Details at a Glance:
- Award Amount: Up to $5,000 requires 1:1 Match
- Submission Deadline: November 15, 2023 (11:59pm) & Off-cycle (Applications will be considered throughout the year as funds allow).
- Period of Performance: May 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024
- Award Announcement: by March 1, 2024 with cost-reimbursable sub-award agreements expected to arrive at MSGC’s affiliated institutions by late Spring 2024
- Application: Applications considered for funding MUST be submitted via MSGC’s online submission portal ‘Submittable’. https://michiganspacegrantconsortium.submittable.com.
Note: You are required to consult with and secure prior approval from your institution prior to submitting to MSGC
Program Description:
MSGC’s Hands-on NASA Oriented Experiences for Student Groups (HONES) supports active participation by student groups from MSGC-affiliated institutions that engage in hands-on, authentic, science and engineering problem-solving research and development related to NASA Mission Directorate challenges and NASA STEAM engagement priorities. Student group activities should align closely with NASA’s strategic interests as expressed in NASA’s 2014 & 2018 Strategic Plans and the following areas of emphasis that NASA has specified for the Program Description.
Eligibility: An applicant may be a student representing a student group, a faculty/staff mentor for a student team, or a faculty advisor whose research group creates products that are launched into space. A faculty mentor is required for applications submitted by a student group. Women, under-represented minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Student groups currently receiving MSGC HONES support are eligible to reapply.
Student groups are encouraged to consult with their institution’s MSGC affiliate for guidance about eligible cost-share opportunities available at their home institution necessary to satisfy the 1:1 match. UM based student groups should reach out to MSGC directly at mispacegrant@umich.edu.
Merit: In evaluating applications, the primary merit factors are (i) the degree to which the proposed project matches the description in the pdf noted in Program Description, with preference given to projects linked directly to NASA itself, and (ii) the overall quality/clarity of the proposal. Secondary merit criteria are related to faculty mentoring, budget, team diversity, interdisciplinary, and the likelihood of a positive outcome for student participants. If the application is for continuation funding, the progress report also contributes to the merit evaluation.
Details at a Glance
- Awards $400.00 maximum for conferences and workshops $200.00 maximum for materials and supplies
- Funding period: Available throughout the year.
- Award disbursement: Approximately one month after submission of application
Program Description
The MSGC K-12 Educator Incentive Program is designed to
- encourage teachers to engage in STEM educational enhancement activities, such as conferences and workshops, related to mathematics, science, and technology.
- purchase materials and supplies for innovative instructional initiatives.
Preference is given to activities directly related to NASA strategic interests, including aerospace, space science, and Earth system science. Activities in other related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, including educational research topics in STEM, are also eligible for consideration. Women, under-represented minorities, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Eligibility: This program is open to participation from K-12 educators throughout the state who are currently teaching in a traditional classroom.
Merit: Applications will be deemed worthy as long as they meet the criteria above and funds are available.
Use of funds: Funding can be used for curricular supplies and domestic travel
Cost sharing: Matching funds are not currently being required. If cost sharing can be provided, please include a signed letter noting the details.
Application Requirements
Synthesize the four components below into a single pdf and email to mispacegrant@umich.edu. Submit separate proposals if applying for both conference/workshops and supplies. The application package consists of:
1. Submit application on Submittable.
2. A description of the activity the applicant wishes to engage in, relevant dates, the amount of funding being requested, how the activity supports Michigan Space Grant Consortium’s mission, and the source of any cost share funds that may be offered.
3. Dated letter of support on school letterhead from the principal of the school where the teacher is employed. Limit: 1 page. It must include
- a statement of support for the curricular materials or professional development opportunity sought by the teacher
- a statement that the teacher will be spending, from their own personal funds, at least the amount of money that MSGC provides for the stated curricular materials or professional development experience, assuring that the MSGC funds will be reimbursing the teacher for that cost.
- the principal’s signature.
4. Applicant’s biographical information (resume). Limit: 1 page
Reporting Requirements for Award Recipients
The following will be required within 6 months of the date the teacher expends the funds…
- A narrative report that describes
- steps that were implemented in your classroom as a result of the curricular materials and/or conference.
- a description of the impact
- If possible, an image that can be used in promotional materials. A picture of children in the classroom engaging in related activities would be optimal. Permissions would be required.
- Receipts or a credit card statements (personal/private information redacted except name) summing to at least the award amount and showing payments for curricular materials and/or conference. Eligible expenses for conferences include meals (no alcohol), lodging, transportation, registration fees, and substitute teacher fees.