As part of Avnet’s ongoing commitment to advancing STEM education and community engagement, the company launched the Avnet Mini Grant initiative in partnership with the SciTech Institute in 2024. Initially launched with a $10,000 investment, the program is designed to support the implementation of Chief Science Officer (CSO) Action Plans. These are student-led STEM initiatives that create a measurable impact in local communities.
During the 2024–2025 academic year, CSOs from across the country were invited to apply for grants of up to $250 to fund materials required to execute their Action Plans. In its inaugural year, the program received 82 applications. Following a thorough review and interview process, 30 grants were awarded, benefitting more than 70 CSOs across nine U.S. states.
The funded Action Plans included a diverse range of STEM-focused initiatives such as hydroponic gardening projects, STEM kits, community demonstrations, competitive events, and expert panels. Collectively, these efforts reached approximately 6,000 individuals, with each initiative impacting an average of 190 people.
Chief Science Officers Logan and Julia from Pennsylvania said, “Thank you so much for awarding us the grant and supporting us through the process of purchasing materials. The STEM Day we hosted for our 4th graders was incredible. The students had a great time and really enjoyed learning new things! Through our egg drop activity, we taught them about force and gravity. This was an amazing opportunity for both of us, and we’re excited to continue promoting STEM in our community.”
Avnet is proud to play a role in enabling students to drive innovation and inspire STEM learning in their communities. For more info, please visit: https://discover.avnet.com/stem/p/1