The Coastal Virginia STEM Hub (COVA STEM Hub) has awarded over $295,000 in grants to 16 organizations across the Coastal Virginia region. These funds are aimed at enhancing access to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education for learners from pre-K through adulthood.
Supported by the City of Newport News and Virginia Peninsula Community College, COVA STEM Hub was established to address gaps in STEM education access across Hampton Roads, the Eastern Shore, and surrounding communities. The recent grants highlight Newport News’ commitment to fostering a more STEM-literate and economically resilient region.
“The City of Newport News is not just a supporter—we are a committed partner in this work,” said Alan K. Archer, Newport News City Manager. “Through COVA STEM, we are ensuring that students, educators, and communities across our region are equipped for the future, starting with the opportunities we help create today.”
The grant funding was initially announced in April and attracted numerous applications from educational institutions, museums, nonprofits, and community organizations committed to developing inclusive and impactful STEM programs.
The 2025 COVA STEM Grant recipients include:
– National Institute of Aerospace ($60,000): Professional learning for educators and students through GLOBE certification.
– An Achievable Dream ($30,750): Expansion of AI and coding curriculum to boost student confidence.
– STARBASE Victory Inc. ($30,000): Teacher Academy and program expansion to support middle school CTE pathways.
– Nauticus ($25,000): Scaling its STEM to STERN Careers program for elementary students.
– Community Outreach Coalition ($22,000): A career-focused STEM Boot Camp for underserved students.
– Virginia Space Grant Consortium ($20,000): Elementary STEM education focused on AI literacy.
– FullSTEAM ($20,000): After-school transdisciplinary STEAM learning for youth.
– Virginia Living Museum ($16,000): STEM career awareness and teacher development programs.
– Virtual Science Teachers ($15,550): Online STEM education resources for Suffolk and Hampton Roads.
– The Mariners’ Museum and Park ($12,768): “Diving into STEM” technology-focused career exploration.
– Art Technically ($12,000): Regional STEM outreach and student engagement expansion.
– Youth Sailing Virginia ($10,000): Maritime-focused “Learn to Sail with STEM” youth program.
– Chesapeake Public Schools ($10,000): STEM carts to enhance learning throughout the district.
– Rosie Riveters ($6,500): STEM empowerment for girls and workforce development.
– Horizons Hampton Roads ($5,150): “We Are Change-Makers” initiative to extend STEM access.
– Newport News Public Schools ($700): Stem-focused book acquisition to promote literacy in science and technology.
