At YWCA Metro Phoenix, we’re building just, equitable Arizona communities that embrace and celebrate each person’s inherent value. That’s why YWCA is collaborating with communities who are seeking justice, working in partnership to build a more free, more peaceful world.  Together, we identify systemic racism and gender discrimination – and dismantle it.

As Arizona becomes the next tech hub, we have tremendous opportunity for our STEAM professionals to reflect the state’s workforce diversity. Addressing these gender and racial gaps will support Arizona’s economic growth by developing our next generation of STEAM innovators. 

In partnership with Intel Arizona, YWCA is leading a new Equity in STEAM initiative to advance women and people of color across STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics) careers, to improve representation across the sector and the state of Arizona.

Nonprofits, public schools, and charter schools across Arizona have applied for the funding opportunity and participate in a YWCA learning community. Projects are focused on enabling the following outcomes:

  • Exploring the world of STEAM and show how accessible, rewarding, and relevant these fields can be.
  • Introducing culturally relevant STEAM activities.
  • Growing interest in STEAM-related learning pathways and careers.

Grant awardees will be announced January 2022!

Watch the Exciting YWCA and Intel Announcement, below

With this grant initiative, we are asking applicants to create or continue a project or program within their 501(c)3 to connect social equity to STEAM – whatever that looks like for their organization.

  • We are funding up to twenty grants of up to $2,500 each for nonprofit and educational organizations with a budget of $1M of less during your last fiscal year.
  • Grantees will be part of our first YWCA Equity Leadership Learning series. This series will include six Equity Workshops which will facilitate conversations and learnings exploring the intersection of social equity and STEAM.

Examples of possible uses of funds (this is not an exhaustive or prescriptive list):

  • Bring trainers/speakers/experts to your classroom/organization to support STEAM teaching and learning.
  • Purchase and implement new STEAM learning curriculum materials.
  • Pay for equipment and supplies to implement project-based STEAM learning.
  • Gain access to resources and professional development that can help to deepen students’ understanding of STEAM.
  • Implement student-conducted field studies and projects.

This initiative is geared towards grassroots nonprofits and educators working to inspire underrepresented students to consider STEAM careers.

  • September 23: Kick-off Event & Grant Announcement
  • September 23–November 30: Grant Applications Open
  • January 15: Grant Awards Announced

Q: Is my organization eligible for a grant?

A: To be eligible for a grant from the Equity in STEAM Initiative, your organization must be a nonprofit organization as determined by the IRS, with a budget of $1M or less during your last fiscal year, a public or charter school, or college within Arizona.

Q: What is the maximum amount my organization could receive?

A: For the Equity in STEAM Initiative, the maximum grant amount is $2,500.

Q: I have submitted my application, now what?

A: After submitting your application, stay tuned on the announcement date. A list of grant recipients will be posted on our website, ywcaaz.org/equityinsteam and an email will be sent to all that applied. The grant contact will receive an email whether they were selected for funding or not. If selected, your organization will receive follow up information within 10 days of the announcement date.

Q: Who should I reach out to with questions about the grant cycle?

A: Please email grants@ywcaaz.org and allow up to 72 hours for a response from the YWCA team.

Q: How long is the application open?

A: The 2021 application is open from September 23 to November 30 at 5 p.m. AZ time.

Q: Are existing programs given priority over new concepts that have yet to be implemented?

A: All programs that are submitted are evaluated for their overall impact on the applicant’s beneficiaries.

  • Applicants are a 501(c)3 organization or a public or charter school teacher
  • 501(c)3’s have a budget less than $1M
  • Grants for teachers will be distributed through their district’s foundation
  • Projects will support Arizona residents
  • Projects will begin anytime between February 1, 2022 through September 1, 2022

QualifiersPoint System
531
Application shows a clear understanding of YWCA mission and how the grant project alignsProject is aligned to the mission of eliminating racism and empowering women in a strong wayProject is aligned to one piece of YWCA missionNo alignment
Application describes the applicants understanding of social equity as it relates to their classroom or organizationThe social equity understanding is true and clear in the descriptionThere is some equity understandingApplication does not describe social equity
Project description aligns to STEAM and social equityProject contains qualifiers that align STEAM and social equityProject description allowed for some interpretation and the alignment is not clearProject does not align STEAM and social equity
Project description had midpoint and endpoint impact identifiersAll goals for the program are clearly outlined and a path to success is detailedSome goals for the program are clearly outlined and a path to success is detailedGoals were not aligned with project description

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Your voice matters as we stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen communities. Whether you have time, talents, or treasures to contribute, learn how you can plug in to the YWCA community.

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