Informal STEM Education Opportunities Newsletter
October 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 interest to those working in informal STEM education.
Here are a few things that caught our eye this month:
Funding/RFPs:
The JetBlue Foundation invites applications for grants up to $50,000 from qualifying educational organizations. Programs must support aviation-related education, and science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) initiatives, and serve one or more of the following communities that are under-represented in aviation: Veterans aviation education; Women in aviation; Under-represented diverse groups including but not limited to the African, Asian or Latin diaspora; LGBTQ+; and neurodiverse and people with physical disabilities. Applications are due October 30, 2023.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) introduces the National Leadership Grants for Museums. These grants, ranging from $50,000 to $750,000, are designed to bolster the museum field by supporting projects addressing critical industry needs. With the potential to advance museum practices and enhance services for the American public, this opportunity is not to be missed. Applications are open until November 15, 2023.
The Inspire! Grant for Small Museums, presented by The Museums for America program, in collaboration with the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), is extending an invitation to small museums from all disciplines. Submissions should target projects in three critical categories: Lifelong Learning, Institutional Capacity, and Collections Stewardship and Access. Funding opportunities range from $5,000 to $75,000 over a span of 1-2 years. Applications are due November 15, 2023.
Awards:
The National STEM Challenge presented by EXPLR invites students in grades 6 through 12 to craft a STEM project that tackles a real-world challenge in one of six categories: Environmental Stewardship, Future Foods, Health and Medicine, Power the Planet, Space Innovation, and Tech for Good. Challenge winners will be invited to showcase their projects at the National STEM Festival in Washington, D.C. in April 2024. Projects must be submitted for review by November 12, 2023 at 8:59 PM PT.
Million Girls Moonshot’s 2024 Flight Crew is inviting afterschool STEM champions to join the initiative. This dedicated group of youth advocates is committed to promoting the value of out-of-school STEM learning and equity in STEM fields and will play a vital role in inspiring other young individuals to pursue out-of-school STEM learning. Girls between the ages of 13-18 are encouraged to apply. The application deadline is December 1, 2023.
Stochastic Labs is awarding fully sponsored residencies to exceptional engineers, artists, scientists, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Residencies are of variable length and include a private apartment in the San Francisco Bay area, co-working and/or dedicated work space, shop access (laser cutter, 3D printer, etc.), a monthly stipend, and a budget for materials. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and may be submitted by either individuals or teams.
Jobs & Fellowships:
Ogden Nature Center in Ogden, UT is hiring its next Executive Director. The Director will be responsible for leading and managing the staff and operations of the Ogden Nature Center and will work closely with the Board of Directors in accordance with the Center’s strategic plan. The Director will also cultivate financial and community support, and ensure proper management of the Center.
AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowships provide opportunities for outstanding scientists and engineers to learn first-hand about policymaking while contributing their knowledge and analytical skills through a yearlong assignment in the executive, legislative, or judicial branches of the federal government in Washington. Each fellow receives a stipend of between $89-$116K per year. The application deadline is November 1, 2023.
Continuing Education & PD:
The Data Science Methods for Digital Learning Platforms certificate program, offered through the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education, is a 16-week free training program designed for individuals with a clear intent to pursue education research, and who have some degree of prior quantitative analysis background. Twenty participants will be selected for the first cohort, which will commence in February 2024. Applications must be received by November 15, 2023.
Conferences:
Together We Thrive! is the North American Association for Environmental Education’s virtual 2023 Annual Conference and Research Symposium. The conference takes place October 17-20, 2023, focusing on collaboration, creativity, and crossing boundaries to address local and global environmental and social issues.
The Connected Learning Summit, powered by the Connected Learning Alliance, will be held virtually October 26-28, 2023. The Summit will focus on the growing movement of innovators harnessing the power of emerging technology to expand access to participatory, playful, and creative learning.
The Future of Museums Summit, hosted by the American Alliance of Museums, will be held virtually November 1-2, 2023. Summit themes include the future workplace, the partisan divide, digital (r)evolution, and renewed efforts in repatriation and restitution.
The 2024 Children & Nature Network Conference invites presenters to submit their innovative project, program, unique life experience, or inspiring idea in an engaging and interactive 60-minute break-out session or a 15-minute TED-style talk with Q&A. The conference will be held May 28-31, 2024, in Madison, WI. Presenter applications are due by November 8, 2023.
Other opportunities we should highlight? Jot them in the comments. If you liked this newsletter, please share it with a colleague.
