Welcome to the brand new Informal STEM Education Opportunities Newsletter: a collection of opportunities, funding, and other programs of interest for folks in informal STEM learning spaces, brought to you by Improved Insights.
In addition to our existing monthly newsletter (which goes in-depth on an informal STEM learning evaluation topic), this newsletter will highlight a selection of upcoming opportunities of particular interest to those working in informal STEM education.
Here are a few things that caught our eye this month:
Funding:
The New Earth Foundation (NEF) is awarding grants for innovative projects including educational developments that prepare youth to become socially responsible leaders of the future. Smaller, newer 501(c)(3) organizations are the focus and can apply by July 1st, 2023.
The Big Lots Foundation is seeking proposals from nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that align with community support initiatives, including those that provide service-learning curricula and promote servant leadership through experiential learning. Applications may be submitted through July 1st, 2023.
Western Digital invites applications for its Community Grants Program. Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations and public schools that offer programs or services in areas including STEM Education and Environment. More information can be found here, under the “Grants” tab.
The Pratt & Whitney E-STEM Awards support promising E-STEM programs across the globe to build environmental literacy, STEM skills, and pathways to environmental careers. E-STEM Prizes recognize excellence in established programs and E-STEM Grants support and enhance new programs. Applications are due June 28, 2023.
OpenAI, Inc. is awarding ten $100,000 grants, open to individuals and larger organizations, to fund experiments in setting up a democratic process to ensure that AGI (artificial general intelligence) is shaped by diverse perspectives and reflects the public interest. Applications will be accepted through June 24th, 2023.
Awards:
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is awarding a $5,000 prize, a commemorative plaque, and complimentary registration to the 2024 AAAS annual conference in Washington, DC, on October 23rd & 24th, 2024, to an individual who demonstrates excellence in their contribution to public engagement with science activities. Nominations will be accepted through June 30, 2023.
Fellowships:
EnCorps is currently seeking applicants for their EnCorps STEM Teachers Program®. EnCorps supports STEM professionals ready to explore transitioning to STEM teaching. They are currently accepting applications for fellowships in California, Colorado, and New York.
Conferences:
The Visitor Studies Association (VSA) is hosting its 35th Annual Association Conference. The virtual conference will be held July 11th-13th, 2023. One major goal of the conference is to reflect on the need for inclusivity, transparency, and service to communities by broadening the field of Visitor Studies to include not only researchers and evaluators but also those who have frequent direct interactions with visitors.
The 2023 National Nature-Based Early Learning Conference, hosted by Natural Start Alliance, is taking place virtually during the week of July 24-28. Sessions will include personal narratives, research, and collective experience on how nature relates to young children and to us all.
Reports:
Each year the National Girls Collaborative Project (NGCP) presents a high-level summary of the most compelling statistics and research on the State of Girls and Women in STEM, focused on K-12 Education, Higher Education, and the STEM Workforce. NGCP has also created a tool kit with graphics of these statistics and research to help Local Collaboratives and girl-serving STEM organizations.
Grantmakers for Education has published a report entitled Trends in Education Philanthropy: Benchmarking 2023. The 15th-anniversary report offers insights into where and how funders are working, their evolving priorities, and their role in supporting education innovation that benefits the nation’s learners.
Other opportunities we should highlight? Jot them in the comments. If you liked this newsletter, please share it with a colleague.