Free Resources for Tallahassee Teachers: Classroom Supplies, Grants & STEM Programs!
Teachers spend enough of their own money on their classrooms, so anytime there’s a free local resource available, we want to know about it.
Fortunately, teachers in Tallahassee and Leon County have access to several programs that can help with everything from classroom supplies and STEM equipment to science programs and funding for special projects.
We’ve checked these resources and updated the list for the 2026–27 school year. Availability can change, so follow the links for the latest details before making plans.
Foundation for Leon County Schools Innovative Teacher Grants
Have an idea for your classroom that isn’t covered by the regular school budget? The Foundation for Leon County Schools offers Innovative Teacher Grants to help fund creative classroom projects.
The program is open to Leon County public K–12 teachers. Teachers are encouraged to work together, with two or more teachers developing a grant request. Each school can submit up to two applications per year.
Projects should support school and district goals, have a measurable educational impact and ideally be something that can be duplicated or continued in the future.
Grant money can be used for things such as classroom materials, program supplies, software and hardware, equipment, printing, local field trips, training and admission fees.
LEARN ABOUT INNOVATIVE TEACHER GRANTS
FREE Challenger Learning Center Programs for Leon County Schools
This is a really good one.
Through a partnership between Leon County Schools and the Challenger Learning Center of Tallahassee, several educational programs are FREE for eligible Leon County School classes during the 2026–27 school year.
Current offers include:
- FREE Space Mission Simulation for science classes in grades 5–9
- FREE Launchpad Program for grades K–5
- FREE Learning Lab when booking an IMAX or Fogg Planetarium movie
- FREE Challenger Classroom science enrichment for K–12 classrooms
- 50% off Dynamic Demos
- 50% off CLC2You programs
Program dates are available on a first-come, first-served basis and class-size restrictions apply.
SEE CURRENT CHALLENGER TEACHER PROGRAMS
Borrow FREE STEM Equipment From the LCS STEAM Library
You don’t necessarily have to buy expensive STEM equipment for a classroom project.
The LCS STEAM Library at the Challenger Learning Center is available to Leon County School staff and includes items covering math, science, engineering and robotics.
Teachers can borrow equipment for use with students, and items can either be picked up or delivered through the school courier system.
The available equipment changes, so teachers should contact the Challenger Learning Center for a current list of resources.
FREE Leon County Mosquito Control Classroom Programs
Here’s one of those local resources you might never think to look for.
Leon County Mosquito Control provides educational programs and materials for teachers and students in public and private schools throughout Leon County.
Programs teach students about mosquito life cycles, mosquito-borne diseases and ways to reduce mosquito populations. Hands-on classroom presentations are available beginning with third grade, and programs are designed to meet Florida educational standards.
Mosquito Control also works with science teachers to provide life-cycle kits, informational materials and classroom presentations.
Teachers interested in scheduling a presentation or requesting materials can contact Leon County Mosquito Control’s Community Education Coordinator.
SEE FREE SCHOOL & YOUTH PROGRAMS
FREE Mosquito & Copepod Science Kits
Teachers can also get free Mosquito and Copepod Science Kits through the Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory.
Leon County Mosquito Control specifically lists these kits among its teacher resources, along with educational materials and opportunities for hands-on learning.
If you’re teaching ecosystems, insects or mosquito biology, this could be an easy way to add a hands-on component without buying another classroom kit yourself.
Don’t Forget Seasonal School-Supply Giveaways
Tallahassee organizations, businesses and nonprofits also hold backpack and school-supply drives around the beginning of the school year.
These aren’t dependable year-round programs, so we’re not going to list old giveaways as though they’re still available. But they’re worth watching for each summer, especially in July and early August.
If you’re a teacher looking for classroom supplies, check with your school and the Foundation for Leon County Schools as the new school year approaches. We’ll also update this guide when we find new local teacher programs worth adding.
Know of Other Free Resources for Tallahassee Teachers?
We’re always looking for legitimate local programs that help teachers spend less of their own money in the classroom. If you know about a free classroom resource, teacher grant or supply program in Leon County that belongs on this list, let us know so we can check it out and add it.
