Ciena Teaching Grant
Forecasted
Ciena Teaching Grant supports K–12 teachers with materials, resources, software, and hardware for innovative STEM programs and activities that promote learning and digital equality.
Funder: AFCEA Educational Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (applications and awards; application form currently not accepting responses)
Funding Amounts: Up to $3,000 per grant
Summary: Supports K–12 teachers implementing innovative STEM programs, activities, and technology that promote learning and digital equality.
Key Information: Each school is limited to one grant for the 2026 program.
Description
The Ciena Teaching Grant is administered by the AFCEA Educational Foundation and sponsored by Ciena. It supports classroom teachers implementing innovative and engaging science, technology, engineering, and math programs. Funding helps provide materials, resources, software, and hardware for STEM learning, with an emphasis on promoting digital equality.
The program serves teachers in the DC metro area, all 50 U.S. states, and DoDEA schools. Schools with high economic need receive priority consideration, and innovative distance and virtual learning projects are also considered. Ciena’s community outreach interests are reflected in the program’s request for proposals to include opportunities for employee volunteers to participate in funded projects, programs, or culminating activities.
