On February 11, 2026, the General Atomics Sciences Education Foundation announced awards of $53,500 in funding to 12 organizations and programs to improve K-12 STEM education. 

1. $5,000 to Generation STEAM for Life Science Innov8Ed Program
Funds support its Life Science Innov8Ed program for the 2025-2026 school year. The program focuses on delivering hands-on science labs and career-connected learning to underserved Title 1 schools across San Diego County, impacting approximately 10,000 students. Students engage in three standards-aligned lab experiences: bacterial transformation, protein purification, and ocean acidification. These labs provide real-world applications of life science concepts and introduce students to biotechnology techniques.
Additionally, 200-300 high school students from Castle Park High School, Mira Mesa High School, and Canyon Hills High School will serve as biomanufacturing interns, gaining practical industry experience by assembling lab kits for participating schools. These interns receive certificates of completion and are celebrated at a year-end recognition event.
The funding will also support educator training, which equips teachers to implement advanced biotech curricula such as genomics and bioinformatics labs. Events planned include teacher professional development sessions, company tours, and career panels. These efforts aim to expand access to life science education for underserved students.

2. $10,000 to Chapter One  for their Reading Program
Funds for GA Sciences Education Foundation core Chapter One reading tutoring program for the 2025-2026 school year.  Supports up to 20 GA staff each tutoring a first- grade student in the Atlanta region.  The readings include science stories.

3. $10,000 to Elementary Institute of Science  for their Girls Take Flight Program
Funding for the practicum phase of the 2026 Girls Take Flight program, which serves grade 10-11 girls from Title I schools in southeastern San Diego. Participants are primarily Black, Latina, and Filipina students, groups underrepresented in STEM careers, with the goal of increasing their participation in engineering, computer science, and aviation fields.
The 2026 program will begin in February and includes three phases.
Kickoff events will be held at high schools such as Lincoln High School and Morse High School, introducing students to drone technologies and related careers. Up to 40 girls will then attend a spring drone camp, where they will learn drone coding, assembly, repair, and flight simulation. The practicum phase will follow for up to 15 participants, offering 180 hours of training to prepare them for the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Test. Students will gain skills in drone operation, regulations, weather effects, and emergency procedures, and receive mentorship from female STEM professionals. Graduates will earn a $2,500 stipend to purchase a drone and pursue immediate work opportunities.
Since 2018, the program has supported 423 students, with 68 earning FAA certifications.

 

4. $3,000 to Expanding Your Horizons – San Diego for their 2026 Conference
Funds support the 2026 EYH Conference, scheduled for March 14, 2026. This annual event is designed to inspire girls in grades 6-10, particularly those from Title 1 schools and underserved communities, to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The funding will directly support fee waivers for students unable to afford the nominal fee and cover costs associated with organizing transportation for schools in need. In 2025, over 65% of attendees received fee waivers, with participation increasing by 70% compared to 2024.
The 2026 conference will be hosted on a local college campus, providing hands-on STEM workshops led by professionals from industry, academia, and government. Past workshops have included crime scene forensics, plasma and electricity labs [from GA], and marine biology. Mentorship is a critical element of the program, with each group of participants guided by female STEM undergraduate students. Feedback from previous conferences indicates that 67% of participants reported increased interest in STEM, and 58% are now considering STEM careers.
EYH will focus outreach efforts on Title 1 schools to increase accessibility. With the requested funding, EYH aims to support 260 participants in 2026, ensuring more students from underserved communities can access this impactful STEM learning experience.  The 2025 conference involved 228 students, 80 presenters, and 54 mentors.

5. $2,500 to Girls Rising for their STEM Events
Girls Rising, a San Diego-based nonprofit, is requesting $10,000 to support five STEM events in 2026 for nearly 150 girls ages 8–17 from underserved communities, primarily Title 1 schools, across San Diego County. The funding will cover instructor costs, materials, transportation, program coordination, and meals for participants. Events include the Wider Horizons Outdoor STEM Series (three workshops focused on environmental science and sustainability), the Lip Balm Chemistry Lab (a hands-on chemistry activity teaching formulation science), and STEM by the Bay (a marine science-focused back-to-school event incorporating kayaking and environmental engineering concepts). The Wider Horizons workshops are planned for spring and will include take-home materials such as water testing kits and native seed packets. The Lip Balm Chemistry Lab is scheduled for summer, while STEM by the Bay will be held in late August.
These events will directly impact girls from Title 1 schools where students face challenges including poverty, incarceration of family members, and foster care placement. By providing hands-on STEM experiences, the initiative aims to increase participants’ understanding of environmental science, chemistry, and marine ecology while improving confidence in their scientific abilities. These programs will help participants develop practical STEM skills and foster interest in science careers, addressing the underrepresentation of girls in STEM fields.

