2011-2012: Informal Education Grants

Purpose:

This award program is designed to increase learning, educate students, educators and the general public on specific science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) content areas. Innovative hands-on activities associated with aerospace, physics, astronomy, cosmology, or Earth system sciences are preferred. The grants are available to faculty members or educators at all ISGC institutions.

Awards:

A total of $8,000* has been allocated for programs taking place between May 17, 2011 and May 16, 2012.

*Subject to availability of funds. More funds may be available when the FY2011 Federal budget is determined.

Requirements:

Grants must support programs in the STEM content areas. Activities associated with aerospace, physics, astronomy, cosmology, or Earth system sciences are preferred.
The informal education project(s) must include also include program staff and supplemental materials/handouts.
Grants must be matched (at least one-to-one) with funds from non-federal sources. Prior to the execution of a subaward agreement, the source of matching funds must be identified and confirmed by a letter from the appropriate authority. Waived indirect costs and faculty effort can qualify as matching funds.
Proposals may include requests for salary, supplies, and travel support. ISGC funds cannot be used for the purchase of equipment.
Any beneficiary of direct support (salary, wages, travel) from this grant MUST be a US citizen.
The project PI will submit a final report by Feb 28, 2012; report format will be provided by ISGC.
All application materials must be submitted electronically by April 15, 2011.

To Apply :

Application web page

Complete the on-line application form. In the "Documents" section of the application:

Select "Other Supporting Document" and upload your budget (sample budget format);

Select "Statement of Purpose" and upload your project description. The project description should include:

Purpose: including audience and educational objectives

Method: what activity(ies) will take place

Results: anticipated value-added benefits

Schedule: timeline including project period and important milestones/deadlines

Brief self-evaluation plan

Project goal(s). Indicate explicitly how the goal(s) is/are specific, measurable, aligned with NASA and Space Grant interests, realistic and within the funding time frame.

The Statement of Purpose should be single-spaced text in 12-point font with one-inch margins and be no more than three pages in length.

You will receive email verification that your proposal was submitted.

Selection Criteria:

Proposals will be reviewed by ISGC Directors and selected based on adherence to the above criteria, scientific merit, and equitable distribution of resources across the Consortium. Programs targeted to women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged. Proposal submission for this program is limited to faculty/professional staff (research and professorial) at ISGC affiliate and lead institutions.

Important Dates :

Submission Deadline:
April 15, 2011

Questions? Contact:

Diane Jeffers

dejeffer@illinois.edu

217-244-8048

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