The Effect of DOGE on STEM Education for ALL

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What Happens When Critical STEM Funding Gets Cut?

Over the last two weeks, my workload hasn’t just increased—it’s exploded. Not because I suddenly decided to take on more work, but because vital STEM education programs are being slashed, and those of us in the trenches are scrambling to keep the mission alive.

Elon Musk recently asked what federal workers have been doing, and since he’s interested, let’s break it down:

The Real Work in STEM Education

At STEM4Real, we’ve been: ✅ Leading AI-supported Science Discourse PD for Richmond Public School teachers. ✅ Launching Lesson Study using the Connect-Create-Cultivate Framework to center student voice and equity in STEM. ✅ Implementing Science Discourse Strategies for multilingual learners and integrating technology to ensure access for all students. ✅ Developing Next-Level STEM Instruction—helping teachers implement phenomena-driven, culturally responsive teaching that goes beyond the textbook. ✅ Writing Grants to Support STEM Educators and Students—only to watch months of work disappear because of last-minute funding cuts.

The Funding Cuts That Are Hurting STEM Education

💰 Here’s where the crisis gets real: ❌ DOGE cuts to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) have put crucial education research and support programs in jeopardy. ❌ NASA ACEIR grant canceled—further slashing funding for science and equity initiatives. ❌ B-WET Grant for Lahaina students pulled THE DAY BEFORE submission, after months of writing to support communities affected by the wildfires. ❌ Forced to rewrite grant applications—because using the words diversity, equity, and inclusion might now be a disqualifier?

How This Impacts Schools, Districts, and Educators

If you’re an administrator or educator, here’s what this means for you: 🚨 Less federal support for STEM programs. 🚨 More barriers to funding for professional learning, teacher training, and equitable access to science education. 🚨 Increased reliance on state, district, and local funding to keep STEM initiatives alive.

Hope for the Future: STEM4Real is Still Moving Forward

Even with these cuts, we are NOT stopping. STEM4Real is still actively engaged in ensuring educators have access to high-quality, NGSS-aligned professional learning. Here’s the good news: ✅ Our IES-funded project is still alive and well with full university support. ✅ Other B-WET NOAA grants are still open for processing—meaning there’s still funding available for environmental literacy and justice-focused STEM programs. ✅ We are actively working with schools and districts to find solutions and ensure that STEM4Real training remains accessible.

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The Call to Action: Schools and Districts—Now is the Time to Invest in STEM

This is the moment for schools and districts to put their money where their mouth is. The federal government may be cutting back, but local control means you still have the power to invest in real STEM education.

Do you want science? Do you want STEM for ALL?

Let’s make it happen. Reach out today: www.stem4real.org/partner 🚀

We’re ready to support your educators, your students, and your community. Because no matter the barriers, STEM for ALL is not negotiable.

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