Minot Schools Secure $2M Federal Grant for STEM Labs, Training

Minot Public Schools announced a $2 million federal grant to overhaul its STEM programs, funding new laboratories and comprehensive teacher training across the district. Initially reported by the Minot Daily News, the award aims to equip students with hands-on science, technology, engineering and math skills vital for North Dakota's energy and aerospace sectors. Superintendent Chad Clark emphasized the grant's role in addressing workforce gaps in Ward County, where Minot serves over 7,000 students amid the state's booming oil patch economy.[5] The grant will establish modern STEM labs at key sites including Minot High School and Jim Hill Middle School, featuring equipment for robotics, coding and advanced experiments not covered by standard budgets. Teacher professional development programs will train 150 educators over three years, focusing on integrating AI and data science curricula. This builds on recent state efforts, like North Dakota's $1 million in grants for AI and STEM summer camps funded by leftover ESSER funds, signaling a broader push for tech education in rural areas.[3] U.S. Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., who has championed education funding for the state, praised the initiative alongside other recent awards, including $3.3 million for Head Start in Minot and nearly $2 million district-wide. "These investments ensure Minot kids compete globally," Hoeven said in a statement. The Minot Public School Foundation's Classroom Innovation Grants, which support similar projects, underscore community backing for such advancements in the Air Force-connected city.[1][4][5] Local stakeholders, including business leaders from Minot Area Development Corporation, anticipate the overhaul will boost enrollment and retention in STEM pathways. With implementation set to begin in fall 2026, the district plans quarterly updates to track progress on lab builds and student outcomes.