Opportunity Overview
The Rhode Island Department of Education and the Rhode Island STEAM Center at Rhode Island College are accepting applications for the 2026 Rhode Island STEAM Educator Awards. One elementary educator, one middle-level educator and one high-school educator will be recognized for successful student-centered integrated STEAM teaching.
Funding and Deadline
Each of the three awardees will receive a $1,000 grant for the classroom plus a $500 personal award, funded by RI Energy. Applications are due Friday, October 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM.
Eligibility
Nominees or applicants must be full-time PK-12 teachers employed in a Rhode Island public school with at least three years of teaching experience. Educators may apply directly.
Application Requirements
The official award guidance requires a resume or CV, two recommendation letters including one from the applicant’s building administrator or supervisor, a sample integrated STEAM lesson with goals, activities, standards and supporting materials, student work or learning evidence with appropriate privacy protections, a reflection on student learning, and a personal reflection on the value of integrated STEAM education.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 42/100. This is a verified, currently open Rhode Island classroom grant and educator-recognition opportunity, but it is very small, limited to three individual teacher awardees, and its selection is based on demonstrated integrated STEAM teaching rather than a school or district procurement project.
N9+ Direct Vendor Fit: 5/100. The $1,000 classroom grant could theoretically purchase educational materials or equipment, but the current award guidance does not establish connected clinical-exam technology, telehealth hardware or healthcare access as a program objective. QC Healthcare Fit: 0/100. The award does not establish a clinical-service funding pathway. This is not Path A and does not warrant applicant outreach by Dr. Miltie under the current rules.
Immediate Next Step
Eligible Rhode Island public-school teachers with a strong integrated STEAM lesson should review the official criteria, collect the required recommendations and evidence, and complete the application by October 23 at 4:00 PM.
Official source: Rhode Island Department of Education — RI STEAM Month / 2026 RI STEAM Educator Awards, verified September 5, 2026.