The goal of the HP Catalyst Initiative is to create international collaborative “sandboxes” of innovation that explore the future of STEM education — a future where students use their technical and creative ingenuity to address urgent social challenges in their communities and around the world. The Initiative is funding up to five consortia in 2010. Each focuses on a specific innovation theme for transforming STEM education: The Multi-Versity, Pedagogy 3.0, Global Collaboratory, The New Learner, and Measuring Learning. Member organizations are selected through an open and competitive global call for proposals. Eligible organizations include accredited public or private education institutions that serve tertiary or secondary students. The deadline to register an intent to apply is June 30, 2010.

Sponsored by HP and the NMC, the HP EdTech Innovators Award recognizes pioneers in primary, secondary, and higher education who use technology in innovative ways inside and outside of the classroom. The Award includes a $40,000 technology grant and membership in a social network with support, training, and other resources for sharing ideas and best practices. Eligible organizations include private or public K-12 institutions and non-profit organizations that foster the use of technology in education.

The Teach@15 Award Program helps schools that serve grades 7-12 meet their technology needs. Teens (ages 13-18) who are registered members on at15.com can nominate their schools to win an award. Teen members can vote once a day for 15 days for one nomination. Every 15 days, Best Buy will award 3 schools with Best Buy gift cards based on the number of member votes. The first place school will receive $1,500, second place $1,000, and third place $500.

Computers for Learning (CFL) places computers in classrooms, prepares children to contribute and compete in the 21st century, and allows government agencies and the private sector to transfer surplus computers and related equipment to schools and educational nonprofit organizations. A school is eligible to receive donations through the Computers for Learning program if is a public, private, parochial, or home school serving pre-kindergarten through grade 12 students. Special consideration will be given to institutions located in federal empowerment zones and enterprise communities.

Digital Wish helps teachers find funding for classroom technology. All teachers who submit a lesson plan will be automatically entered to win up to 43 technology grants. Through Digital Wish, teachers can tell their stories and let the world know how they will use technology in the classroom. Class stories will be publicly posted so that potential donors can make a contribution.

The Northrop Grumman Foundation provides support for education opportunities to the nation’s youth. The foundation is committed to supporting science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) programs that span pre-college through collegiate levels. It contributes various amounts to organizations defined as tax exempt under Section 501(c)(3) by the Internal Revenue Service.