Firewheel Ft. Mcdowell Yavapai Nation Grant Briefing

Tribal Gaming Community Application Briefing
Non-Profit Submission
Tribal Gaming Community Applying To
Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation
Name of the Non-Profit Organization
Firewheel STEM Institute
Does the Non-Profit Organization have IRS Tax-Exempt Status
Yes
Contact  Information
Glen Pohle
grants@firewheel.org
480-710-7245
Application Priority Areas
Education
Title of the Project
Firewheel Mobile STEM Center
Amount Intended to Request
$15,000
Purpose of the Grant
Firewheel STEM Institute's mission is to bridge the Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM) divide in underserved populations in our
communities to prepare them for the 21st century workforce. Through our Mobile
STEM Center, Firewheel provides substantive STEM instruction and support to
students from underrepresented communities in STEM fields who lack high-
quality STEM enrichment programming through their schools or other
organizations. Our program helps increase students' knowledge of STEM topics
and ignite excitement about STEM and STEM careers.
These impacts are important because, according to the National Science
Foundation, individuals need STEM competencies to succeed in any
professional position. Inspiring more students to choose STEM careers is also
important to help fill the rapidly growing number of available STEM positions. A
grant from the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation will help enable Firewheel to deploy
our Mobile STEM Center to students who would not otherwise have access to the
type of hands-on STEM experiences that our program can deliver.
Project Summary
Firewheel STEM Institute respectfully requests $15,000 from the Fort McDowell

Yavapai Nation to support our Mobile STEM Center during fiscal year 2027.
Firewheel deploys its Mobile STEM Center (affectionately known as the
STEAM Engine) to deliver a pop-up STEM classroom and hands-on STEM
experiences wherever they are needed. The STEAM Engine is battery-powered
and connected to the Internet via Starlink, so it can operate entirely off the grid,
enabling us to offer programming anywhere.  The STEAM Engine comes
equipped with 10 laptops, four 3D printers, one dual laser engraver, and one
CNC mill. Firewheel uses this equipment to engage students in exciting
projects that entertain and inspire them while also teaching them valuable
manufacturing skills.
Our experienced educators, many with industry experience, engage students in
activities such as 3D printing, model rocketry, astronomy, solar oven building,
LEGO Spike Prime robotics, and basic electronics. Students leave with a
tangible product they have created, building their confidence and ability to
envision themselves in STEM fields. Many activities also require collaboration,
providing opportunities to learn life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and
communication, which are vital to career success.
Firewheel is dedicated to ensuring that all students have access to meaningful
STEM experiences, regardless of their socioeconomic background or the school
they attend. Our STEAM Engine enables us to effectively deliver STEM
experiences and the benefits they bring to deserving but historically underserved
populations in Chandler and surrounding communities.
Impact on the City of Chandler
The projects delivered by the STEAM Engine are adapted from our core, year-
round programming at our Chandler STEM Center, where we guide students
through advanced robotics and fabrication. This mobile program ensures the
same standard of impactful, skill-based learning reaches students in every
community. At each STEAM Engine event, our school partners choose 2 to 4
activities, lasting 1 to 2 hours each, that supplement their school curriculum and
give students a chance to apply their classroom learning.
Address of Non-profit Organization the City of Chandler will Send the
Tribal Community Grant Payment
Address
3225 N Washington St.
Chandler, Arizona. 85225
Contact Name for Receipt of Payment
Glen Pohle