Grant Funds & Mad Science
Did you know? Mad Science offers packages compatible with the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Fund (ESSER) and other American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) programs.
What to Expect in Our Workshops
Over 70 STEM topics are available, from astronomy to zoology
Affordable packages to make the most of your grant dollars
Programs available before, during, and after the school day - even in summertime!
Teacher Resource Packages available to extend the lesson
Our Research
Mad Science provides evidence-based interventions as defined by ESSER and The American Rescue Plan Act. Click the link below to read our independent, randomized study about the impact Mad Science visits have on students’ knowledge of and interest in science.
Learn More
GRANT FAQ
How are Mad Science programs typically funded?
Mad Science program fees have been historically covered by PTOs, school enrichment funds, and non-for-profit sponsorship. Our partners include parents, schools, and organizations including YMCA, United Way, Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and The Extra Mile Foundation.
+What types of funding is available to address the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on students?
The American Rescue Plan Act has allocated approximately 126 billion to help K-12 students. This allocation, called the Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER), aims to address the impact the Coronavirus pandemic has had on students. Private Schools have access to EANS funding or Emergency Assistance to Non-Public Schools.
+Who is eligible for ESSER funding?
Local Education Agencies, or LEA's, have been allocated funds according to the Title I formula. The funds are determined based on figures from the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
+What are the requirements for using ESSER funds?
20% of all ARPA funds must be set aside to recover lost instructional time. Funds must be used by October 2024. Please visit education.pa.gov for complete information.
+What can the funds be used for?
20% of the total allocation an LEA receives through ESSER must be reserved to address learning loss through evidence-based interventions, including summer learning or summer enrichment, comprehensive afterschool programs, and extended school year. . Other uses can include anything from cleaning supplies and PPE to mental health initiatives.
+Are Mad Science Programs aligned to state and national standards?
Each of our 70+ lessons are aligned with PA State Science Standards as well as Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
+Is Mad Science an evidence-based intervention?
ESSER funds must only be used to support evidence-based interventions. ARP ESSER uses the same definition of evidence-based as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Click the link below to read our independent, randomized study about the impact Mad Science visits have on students’ knowledge of and interest in science.
+What grades are Mad Science workshops and clubs best for?
Typically, Mad Science programs are best for grades K-6. Limited programming is available for children ages 3-5 and 13+.
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