Design a K–8 STEM Course. Teach It. Get Paid.
UNLV Center for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education
The CMSEE STEM Incubator is an open call for original K–8 STEM courses. STEM students and educators pitch their best idea — winners sign a paid teaching assignment and bring their course to life in front of local students.
Start Your Application for Round 2 Now, Click Here! (opens in a new window)
↓ Download the Itemized Course Budget Template (opens in a new window)
- Round 2 deadline: Tuesday, September 15, 2026
- Two of the most innovative courses will be selected
- Winners choose their teaching season
What is the STEM Incubator?
The STEM Incubator is a year-round competition run by the Center for Mathematics, Science, and Engineering Education (CMSEE) at UNLV. Instead of a traditional hiring process, you pitch your most innovative course idea. Submit a five-day syllabus, an itemized budget, and a four-minute video making your case.
If your proposal is selected, you sign a paid teaching assignment ($2,500 total compensation per winning course) and deliver your course to a real class of 15 to 20 local K–8 students.
Five steps from idea to classroom
- Build your concept: Design a five-day, hands-on K–8 STEM course for any grade band (K–2, 3–5, or 6–8). Map your learning goals to NGSS or Common Core standards.
- Prepare your application: Assemble a five-day syllabus, an itemized course budget (download the budget template here (opens in a new window)), and a four-minute pitch video. Student teams declare their compensation split.
- Submit by the deadline: Submit everything through the CMSEE application form. Decisions are issued within two to three weeks.
- Sign your teaching assignment: Winners sign a paid program-based teaching assignment, complete a background check, and work with CMSEE to finalize course materials.
- Teach: Deliver your course to 15–20 local K–8 students. Your award is issued upon successful completion.
Who Can Apply
The Incubator is open to two applicant types. Both compete for the same teaching assignment and are scored on the same rubric.
1. STEM Student Teams
Apply as a two-person team. Both members must:
- Be currently enrolled (undergraduate or graduate) at any NSHE institution in a STEM declared major.
- Be fully eligible for employment in the United States.
- Be free of competing NSHE employment contracts that conflict with student-employment caps.
- Clear a university background check to work with minors.
2. STEM Education Vendors
Independent STEM educators, consultants, and organizations may apply solo or as a team. Vendors must:
- Demonstrate relevant K–8 or STEM education experience.
- Be able to enter an independent vendor agreement with UNLV.
- Clear a university background check to work with minors.
Note: Vendors are not subject to NSHE enrollment or employment-cap requirements.
Please reach out to cmseestem@unlv.edu for more details about submitting your syllabus for review.
Compensation
Total instructional compensation is $2,500 per winning course, issued upon completion of the teaching assignment. Course materials are budgeted and funded separately by CMSEE.
| Applicant type | How the $2,500 is distributed |
|---|---|
| Student Co-Leads (50/50) | $1,250 to each partner |
| Student Lead & Teaching Assistant (70/30) | $1,750 to the Lead Instructor; $750 to the Teaching Assistant |
| Vendor (solo or team) | $2,500 total, paid to the registered vendor |
Key Dates & Rounds
| Round | Deadline | Decisions by | Teaching seasons available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Mid-May | Early June | Fall, Spring, or Summer |
| Round 2 (Now open) | Tuesday, September 15, 2026 | Early October | Spring or Summer 2027 |
| Round 3 | Mid-November | Early December | Summer |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my partner be from a different institution?
Yes. Student teams can consist of partners from different NSHE institutions (e.g., one from UNLV and one from Nevada State University), as long as both meet the enrollment and STEM major requirements.
What institutions are considered part of NSHE?
The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) includes UNLV, UNR, Nevada State University, the College of Southern Nevada, and other institutions within the statewide system.
Do vendors need to be enrolled students?
No. Independent educators, consultants, and organizations applying under the STEM Education Vendor track are completely exempt from NSHE enrollment requirements and student employment-cap restrictions. Email cmseestem@unlv.edu to learn more about how to submit your syllabus for review.
Is there a required format for the course budget?
Yes. All applicants must use our provided template. You can download the Itemized Course Budget Template here (opens in a new window), fill it out, and upload it with your final application.
