Federal & State Grants

Federal education grants generally fall into two categories: formula grants and discretionary grants. Formula grants are automatically awarded to eligible entities when criteria are met, while discretionary grants are competitively awarded through applications.

State Grants, on the other hand, typically have their own application portals and timelines. Educators are advised to check their state Department of Education and Afterschool Network websites for details. 

Formula Grants

21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC)

The only federal grant stream dedicated exclusively to afterschool and summer learning programs—including STEAM and technology enrichment—targeting high-poverty, low-performing schools. These centers fund hands-on learning experiences that include laser-based makerspaces and technology education. 

Mathematics and Science Partnerships (MSP)

A federal formula grant program under Title II, Part B (ESEA) that sends funding to states based on population and poverty levels. States then offer competitive subgrants to partnerships between school districts and higher education institutions to enhance STEM teaching. MSP-funded programs can support teacher training in laser fabrication, curriculum integration, and digital design—ideal for empowering educators with OMTech tools.

Discretionary Grants

Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Grants

What it is: Part of the Department of Education's discretionary programs under Title IV, Part F, the EIR grant (formerly known as i3) funds evidence-based innovations to improve student outcomes—especially in high-need populations. Schools can propose OMTech laser-enabled STEAM modules as part of their innovative teaching solutions. Successful awards support implementation, assessment, and scaling.

Promise Neighborhoods / Full-Service Community Schools

Also under Title IV, Part F’s “National Activities,” Promise Neighborhoods and Full‑Service Community Schools are discretionary grants designed to provide comprehensive, wrap-around services in underserved communities. These programs emphasize community-engaged, out-of-school STEM education. OMTech laser tools can serve as hands-on enrichment components in these service frameworks.

State Grants

State-Level Career & Technical Education (CTE) Grants

Funded through the federal Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act (Perkins V) but distributed at the state level, these grants strengthen CTE programs in high schools and community colleges. Schools can use Perkins funds to purchase industry-aligned technology such as OMTech lasers for engineering, design, and advanced manufacturing courses.

State Afterschool Networks (21st CCLC Subgrants)

States distribute 21st Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) formula funds as subgrants, with each state setting its own application process and timeline. These programs provide critical resources for afterschool and summer learning initiatives, and schools or nonprofits can apply directly through their State Education Agency to establish OMTech laser labs as part of hands-on enrichment activities.

Other Grants

IDEA: Funding for learners with language disabilities or autism.

National Science Foundation AISL: Supports projects related to informal education in a wide range of fields, including technology and engineering.