FY27 FC 10RN STEM Regional Network - COMP NEW

The Executive Office of Education (EOE) in collaboration with the Department of Higher Education (DHE) is requesting proposals to lead and coordinate STEM Regional Networks across Massachusetts, with applications due July 24, 2026 at 3:00 PM EST. Eligible applicants are community-based organizations, institutions of higher education, nonprofits, and workforce boards serving as regional conveners; public school applicants are exempt from the Massachusetts Small Business Purchasing Program certification requirement, though non-profit applicants are encouraged to obtain certification for potential scoring preference.

Applicants must demonstrate existing capacity to convene stakeholders across early education and care providers, PK-12 schools and districts, higher education institutions, STEM-focused workforce training programs, business and industry partners, and community-based organizations within one of nine designated regional networks. All applicants must obtain a Certificate of Good Standing from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue (except community colleges, public vocational technical high schools, and public state universities) and demonstrate compliance with Massachusetts General Laws including the MBTA Communities Act.

The grant period runs from approval through June 30, 2027, with potential continuation funding available for fiscal years 2028 through 2030 contingent upon legislative appropriation, fund availability, and satisfactory performance. Approximately $350,000 is available in total funding, with individual base awards ranging from $30,000 to $35,000 per awardee, plus an optional opportunity to request up to $5,000 in additional funding for student internship programs. Allowable expenditures include network staffing and administration, convening and coordination activities, regional STEM programming and outreach, communications and engagement, STEM Week and STEM Summit coordination, travel, supplies and materials, and data collection and analysis; gifts, gift cards, cash incentives, and unrelated expenses are prohibited.

Proposals are evaluated on six criteria totaling 100 points (105 with optional bonus): Programmatic Focus (20 points), Governance & Communications Structure (20 points), Regional Partnerships & Coverage (15 points), STEM Week & Program Implementation (15 points), Sustainability & Growth (20 points), and Budget & Resource Alignment (10 points). A technical assistance webinar is scheduled for July 7, 2026 at 1:30 PM EST, with programmatic questions due July 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST.