The National Stem Cell Foundation funds adult stem cell and regenerative medicine research, scholarships for middle school science teachers inspiring the next generation of STEM pioneers, patient advocacy and programs that connect children with limited resources to cutting-edge clinical trials. View the projects in each of these funding areas to see our impact.
2024 STEM Scholar
San Antonio, TX
Longfellow Middle School
Explore scientific process skills
2024 STEM Scholar
Liberty, KY
Casey County High School
Assemble a rebel STEMlliance
2024 STEM Scholar
Birmingham, AL
Liberty Park Middle School
Join an asteroid mining adventure
2024 STEM Scholar
Hampden, ME
Samuel L. Wagner Middle School
Explore energy transformations and efficiency
2024 STEM Scholar
Omaha, NE
Bryan Middle School
Investigate human impacts on native plants
2024 STEM Scholar
Katy, TX
Beckendorff Junior High School
Determine human impact on a watershed
2024 STEM Scholar
Overland Park, KS
Holy Cross Catholic School
Utilize food waste for effective carbon footprint reduction
2024 STEM Scholar
Orlando, FL
Pershing School
Investigate the Martian regolith as a natural resource for food growth
2024 STEM Scholar
Manhattan, IL
Manhattan Junior High School
Explore engineering through a blend of research, experimentation, and problem-solving challenges
Duke University
Durham, NC
Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg
Relieving the financial burden for children participating in clinical trials for rare diseases
Nationwide, USA: United States
Be the match. Save a life.
Nationwide, USA: United States
There are now multiple ways to bank stem cells for future potential use, including umbilical or cord blood banking. Because they are the donor's own cells, there is no risk of rejection if needed to treat disease or repair injury.
Nationwide, USA: United States
There are now multiple ways to bank stem cells for future potential use, including dental pulp banking. Because they are the donor's own cells, there is no risk of rejection if needed to treat disease or repair injury.
2023 STEM Scholar
Jackson, MS
Brinkley Middle School
Encouraged entrepreneurship while teaching financial literacy and an understanding of soil, erosion and weather to rejuvenate an abandoned garden
2023 STEM Scholar
Sulphur, LA
W.W. Lewis Middle School
Designed a furniture model adapted to a specific function, transformed it into a 3d model and created a scale sized prototype on a 3d printer culminating in building a final piece of furniture
2023 STEM Scholar
Munfordville, KY
Munfordville Elementary School
Used telescopes to study the path of the Sun and the Moon over the course of the school year to predict sunrise and sunset, position of the Sun and Moon, and Eclipses using data collection
2023 STEM Scholar
Sanibel, FL
The Sanibel School
Grew mangroves and transplanted them in a location with an ecosystem devastated by Hurricane Ian
2023 STEM Scholar
Lexington, KY
Winburn Middle School
Used a miniPCR thermal cycler and gel electrophoresis equipment to determine how DNA can determine which pathogenic bacteria cause a food borne illness
2023 STEM Scholar
San Diego, CA
Farb Middle School
Taught artificial organ development, beginning with organ dissection and progressing to create 3-D printed artificial organ designs
2023 STEM Scholar
Buxton, ME
Bonny Eagle Middle School
Used trout to deepen engagement in climate change, natural resources, and chemistry by raising native brook trout from eggs and performing on-site water quality assessments to find suitable release locations
2023 STEM Scholar
St. Paul, MN
Global Arts Plus - Upper Campus
Practiced science and engineering skills by exploring air quality and environmental inequity by designing a city-wide data collection experiment
2023 STEM Scholar
Leitchfield, KY
Grayson County Middle School
Analyzed a topographical map to choose a water source for multi-year tracking of chemical analysis
2023 STEM Scholar
Haleiwa, HI
Sunset Beach Elementary School
