The application period for 2026 grants will run from Oct. 20 to Feb. 23, 2026 at 5 p.m. EST.
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) seeks to further the development and expansion of life sciences education and training for Massachusetts K-12 students by investing in impactful out-of-school time (OST) programs. The MLSC anticipates awarding transformational grants that enable non-profit organizations to implement new or expanded programming offered beyond the traditional school day, predominately serving underrepresented and/or low-income youth.
Applicants can request grant funding of up to $30,000 for program design and implementation costs, including personnel, operations, stipends, equipment, materials, supplies, and/or technology. Applicants will be asked to provide a detailed program description, plans for career awareness/exploration activities, identification of industry/community partners (and at least one letter of support), anticipated outcomes and evaluation plan, team qualifications, an itemized budget, and sustainability plan.
Applicants can request grant funding of up to $30,000 for program design and implementation costs, including personnel, operations, stipends, equipment, materials, supplies, and/or technology. Applicants will be asked to provide a detailed program description, plans for career awareness/exploration activities, identification of industry/community partners (and at least one letter of support), anticipated outcomes and evaluation plan, team qualifications, an itemized budget, and sustainability plan.
Applicants must be a non-profit organization or public school/district (meeting same criteria as for Elementary and Secondary Education Grants) delivering OST programming relevant to the life sciences.
Funding must be requested for programs that:
Please read the full Solicitation (posted below) for more information about program eligibility and review criteria.
The application for 2026 grants will be available starting Oct. 20, 2025. The deadline to apply is Feb. 23, 2026 at 5 p.m. EST.
Annual Reports
Grant recipients are required to submit an annual report by June 30th of each year for three (3) consecutive years, with the first report due on June 30th of the first academic/school year during which the equipment purchased through the grant was fully utilized. The reports are to be completed using an online form to be provided by the MLSC. Each individual school receiving funds will need to complete an individual survey. Here is a sample of the Annual Report.
Student Surveys
Grant recipients must submit results from a pre- and post-survey to be completed by students using MLSC-funded equipment. Survey examples can be viewed here.
The MLSC has awarded over $1.68 million in funding to non-profit organizations offering hands-on OST STEM programming. Grants provided essential resources for organizations serving underrepresented youth, enabling them to launch new initiatives/programs, build capacity, and/or expand geographic reach.
Grants provide opportunities for underrepresented youth through new programs and initiatives.
If you have any questions regarding the application process, e-mail: OST@masslifesciences.com.
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