Sparklight to award $30,000 for STEM education through 2026 “Dream Bigger” contest

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Feb. 10, 2026) – Sparklight®, a leading fiber-fueled internet provider, is launching its 2026 “Dream Bigger” contest, awarding $30,000 to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education for K–12 students. Twelve winning schools or organizations will receive $2,500 each.

Through the annual contest, Sparklight aims to help educators bring hands-on STEM experiences into classrooms and learning environments, equipping K–12 students with skills that spark curiosity, problem-solving and new ideas.

“STEM education is critical to helping students thrive in an increasingly digital world,” said Trish Niemann, Sparklight Vice President of Communications Strategy. “Dream Bigger allows us to invest in projects that give students meaningful, hands-on exposure to STEM concepts and enrich their learning experiences.”

K–12 schools and organizations located in communities Sparklight serves are eligible to enter. Applicants are asked to submit a photo and a written summary explaining how the award will be used to support a STEM project — such as classroom equipment, robotics or science competitions, curriculum development or other materials — and how the project will benefit students.

Entries for the 2026 contest will be accepted from Feb. 17 through March 10 at sparklight.com/contest. Finalists will be selected by Sparklight, and the 12 winners will be chosen through public voting from March 12 through March 18 at sparklight.com/contest. Winning schools and organizations will be highlighted on Sparklight’s social media channels, helping spotlight innovative STEM programs and the educators behind them.

Since launching the Dream Bigger initiative, Sparklight has awarded nearly $200,000 to STEM programs across its footprint.

To learn more about Sparklight’s high-speed internet services, visit sparklight.com and business.sparklight.com or follow the company on Facebook, Instagram and X.