Informal STEM Education Opportunities Newsletter
July 2023
Welcome to the 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 highlights 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/RFPs:
The Brady Education Foundation is currently accepting Research Project (RP) proposals and Existing Program Evaluation (EPE) proposals that have the potential to provide data that will inform how to address disparities in educational opportunities associated with race, ethnicity, and family income. Nonprofit organizations are invited to apply through August 1, 2023.
Outschool.org is seeking applications from at least eight organizations (“community partners”) aiming to close academic achievement and/or enrichment gaps for BIPOC and economically marginalized learners. Priority will be given to innovative microschools, homeschooling co-ops, community-based organizations, and K-12 district or charter schools. The final application deadline is August 1, 2023.
The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region is currently accepting applications for The Bender Scientific Fund grant program. The program encourages smaller nonprofit organizations to apply for funding for projects that promote further exploration of medicine, biotechnology and life sciences by young people. Submissions are due August 3, 2023.
NASA is soliciting proposals for the TEAM II ANCHR program. This program aims to engage informal education institutions in a variety of efforts to promote NASA STEM learning opportunities and improve NASA connections in local and regional networks, with a special emphasis on those who are historically underrepresented and/or underserved in STEM fields and opportunities. Applications are being accepted through August 15, 2023.
Jobs & Fellowships:
The Overdeck Family Foundation is seeking a Research & Impact Officer to lead the Foundation’s investments and support for research and evidence-building. Reporting to the Director of Strategic Impact and Learning (SIL), the Research & Impact Officer will play a vital role in guiding strategy and grant funding decisions based on evidence. This is an on-site position in New York City. Read more about the position and requirements here.
The Mozilla Foundation is hiring an Impact Measurement & Evaluation Lead. The Lead will work remotely, and should be familiar with the challenges and dilemmas of detecting long-term social change resulting from philanthropic and/or advocacy work, should have a deep understanding of current initiatives to build inclusive and transformative MEL culture. Read more and apply here.
The San Diego Zoo is seeking an on-site Education Program Developer. The developer will be responsible for the creation and improvement of education content, programming and curriculum for K-8th grade students. The ideal candidate has 3+ years of experience developing programs and curriculum for K-8th grade in either a formal or informal education setting. Submit your application and find out more here.
The Shedd Aquarium in Chicago, IL is seeking a Director of Public Engagement. The Director will lead a multi-departmental strategy to drive engagement outcomes and guest satisfaction through a comprehensive suite of interpretive programming. Read more and submit your application here.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is hiring a Science Network Organizing Manager. The Manager will build long-term strategies and programming for scientist-distributed organizing. This is a remote position. Read more about the position requirements and apply here.
The North Shore Land Alliance is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator/Stewardship Associate. The associate will help establish project priorities, conduct communications with volunteers, and engage volunteers in a variety of activities. This is an on-site position in Oyster Bay, NY. Read more about the position and apply here.
Conferences:
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) 2024 Annual Meeting Call for Submissions is now available on the AERA website. The 2024 Annual Meeting is dual component: place-based in Philadelphia, PA, and on a virtual platform. The deadline for submissions is July 31, 2023.
The 2023 Smithsonian National Education Summit, Together We Thrive: Fostering a Sense of Belonging, stems from an emerging body of research in the Science of Learning and Development that validates an optimistic outlook about the potential of all learners. Offered both in-person and online from July 18-20, 2023, the Summit celebrates and honors educators and highlights instructional strategies and resources that will help ensure all learners have the opportunity to thrive.
Other opportunities we should highlight? Jot them in the comments. If you liked this newsletter, please share it with a colleague.
