The mission of the Navy League STEM Institute is to put science, technology, engineering and mathematics into the hands of America’s youth.
The STEM Institute funds programs and resources that bring STEM to life for children and students. Navy League councils carry out this work in communities across the country, and your donations make it possible.
How It Works
The STEM Institute funds grants that put hands-on STEM programs directly into local communities. Local Navy League councils use these grants to bring STEM events, robotics kits, engineering equipment, cyber defense competitions, and other STEM resources to students in their area. Each grant is designed as a kick-starter, with local partners matching the funding to stretch every dollar further. In 2025, $33,700 in grants reached 21 communities nationwide.
In Placer County, California, a $1,000 STEM Institute grant sparked a partnership between the local Navy League council, the Hillmen Foundation, and Placer High School. The council matched $500, the Hillmen Foundation added $776, and together they funded a full set of physics carts and tracks for students who had been sharing a single set.
By 2026, the partnership came back for a second grant to launch a Biomedical Science program at the school.
“These tools are essential for engaging students in meaningful scientific inquiry. With this grant, we’ll be able to give more students hands-on experience, which helps them visualize and truly understand key physics concepts. It’s a game-changer for our program.” — Bill Kish, Physics Teacher, Placer High School
For Navy League Councils
STEM Grant
Navy League councils can apply for STEM Institute grants to fund local STEM programs.
Support Letter
Need a letter of support from the STEM Institute for your local program? We’re happy to help
STEM After Action Report
Grant recipients: submit your Post Activity Report here
Become a Partner or Mentor
The STEM Institute is looking for Navy League councils, youth organizations and corporate partners to bring together mentors and youth and highlight careers in the naval sector.