6. $1,500 to Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair for their 2026 Fair
The Los Angeles County Science and Engineering Fair (LACSEF) seeks funding to support its programs for the period of July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The requested funds will directly support underserved and Title 1 schools across Los Angeles County by providing fee waivers for 35% or more of participating students and schools, ensuring equitable access to STEM opportunities. LACSEF’s flagship event, the 76th Annual Science and Engineering Fair, is scheduled for March 8–9, 2026, at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall. This event allows middle and high school students to engage in independent research and design-thinking projects, applying classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.
In 2025, LACSEF served over 900,000 students, with 1,150 students submitting final projects—a 24% increase from the previous year. Participating schools included Title 1 institutions such as Garfield High School, Roosevelt High School, and Manual Arts High School. The funding will enable further growth in participation, aiming for a 7% increase in both student and school involvement, while expanding outreach to underserved populations by 15%. Additionally, the funds will support the Interactive Exhibit Hall, which will be expanded by 20% to enhance public engagement and provide hands-on STEM learning experiences.
LACSEF operates as a volunteer-led nonprofit with no financial support from local school districts or Los Angeles County, relying entirely on grants, donations, and sponsorships to sustain its mission.

7. $1,500 to MiraCosta College Foundation for their 2026 STREAM Festival
The MiraCosta College Foundation is requesting $10,000 to support its 2026 STREAM Festival, scheduled for April 25, 2026, at MiraCosta’s Oceanside campus. The funding will be used to purchase STREAM demonstration supplies, student uniforms, transportation for attendees, event rentals (tables, canopies, chairs), marketing materials, and support personnel costs. MiraCosta students put classroom learning into action by designing fun, hands-on STREAM activities for TK–8 students and their families.
The STREAM Festival targets TK–8 students, with a focus on underserved populations, including those from Title I schools where over 50% of students receive free or reduced-price lunch. Special outreach is made to engage families from low-income and first-generation college backgrounds. The event anticipates nearly 500 attendees, primarily from disadvantaged communities, and will feature over 30 hands-on STREAM activities designed by MiraCosta students and community partners. Activities integrate science, technology, reading, engineering, arts, and math, helping students apply knowledge in real-world contexts. STREAM participation cards encourage exploration and engagement, with prizes for completed cards.
The funding will directly impact students by providing access to STREAM learning opportunities that strengthen problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. MiraCosta students gain service-learning experience, enhancing their leadership and teaching abilities.

8. $5,000 to San Diego Air & Space Museum for Aircraft Design STEM Workshops
Funding will deliver free Aircraft Design STEM workshops aboard the Museum's mobile classroom, Mission Control, during the period of January through March 2026. The proposed outreach serves 4th-8th grade students in afterschool programs across multiple school districts (e.g. San Diego Unified, Chula Vista ESD, La Mesa-Spring Valley, and Poway Unified) and select libraries offering afterschool enrichment. Since rolling out Mission Control two years ago, Museum educators have expanded countywide access to STEM education programs from 29 programs in 2024 to 59 in 2025. Last fiscal year alone, over 23,500 students participated in Museum programs, including 5,000 through Mission Control. These workshops introduce students to important aerodynamics and engineering design instruction and result in increased confidence and enhanced curiosity in STEM. This outreach will prepare students for the  annual Fling It to Wing It competition in April 2026. Funds support workshop materials and transportation costs to bring Mission Control to five school sites and three libraries throughout San Diego County. The Aircraft Design workshops will engage approximately 400 4th-8th graders during after school and library programs, providing hands-on learning focused on aerodynamics, engineering design, and problem solving. The grant prioritizes Title I schools and communities where students have historically lacked access to STEM programming and competitions.

