅 Saturday, August 8, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM–3:00 PM
📍 Salt Palace Convention Center, Halls 2 & 3
🎟️ FREE ENTRY FOR FAMILIES

Come discover helpful resources, make meaningful connections, and enjoy a special day created for children, parents, caregivers, and the entire family.

🌐 Learn more and register:
www.chillactexpo.com