Quick look: A new partnership will award $10,000 grants to 10 Orange County public schools, supporting creative STEM ideas through a simple application process open through May 4.
If you’ve ever had a big idea for expanding STEM learning at your school, this might be the moment to put it into motion.
A new partnership is launching across Orange County that invites educators to think creatively — and backs those ideas with real funding.
The Future Innovators Initiative by Hyundai will award $10,000 grants to 10 public schools to support science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) learning, whether through new equipment, hands-on projects or innovative programs designed by school teams.
The effort brings together Hyundai Motor America, OCDE and the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation, a nonprofit focused on connecting schools with resources that expand opportunities for students. Applications are now being accepted starting today at hyundaifutureinnovators.com.
“Partnerships like this are exactly how we unlock new opportunities for schools across Orange County,” said David Blair, executive director of the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation.
Fueling access, innovation
Founded in November 2025, the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation was created to strengthen connections between schools, businesses and the broader community. Working alongside OCDE and local districts, the foundation aims to align resources with local needs, with a focus on expanding access, supporting innovation and improving student outcomes across the county.
“We are proud to partner with Hyundai on the Future Innovators Initiative and grateful for their investment in the students, educators, and school communities that are shaping our region’s future,” Blair said. “This is what meaningful partnership looks like, when community-minded companies step forward to help expand access, fuel innovation and strengthen what is possible for the next generation.”
All Orange County public schools are eligible to apply. Proposals are limited to 1,000 words and will be reviewed by Hyundai and the Bright Futures Foundation, with selected schools announced in late May or early June.
Investing in Orange County
“At Hyundai, we’re committed to supporting the local schools in the communities we call home,” said Brandon Ramirez, director of corporate social responsibility for Hyundai Motor North America. “That’s why, in partnership with Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation, we launched the Future Innovators Initiative by Hyundai right here in Orange County — the home of Hyundai Motor America in Fountain Valley, California.”
“This initiative gives local Orange County public schools the opportunity to apply for funding that strengthens and expands STEM education. Whether a school needs new STEM equipment or support for innovative programming, Hyundai is dedicated to reinvesting in Orange County and empowering the next generation of learners.”
The application window will remain open through May 4 at 8:59 p.m. PST, giving schools time to develop and submit proposals that reflect their unique goals and student needs.
Opening doors for students
For OCDE and its partners, the initiative represents a broader effort to connect classrooms with opportunities that spark curiosity, creativity and real-world learning — and to make it easier for schools to bring those ideas to life.
“When we connect classrooms with opportunity, we open the door for students to explore, create and see what’s possible for their future,” said Orange County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stefan Bean. “Partnerships like this help ensure that innovation isn’t limited by resources, and that every student has a chance to engage in meaningful, future-ready learning.”
For more information about the Orange County Schools Bright Futures Foundation, visit www.ocschoolsbff.org. Schools interested in applying for the Future Innovators Initiative by Hyundai can learn more and submit proposals at www.hyundaifutureinnovators.com.