RFP – FY27 K-8 STEM Initiative Enhancement Project Grant

The Mississippi Department of Education is offering a one‑year grant of up to $20,000 to each eligible public school district to establish or enhance K‑8 STEM programs that align with state college‑and‑career‑readiness standards. Eligible districts must have an approved 2025‑2026 Perkins Local Plan and be in good standing with required data submissions. Funds may be used only for equipment, software, and direct implementation of STEM activities; they cannot replace existing funding. Applicants must submit a single‑page cover sheet, assurances, terms, a 20‑page program narrative, and detailed budget forms (A‑C) totaling no more than $20,000, with required signatures from the superintendent and fiscal agent. Proposals are submitted electronically via the RFXS portal by May 28 2026, 2 pm CST, with an optional mailed copy. Evaluation is based on narrative quality, collaboration, evaluation plan, and budget alignment, scoring up to 100 points. Award notifications occur June 12 2026, and the grant period runs FY 2026‑2027. • Eligibility: Mississippi public school districts with an approved Perkins plan and required data submitted. • Funding: Maximum $20,000 per district for equipment, software, and implementation of STEM activities. • Deliverables: 20‑page program plan, budget narrative, and required signatures; compliance with Section 504, ADA, IDEA. • Timeline: RFP issued Apr 28 2026 → Q&A deadline May 13 2026 → Proposal deadline May 28 2026 → Award notice Jun 12 2026 → Project period FY 2026‑27. • Evaluation: Narrative (60 pts), Collaboration (5 pts), Evaluation plan (20 pts), Budget (15 pts).