We fund K-12 teachers, classrooms, and programs in materials and process engineering — because the pipeline to tomorrow's workforce starts in today's classrooms.
The SAMPE International Foundation runs several programs designed to put resources directly into the hands of K-12 teachers and students around the world.
SAMPE International Foundation grants support K-12 teachers running programs in materials science, process engineering, and STEM education. Applications are open year-round with no deadline.
✓ Application submitted! You'll receive a confirmation email shortly. The Foundation board will be in touch within 30 days.
Published regularly by the SAMPE International Foundation. Updates on grants, funded programs, teacher spotlights, and materials engineering education news.
Since 2006 the SAMPE International Foundation has been putting resources directly into K-12 classrooms around the world. Here's what that looks like in practice.
The Foundation's flagship grant program funds novel K-12 STEM projects proposed by SAMPE members and chapters. Projects range from classroom materials labs to regional engineering competitions, with awards up to $10,000 per project.
Named in honor of SAMPE's legacy of excellence, the Dahlgren Award recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers who have made a measurable impact inspiring students toward careers in materials science and engineering.
Working with SAMPE chapters across North America to identify and fund high school programs that directly connect students with the materials and process engineering industry through hands-on curriculum.
Supporting educators who use the Brent Strong composites textbook in their classrooms, ensuring foundational materials science knowledge reaches the next generation before they arrive at university.
Your gift funds STEM teachers, classroom grants, and programs that put materials engineering education in front of K-12 students. Every dollar goes directly to programs.
The SAMPE International Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. All donations are fully tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. You will receive an email receipt automatically after your gift is processed through Stripe's secure checkout.
Make payable to "SAMPE International Foundation" and mail to: 13165 W. Baker Drive, Suite 300, Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Many employers match charitable donations dollar-for-dollar. Check with your HR department to multiply the impact of your gift at no extra cost to you.
SAMPE chapters can contribute at the Partner level ($2,500+) with logo placement and recognition benefits. View levels →
The philanthropic arm of SAMPE International, dedicated to advancing K-12 STEM education in materials and process engineering since 2006.
The SAMPE International Foundation is the only professional society foundation focused exclusively on materials and process engineering STEM education at the K-12 level. We believe the pipeline to tomorrow's engineers starts in middle school classrooms, not university lecture halls.
We fund teachers, programs, and resources that put hands-on materials science education into K-12 schools worldwide — with a particular focus on reaching underserved communities where access to quality STEM programming is limited.
SAMPE International is pivotal to every new material innovation and process solution. The Foundation exists to ensure that vision extends to the classroom — building the next generation of materials and process engineers from the ground up.
Dahlgren Award — Recognizing outstanding K-12 teachers who inspire students in math, science, and engineering. Named in honor of SAMPE's legacy of technical excellence.
Special Awards Grants — Funding novel K-12 STEM projects proposed by SAMPE members and chapters worldwide. Open applications, no deadline, awards up to $10,000.
High School STEM Program — Partnering with SAMPE chapters to identify and support high school programs developing the next generation of materials engineers.
Brent Strong Book Award — Honoring educators who use the Brent Strong composites textbook to advance materials science education in K-12 classrooms.
Founded: 2006
Parent organization: SAMPE International
Focus: K-12 materials & process engineering STEM education
Headquarters: Diamond Bar, California
Tax status: 501(c)(3) — all donations tax-deductible
Questions about grants, donations, or partnerships — contact us at foundation@sampe.org or call (949) 433-1331.
Office hours: Monday–Friday, 7:30 AM–4:00 PM PST
The SAMPE International Foundation is the philanthropic arm of SAMPE International, the Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering.
Every contribution directly funds K-12 STEM teachers and students. All donations are tax-deductible. Select the partnership level that fits your organization.
Corporate partnerships can be tailored to your organization's goals. In-kind donations of equipment and materials are also accepted.
All donations are tax-deductible · foundation@sampe.org · (949) 433-1331
Questions about grants, donations, programs, or anything else — we'd love to hear from you.
✓ Message received! We'll be in touch within 3 business days.
Applying for a grant? Read the eligibility requirements on the Grants for Educators page first — most questions are answered there.
The SAMPE International Foundation runs three core programs designed to put resources, recognition, and curriculum directly into K-12 classrooms around the world.
"COMPOSITES: Lighter, Stronger, Better" — a free textbook for educators introducing students to composites and materials engineering. Four supporting YouTube videos also available at no cost. Sponsored by the William Dahlgren Family.
Request Free Book →The Foundation is open to suggestions from any SAMPE chapter or member. Submit a one-page summary to the board of directors via the standing chair.