Designed and built a greenhouse to grow native plants for coastal restoration
2022 STEM Scholar
Delray Beach, FL
American Heritage School
Protected skin from harmful radiation
2022 STEM Scholar
Fredericksburg, VA
Thornburg Middle School
Built portable seismometers to detect earthquakes and tremors
2022 STEM Scholar
Mechanicsville, VA
Oak Knoll Middle School
Designed and created self-propelled submersibles
2022 STEM Scholar
Trenton, ME
Tremont Consolidated School
Investigated factors impacting local water quality
2022 STEM Scholar
Woonsocket, RI
Hamlet Middle School
Used rockets to learn about motion, acceleration, and velocity
2022 STEM Scholar
Huntley, MT
Huntley Project Schools
Explored other planets to learn about local watersheds
2022 STEM Scholar
St Louis, MO
Johnson-Wabash Elementary School
Studied biodiversity at home and on Mars
2022 STEM Scholar
Savannah, GA
Tybee Island Maritime Academy
Researched and planned an oyster reef restoration
2022 STEM Scholar
Lorton, VA
Grace E Metz Middle School
Assessed thermal energy using small scale calorimetry
2022 STEM Scholar
Norfolk, MA
King Philip Middle School
Designed and built hydroponic growing systems
2021 STEM Scholar
Livingston, NJ
Joseph Kushner Hebrew Academy
Used data collection to understand, propose and build solutions to reduce carbon dioxide
2021 STEM Scholar
Billings, MT
Eileen Johnson Middle School
Students used bioengineering and biomimicry to design devices that could help people with a wide range of disorders
2021 STEM Scholar
Killeen, TX
Belton Middle School
Created a watershed to see how human activity affects water quality
2021 STEM Scholar
Brooklyn, NY
I.S. 223 The Montauk School
Used and evaluated data to find and design ways for local communities to withstand the urban heat island effect
2021 STEM Scholar
Myrtle Beach, SC
Ocean Bay Middle School
Used NASA Mars Perseverance Robotic Exploration to prepare students for future STEM careers
2021 STEM Scholar
Jacksonville, FL
Fletcher Middle School
Built mini weather stations to learn about climate and skills needed for STEM-based careers
2021 STEM Scholar
Shelbyville, KY
Marnel C. Moorman School
Students designed a project to demonstrate heat transfer and used thermal energy cameras to provide evidence for classroom reporting
2021 STEM Scholar
Alloway, NJ
Alloway Township Middle School
Used telescopes from the past and present to experience space and the relationship between science and technology
2021 STEM Scholar
Rutland, MA
Central Tree Middle School
Solved ecological problems with engineering design solutions
2021 STEM Scholar
Brooklyn Center, MN
New Millennium Academy
Built and maintained an outdoor raised bed laboratory to learn about soil, sediment, germination rates and more
2021 STEM Scholar
Tucson, AZ
Walter Douglas Elementary School
Explored the universe by using classroom-based learning combining field experiences and local culture
National STEM Scholar Program
Kentucky, USA: United States
Rico Tyler & Robin Tyler
Turn your smartphone into a microscope and take amazing photos
, USA: United States
2020 STEM Scholar
Hopkinsville, KY
Christian County Middle School
Measured and discovered how something small can have a large impact on the local environment
2020 STEM Scholars
Dinwiddie, VA
Dinwiddie Middle School
Used hydroponics to learn valuable lessons in life science and character development
2020 STEM Scholars
Topeka, KS
Seaman Middle School
Tracked earthquakes to learn how humans affect the Earth and how we can adapt to and prevent natural disasters
2020 STEM Scholar
Seattle, WA
Villa Academy
Used GIS software to create interactive digital maps
2020 STEM Scholar
Carrollton, KY
Created an observational beehive and habitat to learn the importance of biodiversity, agriculture, and the local food chain
2020 STEM Scholar
McKinney, TX
Cockrill Middle School
Learned research methodology to conduct ecological surveys to assess microhabitats
2020 STEM Scholar
Elizabeth City, NC
River Road Middle School
Used programming kits to create, test and fix solutions
2020 STEM Scholar
Panama City Beach, FL
Surfside Middle School
Created an aquaculture system to learn about the local ecosystem and potential careers that combine life sciences and agriculture
2020 STEM Scholar
Lake Isabella, CA
Woodrow Wallace Middle School
Used data collection and programming to repair the local watershed
2019 STEM Scholar
Old Orchard Beach, ME
Loranger Memorial School
Development of a unit on animal biology, ecology and the Gulf of Maine
2019 STEM Scholar
Chester, SD
Chester Middle School
Used wind energy to generate power
2019 STEM Scholar
Monticello, IL
Monticello Middle School
Created 3D prototypes that improve the five senses
2019 STEM Scholar
Fishers, IN
Riverside Intermediate School
Measured the impact of agricultural fertilizers on a local watershed
2019 STEM Scholar
Bowling Green, KY
Drakes Creek Middle School
Implementation of a project-based learning unit that used mid-powered rockets
2019 STEM Scholar
Potomac, MD
Herbert Hoover Middle School
Built 3d-printed parts for a Rube Goldberg machine to learn about physics
2019 STEM Scholar
Alpharetta, GA
DeSana Middle School
Built prosthetics to understand anatomy
2019 STEM Scholar
Tripoli, IA
Tripoli Middle/Senior High School
Designed, built and programmed robots
2019 STEM Scholar
Albany, NY
Sand Creek Middle School
Using engineering design process to construct a bridge with given size limitations
2019 STEM Scholar
Laramie, WY
Laramie Middle School
Explored changes in genes and phenotypes of local wildlife populations
DreamUp, The Gatton Academy at Western Kentucky University
Middle school classrooms worldwide, Outer Space
DreamUp/NanoRacks
The Gatton Academy at Western Kentucky University
Custom project-based space curriculum provided at no cost to educators everywhere
National STEM Scholar Program
Microgravity, Outer Space
Marvin the Marshmallow
2018 National STEM Scholars
Blue Origin/New Shepard flight team
The Gatton Academy at Western Kentucky University
Just how much pressure can a marshmallow take?
Alliance for Mankind
International Space Station, Outer Space
Dr. Valentina Fossati
Dr. Andres Bratt-Leal
World-first study of patient-derived cells to study disease development in the absence of gravity
NASA In-Flight Education Downlink
International Space Station, Outer Space
National STEM Scholars
Exomedicine Institute/Space Tango
Lexington, KY
Moving a research collaboration into microgravity for Parkinson's and progressive MS research
2018 STEM Scholar
Louisville, KY
Meyzeek Middle School
Carried experiments to the edge of space in a high-altitude weather balloon
2018 STEM Scholar
Peru, IN
Peru Junior High School
Learned genetics and physiology through models
2018 STEM Scholar
Albuquerque, NM
Desert Ridge Middle School
Used the sun's shadow to learn about time and seasonality
2018 STEM Scholar
Savannah, GA
Oglethorpe Charter School
Designed and built remotely-operated vehicles to solve underwater challenges
2018 STEM Scholar
Pilgrim's Knob, VA
Twin Valley Elementary Middle School
Built a tiny-house model to learn about sustainability
2018 STEM Scholar
Leesburg, GA
Lee County Middle School East Campus
Built beehives to study ecology, animal adaptations and symbiosis
2018 STEM Scholar
Brockton, MA
Edgar B. Davis School
Development of a unit on robotics to refine programming skills
2018 STEM Scholar
Canton, GA
Dean Rusk Middle School
Used a stream table to learn about erosion
2018 STEM Scholar
Marlborough, NH
Marlborough School
Longitudinal study of geology and ecology in a local watershed
2018 STEM Scholar
Pierre, SD
Georgia Morse Middle School
Longitudinal study of bird habitats to track bird migration and behavior
The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science
Bowling Green, KY
The National STEM Scholar Program is hosted each June at The Gatton Academy on Western Kentucky University's campus
New York Stem Cell Foundation Research Institute
New York City, NY
Dr. Valentina Fossati
Understanding cross-talk between cells in the central nervous system as a way to prevent neurodegeneration.
OREF
Rosemont, IL
OREF is dedicated to being the leader in supporting research that improves function, eliminates pain and restores mobility
National MS Society
New York City, NY
The National MS Society is a driving force of MS research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function, and end MS forever
Hospital for Special Surgery
New York City, NY
Dr. Christopher L. Mendias
Investigating novel stem cell-based therapies for rotator cuff repair
2017 STEM Scholar
Hightstown, NJ
Melvin H. Kreps Middle School
Development of wind turbine prototypes for the Wind Turbine Design Challenge
2017 STEM Scholar
Harned, KY
Breckinridge County Middle School
Leveraged SpikerBox technology to study memory formation in response to sensory stimulation using Madagascar hissing cockroaches
2017 STEM Scholar
Cameron, WI
Cameron Middle School
Development of an engineering unit to study and design alternative energy sources
2017 STEM Scholar
Brushton, NY
Brushton-Moira Central School
Unit development to study antibiotic resistance using compound light microscopes
2017 STEM Scholar
Dousman, WI
Kettle Moraine Middle School
Development of a robotics lab to teach engineering design and data evaluation
2017 STEM Scholar
Bowling Green, KY
Bowling Green Junior High
Designed and development of organic solar cells to harvest solar energy
2017 STEM Scholar
Gorham, ME
Gorham Middle School
Development of a working classroom ecosystem and aquaponics lab
2017 STEM Scholar
Byron, MN
Byron Middle School
3D lab build-out to print prosthetic limbs in consultation with Mayo Clinic and Limb Lab
2017 STEM Scholar
Shoreline, WA
The Evergreen School
Unit development to study and track the ecological impact of Elwha River Dam presence/removal on Washington's Olympic Peninsula
2017 STEM Scholar
South Miami, FL
South Miami Middle Community School
Development of a coding and design project to print 3D versions of Google VR cardboard
Michael J. Fox Foundation
New York, NY
Dr. Penny Hallett
Dr. Ole Isacson
Development of a patient-specific stem cell therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
MD Anderson
Houston, TX
Dr. Michelle Fanale
Finding new ways to treat resistant lymphoma
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Dr. Marius Wernig
Turning skin cells into myelin-making cells
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, CA
Dr. Brian Feeley
Investigating rotator cuff treatment options
Duke University
Durham, NC
Dr. Joanne Kurtzberg
Clinical Trials for Rare Childhood Disorders
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC
Dr. Jeffrey Spang
Dr. Elizabeth Loboa
Using 3-D tissue engineering to repair and replace articular cartilage
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
Bethesda, MD
Dr. Regina Armstrong
Discovering ways to induce myelin repair
University of Louisville
Louisville, KY
Dr. Suzanne Ildstad
Simultaneous stem cell and kidney transplant for drug-free transplant tolerance
Northwestern University
Chicago, IL
Dr. Joseph Leventhal
Eliminating anti-rejection drugs for kidney transplant recipients
Sharing America's Marrow (S.A.M.)
Louisville, KY
Sam Kimura
Alex Kimura
Taylor Shorten
On a mission to increase the number of donors on the bone marrow registry
University of Wisconsin
Madison, WI
Dr. Geoffrey Baer
Developing novel therapies for ligament and tendon injuries
Scripps Research
La Jolla, CA
Dr. Jeanne Loring
Dr. Andrés Bratt-Leal
Development of a patient-specific stem cell therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
2016 Stem Scholar
Shoreline, WA
The Evergreen School
Unit development to study drivers of the greenhouse effect
2016 Stem Scholar
Owensboro, KY
Owensboro Middle School
Incorporation of MiniOne Systems PCR equipment to study genetic disorders
2016 Stem Scholar
Roy, UT
Sand Ridge Jr. High
Incorporation of PocketLab technology to teach biology, heredity and genetics through insects
2016 Stem Scholar
Downers Grove, IL
Herrick Middle School
Development of a sound, light and wave lab to study digital signaling
2016 Stem Scholar
Bowling Green, KY
Warren East Middle School
Development of portable makerspace kits for classroom travel
2016 STEM Scholar
Canton, SD
Pierre Indian Learning Center
Incorporation of PocketLab wireless digital sensors to analyze abstract data
2016 STEM Scholar
Eielson Air Force Base, AK
Ben Eielson Junior/Senior High School
Development of an iPad video lab with specialized software to collect data and produce videos
2016 STEM Scholar
Sodus, NY
Sodus Intermediate School
Developed New York's first school-based trout hatchery
2016 STEM Scholar
Dallas, TX
Zion Lutheran School
3D lab build-out to develop new product prototypes for predicted technological trends
2016 Stem Scholar
Opelika, AL
Sanford Middle School
Sent students on a "date" with the periodic table
Explore scientific process skills
Read the full storyAssemble a rebel STEMlliance
Read the full storyJoin an asteroid mining adventure
Read the full storyExplore energy transformations and efficiency
Read the full storyInvestigate human impacts on native plants
Read the full storyDetermine human impact on a watershed
Read the full storyUtilize food waste for effective carbon footprint reduction
Read the full storyInvestigate the Martian regolith as a natural resource for food growth
Read the full storyExplore engineering through a blend of research, experimentation, and problem-solving challenges
Read the full storyRelieving the financial burden for children participating in clinical trials for rare diseases
Read the full storyBe the match. Save a life.
Read the full storyThere are now multiple ways to bank stem cells for future potential use, including umbilical or cord blood banking. Because they are the donor's own cells, there is no risk of rejection if needed to treat disease or repair injury.
Read the full storyThere are now multiple ways to bank stem cells for future potential use, including dental pulp banking. Because they are the donor's own cells, there is no risk of rejection if needed to treat disease or repair injury.
Read the full storyEncouraged entrepreneurship while teaching financial literacy and an understanding of soil, erosion and weather to rejuvenate an abandoned garden
Read the full storyDesigned a furniture model adapted to a specific function, transformed it into a 3d model and created a scale sized prototype on a 3d printer culminating in building a final piece of furniture
Read the full storyUsed telescopes to study the path of the Sun and the Moon over the course of the school year to predict sunrise and sunset, position of the Sun and Moon, and Eclipses using data collection
Read the full storyGrew mangroves and transplanted them in a location with an ecosystem devastated by Hurricane Ian
Read the full storyUsed a miniPCR thermal cycler and gel electrophoresis equipment to determine how DNA can determine which pathogenic bacteria cause a food borne illness
Read the full storyTaught artificial organ development, beginning with organ dissection and progressing to create 3-D printed artificial organ designs
Read the full storyUsed trout to deepen engagement in climate change, natural resources, and chemistry by raising native brook trout from eggs and performing on-site water quality assessments to find suitable release locations
Read the full storyPracticed science and engineering skills by exploring air quality and environmental inequity by designing a city-wide data collection experiment
Read the full storyAnalyzed a topographical map to choose a water source for multi-year tracking of chemical analysis
Read the full storyDesigned and built a greenhouse to grow native plants for coastal restoration
Read the full storyProtected skin from harmful radiation
Read the full storyBuilt portable seismometers to detect earthquakes and tremors
Read the full storyDesigned and created self-propelled submersibles
Read the full storyInvestigated factors impacting local water quality
Read the full storyUsed rockets to learn about motion, acceleration, and velocity
Read the full storyExplored other planets to learn about local watersheds
Read the full storyStudied biodiversity at home and on Mars
Read the full storyResearched and planned an oyster reef restoration
Read the full storyAssessed thermal energy using small scale calorimetry
Read the full storyDesigned and built hydroponic growing systems
Read the full storyUsed data collection to understand, propose and build solutions to reduce carbon dioxide
Read the full storyStudents used bioengineering and biomimicry to design devices that could help people with a wide range of disorders
Read the full storyCreated a watershed to see how human activity affects water quality
Read the full storyUsed and evaluated data to find and design ways for local communities to withstand the urban heat island effect
Read the full storyUsed NASA Mars Perseverance Robotic Exploration to prepare students for future STEM careers
Read the full storyBuilt mini weather stations to learn about climate and skills needed for STEM-based careers
Read the full storyStudents designed a project to demonstrate heat transfer and used thermal energy cameras to provide evidence for classroom reporting
Read the full storyUsed telescopes from the past and present to experience space and the relationship between science and technology
Read the full storySolved ecological problems with engineering design solutions
Read the full storyBuilt and maintained an outdoor raised bed laboratory to learn about soil, sediment, germination rates and more
Read the full storyExplored the universe by using classroom-based learning combining field experiences and local culture
Read the full storyTurn your smartphone into a microscope and take amazing photos
Read the full storyMeasured and discovered how something small can have a large impact on the local environment
Read the full storyUsed hydroponics to learn valuable lessons in life science and character development
Read the full storyTracked earthquakes to learn how humans affect the Earth and how we can adapt to and prevent natural disasters
Read the full storyUsed GIS software to create interactive digital maps
Read the full storyCreated an observational beehive and habitat to learn the importance of biodiversity, agriculture, and the local food chain
Read the full storyLearned research methodology to conduct ecological surveys to assess microhabitats
