Palmetto Academy Research
Palmetto Academy Research supports faculty-led student research experiences aligned with NASA priorities to advance space-related research, strengthen South Carolina’s STEM workforce, and prepare students for STEM careers.
Funder: South Carolina Space Grant Consortium
Due Dates: November 30, 2026 (Faculty applications) | January 25, 2027 (Student applications) | February 1, 2027 (Student recommendations)
Funding Amounts: Faculty requests: $15,000–$32,000 for one to three students; $8,000 stipend per student; 10-week research experience; 1:1 institutional match
Summary: Supports faculty-led, NASA-relevant research sites providing immersive student training and strengthening South Carolina’s STEM workforce.
Key Information: Faculty mentors must provide in-person guidance for at least 80% of the project’s duration.
Description
The South Carolina Space Grant Consortium’s Palmetto Academy supports faculty-led research sites offering 10-week, multidisciplinary student research experiences directly relevant to NASA mission areas. Projects must connect to current NASA Mission Directorate research priorities and South Carolina’s Science and Technology Vision. Undergraduate and graduate research training is central to the program, with particular attention to students’ learning experiences and expanded perspectives on science and engineering.
The academy aims to advance NASA’s research agenda, strengthen South Carolina’s STEM workforce, and increase interest and retention in STEM disciplines. Mentored research develops creativity, initiative, confidence, teamwork, professional ethics, and written and oral communication skills. Students share their work through reports, posters, and presentations, while preparing for further NASA-relevant research, advanced STEM study, and science and engineering careers.