Recognizing outstanding K-12 teachers who inspire students in math, science, and engineering — particularly in plastics and entrepreneurship. Prize: $500. Open applications, no deadline.
The William Dahlgren Award is given to K-12 teachers who consistently go above and beyond to inspire their students toward careers in math, science, and engineering — with a particular emphasis on materials science, plastics, and entrepreneurship education.
We are looking for teachers who consistently demonstrate:
Nominate them or apply directly. Rolling deadline — apply any time.
The Foundation is open to suggestions for programs and projects that will positively impact K-12 STEM learning around the world. Novel ideas welcome from any SAMPE member or chapter.
As part of the SAMPE Foundation's outreach efforts, we are open to suggestions for programs and projects that will positively impact K-12 STEM learning around the world. In the past, the Foundation has funded a wide range of STEM efforts on an ad hoc basis.
The intent of this Special Awards Program is to codify our efforts and open up the program to new ideas with origins outside the SAMPE Foundation. We are soliciting new, novel ideas that help the Foundation meet its K-12 STEM learning goals.
Submit a 300-500 word statement describing how your project or program will meet the eligibility criteria above. Include a clear budget showing how Foundation funds will be used. No deadline — applications are accepted at any time.
The Foundation has funded programs across the United States and internationally, including teacher training programs, STEM competitions, composites curriculum development, and student scholarship initiatives.
The SAMPE Foundation works with Professional and Student SAMPE Chapters to identify candidate high schools with strong STEM programs. Free textbook and YouTube videos available.
The SAMPE Foundation has completed preparations to launch this new STEM effort. The objective is to target candidate high schools that have demonstrated strong STEM programs, working with SAMPE Professional Chapters and their associated SAMPE Student Chapters to identify and support these schools.
Each year the Foundation aims to identify approximately three candidate high schools. We work with SAMPE chapters to find schools with demonstrated STEM commitment and strong community engagement.
Proposals must be submitted by a SAMPE Student Chapter in partnership with a SAMPE Professional Chapter. All three components below are required.
Contact foundation@sampe.org to submit your nomination or ask questions.
A free textbook introducing students to composites and materials engineering. Includes four supporting YouTube videos. Sponsored by the William Dahlgren Family.
SAMPE International and the SAMPE Foundation are pleased to offer Brent Strong's latest book free of charge to K-12 educators. This book and its supporting videos aim to introduce students to composites and explain how these remarkable materials can help make the world better and create richer and fuller lives.
Book orders are processed in 5-7 business days. Fill out the request form below to receive your copy.
Dr. Brent Strong, Ph.D., is an emeritus faculty member in the Fulton College of Engineering and Technology (Manufacturing) at Brigham Young University. He was named the Loren Farr Professor of Entrepreneurial Technology and was awarded the Karl G. Maeser Distinguished Faculty Award — BYU's highest faculty recognition.
Dr. Strong was also awarded the Maeser General Education Professorship and, on four occasions, the Outstanding Faculty Award in the School of Technology and the Outstanding College Research Award in the College of Engineering and Technology.
✓ Book request submitted! Your copy will ship within 5-7 business days.
Over the past two decades, the SAMPE International Foundation has accomplished a great deal towards fulfilling our mission and meeting our goals in K-12 STEM education.
Through the administration of SAMPE Foundation programs, we have:
The SAMPE Foundation is open to suggestions from any SAMPE chapter or member about programs worthy of financial support. Submit a one-page summary to the Foundation Board of Directors via the standing chair.
Explore Our Programs →The SAMPE International Foundation is governed by a volunteer board of directors drawn from across the SAMPE International community.
Donations are the only source of funding for the SAMPE Foundation. Your contribution makes it possible to launch and strengthen programs that increase the pipeline of talented young people for materials and process engineering careers.
The SAMPE Foundation is registered as a not-for-profit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. All donations are tax-deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law. Your gift enables the Foundation to fund the Dahlgren Teacher Excellence Award, student scholarships, the "Teach the Teacher" program, and new initiatives like the Special Projects Grant for STEM Projects.
To set up legacy gifts including planned giving, bequests, or endowments, contact Joe Ingalls directly. The Foundation can work with your financial and legal advisors to ensure your gift achieves your philanthropic goals.
Funding for the SAMPE Foundation's programs would not be possible without the generosity of our Honor Roll Gift Society — consisting of individual, SAMPE chapter, and corporate donors.
The William Dahlgren Family has been a foundational supporter of the SAMPE Foundation, sponsoring the Dahlgren Teacher of Excellence Award and the Brent Strong Composites textbook and video series. Their generosity has directly impacted hundreds of K-12 teachers and students across the country.
Your contribution funds K-12 STEM teachers and students. All donations are tax-deductible.