Advancing Informal STEM Learning | 24 601

Opportunity Information: Apply for 24 601

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program is a discretionary grant opportunity designed to strengthen both research and real-world practice in informal STEM learning (ISL). In plain terms, it supports projects that help people engage with STEM outside traditional classrooms and degree programs, in ways that encourage lifelong learning. AISL places a strong emphasis on engagement, broadening participation, and belonging, with an explicit focus on improving the well-being of individuals and communities that have been historically excluded, underserved, or underrepresented in STEM across multiple dimensions. The program is especially interested in efforts that reach public audiences and deepen public engagement with and understanding of STEM, including areas like community-based public participation in scientific research (often called PPSR or citizen science), science communication, intergenerational STEM learning experiences, and STEM media.

AISL-funded projects are expected to advance knowledge about how informal STEM learning works and how it can be made more effective, equitable, and welcoming. The program is looking for work that clarifies ISL's role in strengthening STEM engagement and belonging, supporting personal and educational success connected to STEM, and increasing public involvement in scientific discovery. It also encourages projects that foster interest in STEM careers, build and test stronger theoretical and evidence-based foundations for informal STEM learning, and improve community vibrancy through STEM-related activities. A recurring theme is helping the public better understand not only STEM topics, but STEM processes as well, meaning how science and engineering are done, communicated, and trusted in real settings.

The solicitation supports five project types, which gives applicants flexibility depending on where they are in the work and what kind of contribution they want to make. Synthesis projects pull together evidence and insights across prior work to clarify what is known and what gaps remain. Conference projects support convenings that move the field forward, such as bringing researchers and practitioners together to align on key questions, methods, or emerging issues. Partnership Development and Planning projects help organizations build the relationships, shared goals, and practical plans needed before launching larger efforts. Integrating Research and Practice projects connect rigorous research with hands-on implementation in informal learning settings, aiming to produce usable knowledge and improved practice at the same time. Research in Support of Wide-reaching Public Engagement with STEM projects focus on generating evidence that can improve large-scale public engagement approaches, including broad communication and participation strategies.

Just as important as what AISL funds is what it does not fund. The program is not meant to support activities primarily focused on formal education systems or formal academic outcomes. That means proposals centered on K-12 classroom instruction, school-based curricula, or undergraduate and graduate education programs (whether in-person or online) are outside scope. AISL also does not fund formal workforce training like professional certification programs or degree pathways, unless the training is directly aimed at informal STEM learning professionals (for example, professional learning designed for museum educators or community science program leaders). The core idea is that AISL sits firmly in the informal learning space, such as museums, science centers, media platforms, community organizations, libraries, afterschool and community-based programs, and similar public-facing environments.

Eligibility is broad and intentionally inclusive of many organization types that can reach public audiences. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based for-profit organizations (including small businesses) with strong STEM research or education capabilities and a clear interest in innovation; non-profit, non-academic organizations such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies; state and local governments; and U.S. institutions of higher education (two-year and four-year, including community colleges) that are accredited and have a U.S. campus applying on behalf of faculty. Tribal Nations, defined as federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribes under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, are also eligible and explicitly encouraged as central partners and leaders in broadening participation efforts. Foreign organizations may apply as well, but for collaborative projects involving U.S. and foreign entities, NSF support is limited to the U.S. portion of the work. Other federal agencies and federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) may be eligible, but they are instructed to contact the program before submitting.

Key grant details from the notice include an opportunity number of 24-601, a funding instrument type of grant, and a science and technology research and development activity category under CFDA 47.076. The original closing date listed is January 8, 2025. The award ceiling is $3,500,000, and NSF anticipates making around 77 awards, which suggests a sizable national competition supporting a range of project sizes and approaches. For proposals involving funding to an international branch campus of a U.S. university (including via subawards or consultants), the applicant must clearly explain why that location is necessary, what it adds to the project, and why the work cannot be done at the U.S. campus.

Overall, AISL is best understood as NSF's major program for building evidence and improving practice in STEM learning that happens in everyday life. Competitive proposals are likely to be those that reach public audiences in meaningful ways, are grounded in strong research or learning design, show credible plans to broaden participation and strengthen belonging, and produce insights or models that others in the informal STEM learning community can adapt and use.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Advancing Informal STEM Learning" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.076.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-08-29.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-01-08. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $3,500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 77 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 24 601

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