Read the full storyUsed programming kits to create, test and fix solutions
Read the full storyCreated an aquaculture system to learn about the local ecosystem and potential careers that combine life sciences and agriculture
Read the full storyUsed data collection and programming to repair the local watershed
Read the full storyDevelopment of a unit on animal biology, ecology and the Gulf of Maine
Read the full storyUsed wind energy to generate power
Read the full storyCreated 3D prototypes that improve the five senses
Read the full storyMeasured the impact of agricultural fertilizers on a local watershed
Read the full storyImplementation of a project-based learning unit that used mid-powered rockets
Read the full storyBuilt 3d-printed parts for a Rube Goldberg machine to learn about physics
Read the full storyBuilt prosthetics to understand anatomy
Read the full storyDesigned, built and programmed robots
Read the full storyUsing engineering design process to construct a bridge with given size limitations
Read the full storyExplored changes in genes and phenotypes of local wildlife populations
Read the full storyCustom project-based space curriculum provided at no cost to educators everywhere
Read the full storyJust how much pressure can a marshmallow take?
Read the full storyWorld-first study of patient-derived cells to study disease development in the absence of gravity
Read the full storyMoving a research collaboration into microgravity for Parkinson's and progressive MS research
Read the full storyCarried experiments to the edge of space in a high-altitude weather balloon
Read the full storyLearned genetics and physiology through models
Read the full storyUsed the sun's shadow to learn about time and seasonality
Read the full storyDesigned and built remotely-operated vehicles to solve underwater challenges
Read the full storyBuilt a tiny-house model to learn about sustainability
Read the full storyBuilt beehives to study ecology, animal adaptations and symbiosis
Read the full storyDevelopment of a unit on robotics to refine programming skills
Read the full storyUsed a stream table to learn about erosion
Read the full storyLongitudinal study of geology and ecology in a local watershed
Read the full storyLongitudinal study of bird habitats to track bird migration and behavior
Read the full storyThe National STEM Scholar Program is hosted each June at The Gatton Academy on Western Kentucky University's campus
Read the full storyUnderstanding cross-talk between cells in the central nervous system as a way to prevent neurodegeneration.
Read the full storyOREF is dedicated to being the leader in supporting research that improves function, eliminates pain and restores mobility
Read the full storyThe National MS Society is a driving force of MS research and treatment to stop disease progression, restore function, and end MS forever
Read the full storyInvestigating novel stem cell-based therapies for rotator cuff repair
Read the full storyDevelopment of wind turbine prototypes for the Wind Turbine Design Challenge
Read the full storyLeveraged SpikerBox technology to study memory formation in response to sensory stimulation using Madagascar hissing cockroaches
Read the full storyDevelopment of an engineering unit to study and design alternative energy sources
Read the full storyUnit development to study antibiotic resistance using compound light microscopes
Read the full storyDevelopment of a robotics lab to teach engineering design and data evaluation
Read the full storyDesigned and development of organic solar cells to harvest solar energy
Read the full storyDevelopment of a working classroom ecosystem and aquaponics lab
Read the full story3D lab build-out to print prosthetic limbs in consultation with Mayo Clinic and Limb Lab
Read the full storyUnit development to study and track the ecological impact of Elwha River Dam presence/removal on Washington's Olympic Peninsula
Read the full storyDevelopment of a coding and design project to print 3D versions of Google VR cardboard
Read the full storyDevelopment of a patient-specific stem cell therapy for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease
Read the full storyFinding new ways to treat resistant lymphoma
Read the full storyTurning skin cells into myelin-making cells
Read the full storyInvestigating rotator cuff treatment options
Read the full storyClinical Trials for Rare Childhood Disorders
Read the full storyUsing 3-D tissue engineering to repair and replace articular cartilage
Read the full storyDiscovering ways to induce myelin repair
Read the full storySimultaneous stem cell and kidney transplant for drug-free transplant tolerance
Read the full storyEliminating anti-rejection drugs for kidney transplant recipients
Read the full story