9. $3,500 to Generation STEAM for San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering
Generation STEAM is requesting $3,500 to support General Atomics' participation in the 2026 San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering, scheduled for March 7, 2026, at Petco Park. The funding will cover costs associated with the exhibit booth and performances aimed at engaging K-12 students, particularly those from Title I schools and underserved communities across San Diego County. The Festival, which attracts over 21,000 attendees annually, provides hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) activities designed to inspire students and increase awareness of STEAM career opportunities.  The funding will enable General Atomics to host a 10x10 exhibit space with interactive demonstrations, provide electricity for exhibit operations, and support community engagement efforts.

10. $5,000 to North County Education Foundation for SuperSTEM Saturday
The North County Education Foundation is requesting sponsorship to support Super STEM Saturday 2026, a free STEM festival held on March 14, 2026, at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM). The event expects over 21,000 attendees, including students from Title 1 schools and underserved communities across North San Diego County. Funds will cover essential costs such as booth rentals for 120 exhibitors, event parking management, printing of programs and signage, facility rental, attendee bags, and safety measures.  This event is the third-largest STEM festival in California.
Super STEM Saturday provides hands-on STEM activities and demonstrations, such as robotics, coding, astronomy, and environmental science, designed to engage K–12 students. The festival aims to eliminate barriers to participation by offering free admission, free parking, and proximity to public transportation, ensuring accessibility for students from low-income families.
In addition to the festival, sponsorship funds will help provide reusable tote bags and promotional materials for attendees, enhancing the overall experience. The funding will directly contribute to hosting an impactful event that introduces thousands of students to STEM learning and career pathways in a practical, interactive way. The funds will be used during March and April 2026 to ensure the festival is successfully executed and remains free for all attendees.

 

11. $1,500 to Association for Women in Science, San Diego Chapter for their Outreach Programs
Funds for the 2025–2026 school year will support outreach programs aimed at engaging K–12 students, particularly those from Title 1 schools and underserved communities, in STEM. These funds will directly support the following events:
Spring 2026: Expanding Your Horizons Conference, Greater San Diego Science and Engineering Fair (GSDSEF) judging snacks, and AWIS-SD Spring STEAM event .
Fall 2025: Girl’s Day Out event at SDSU Society of Women Engineers, Chem Expo at Miramar College, and funding for 14 awards presented to students at the GSDSEF.
The requested funding will enable AWIS-SD volunteers to conduct science demonstrations and experiments, purchase supplies for outreach activities, and provide promotional materials to attract participants. These events aim to spark interest in STEM fields among middle and high school students, with an emphasis on schools serving economically disadvantaged populations.
The impact of these programs includes direct financial support for students through awards and increased access to hands-on STEM learning opportunities. AWIS-SD has a proven track record of organizing successful outreach events that provide meaningful experiences for students, helping them explore scientific concepts and develop skills that can contribute to future academic and career success in STEM fields.

12. $5,000 to Candy Bomber Foundation for Adventure Aerospace Mentorship Program
Funding will support the Adventure Aerospace Mentorship Program for STEM career exploration for underserved middle and high school students in Utah, including Title I schools in rural and urban areas. The program will provide quarterly field trips to aerospace and aviation companies, where approximately 1,000 students will interact with industry professionals, tour facilities, and engage in hands-on activities. Two week-long summer camps will offer in-depth exploration of aerospace careers through field trips and practical learning experiences.
The funding will cover costs for field trip logistics, student materials, site coordinators, instructors, and outreach efforts to high schools, teachers, and counselors.  Sectors to be explored include Aviation Operations, Maintenance, Repair, & Manufacturing, Engineering & Design, Technology, Radar, & Systems, Space & Satellite Systems, Data, Planning & Analytics, Defense, Security & Emergency Services, Leadership, Business & Program Management, History, Restoration & Preservation, Education, Outreach & Service.
The program addresses barriers faced by Title I schools, such as limited broadband access, fewer specialized educators, and lack of exposure to aerospace careers. It aims to increase awareness of career pathways for students, parents, and educators while addressing critical workforce shortages in aviation and aerospace. Events are scheduled throughout 2026, including quarterly field trips and summer camps. The program is designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in aerospace, aviation, and related industries.