Student Experiential Opportunities (Hands-On)
Deadline: January 31, 2025
Submissions accepted on an ongoing basis through January 31, 2025 or until funds are consumed. