Advancing Informal STEM Learning

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Description

The National Science Foundation's Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program funds research and practice that investigates and advances informal STEM learning (ISL) experiences and environments. The program aims to make lifelong STEM learning a reality, centering on engagement, broadening participation, and fostering a sense of belonging—especially for individuals and communities historically excluded, underserved, or underrepresented in STEM.

AISL supports projects that:

• Illuminate the role of informal STEM learning in engagement and participation.
• Advance public engagement in scientific discovery and science communication.
• Foster interest in STEM careers and personal/educational success in STEM.
• Build the theoretical and empirical foundations for effective informal STEM learning.
• Improve community vibrancy and well-being.

Projects must be clearly focused on informal STEM learning (outside of formal K-12, undergraduate, or graduate education and workforce training). Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, community STEM programs, public participation in scientific research, science communication, intergenerational STEM engagement, and STEM media.

AISL funds five project types:

1. Synthesis (systematic reviews, meta-analyses)
2. Conference (capacity-building events)
3. Partnership Development and Planning
4. Integrating Research and Practice
5. Research in Support of Wide-reaching Public Engagement with STEM

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Due Dates

• Full Proposal Deadline: January 8, 2025
• Subsequent Deadlines: Second Wednesday in January, annually (next: January 14, 2026)
• Conference proposals: May be submitted at any time (recommended at least one year in advance of the event)

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Funding Amount

• Synthesis Projects: $100,000–$500,000 (up to 3 years)
• Conference Projects: $75,000–$250,000 (up to 2 years)
• Partnership Development and Planning: $50,000–$150,000 (1–1.5 years)
• Integrating Research and Practice: $250,000–$2,000,000 (2–5 years)
• Wide-reaching Public Engagement: $1,000,000–$3,500,000 (2–5 years)

Estimated total program funding: $28M–$41M, with 48–77 awards anticipated annually.

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Eligibility

Eligible applicants include:

• U.S. institutions of higher education (2- and 4-year, including community colleges)
• Non-profit, non-academic organizations (e.g., museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies)
• For-profit U.S.-based organizations (including small businesses) with strong STEM research/education capabilities
• State and local governments
• Federally recognized Tribal Nations
• Other federal agencies and Federally Funded Research and Development Centers (FFRDCs) (contact NSF before applying)
• Foreign organizations (U.S. support only for cooperative projects)

Who may serve as PI: No restrictions.

Number of proposals: No limits per organization or PI/co-PI.

Note: Projects must focus on informal STEM learning. Proposals focused on formal education (K-12, undergraduate, graduate) or workforce training (unless for informal STEM professionals) are not eligible.

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Application Process

• Submission platforms: Research.gov or Grants.gov

• Letters of Intent/Preliminary Proposals: Not required

• Full Proposal: Required; follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)

• Key proposal requirements:

  • Clearly articulate how the project is informal STEM learning and its value to the ISL community.
  • Address AISL Goals #1–3 (Learning in Informal Environments, Advancing Knowledge Base, Broadening Participation); some project types require additional goals.
  • Include a project evaluation plan.
  • Provide a communication/dissemination plan.
  • Budget must reflect equitable distribution and value of all expertise/participation.
  • For collaborative proposals from multiple organizations, each must request at least $75,000 per year.

• Review criteria: NSF Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, plus solicitation-specific criteria (e.g., understanding of focal audiences, equity, and inclusion).

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Additional Information

• Cost sharing: Not required or allowed.
• Non-allowable costs: Capital/general operating expenses, major office equipment, vehicles, undergraduate tuition, paid advertising, admissions fees, health/medicine-focused projects, book publishing, and most field trips/camps unless integral to research.
• Reporting: Annual and final project reports required; final evaluation/knowledge-building products must be posted to an AISL-designated repository.

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External Links

• NSF AISL Program Solicitation
• Download Solicitation PDF
• NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)
• InformalScience.org (resources for AISL applicants)
• NSF Broadening Participation in STEM
• Grants.gov Opportunity Listing

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Contact Information

For the most current program contacts and updates, visit the NSF AISL program page.

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