STEM Pioneers: Elementary Teachers at the Frontier of early STEM Learnings

K-5 teachers in NJ, PA, and WV can apply to be part of this prestigious National STEM Teacher Corps

Application Portal Now Live!

Application Deadline 2/16/2026.

Three STEM Education Centers are leading a National STEM Teacher Corps Regional Alliance Pilot Program—an investment in elementary STEM education across the Mid-Atlantic—and are seeking qualified teachers to apply.

Exciting Opportunity for K-5 Teachers in NJ, PA, and WV!

The National STEM Teacher Corps Pilot Program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) as part of the CHIPS and Science Act, aims to elevate the STEM teaching profession and support outstanding educators. Penn State's Center for Science and the Schools (CSATS) has secured a $5 million grant to launch the STEM Pioneers initiative, which will empower elementary teachers in the Mid-Atlantic.

Read the full CSATS articleHERE.

Read the Tech Ed Magazine articleHERE.

Read the article from The College of New Jersey HERE.

This program aims to:

●        Elevate elementary teachers as foundational/frontier STEM educators

●        Evidence of the critical importance of K-5 years for developing STEM proficiencies and identities

●        Emphasize learning through authentic practices and innovative teaching strategies

●        Connect early learning to long-term workforce development and scientific literacy

●        Recognize K-5 teachers as essential STEM professionals

Teacher Benefits—STEM Pioneers Corps

●        $12,000 annual stipend (three payments of $4,000 over the year)

●        Professional development in curriculum related to current STEM and in educational leadership

●        Paid travel to the summer professional development, which will rotate between the three HEIs

●        Paid travel to the state science teachers association conferences and NSTA

●        Paid web-based tools for STEM curriculum design and social media dissemination

●        Paid travel to hold a 1-day workshop with other teachers, if needed.

●        Materials for teachers who participate in the 1-day workshop that they lead… and more…

All materials must be submitted by 8:00 AM on February 16, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Visit FAQ Page.

For more information and to apply, click the button below. Questions? jeff_remington@psu.edu

For more information and to apply, click HERE