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.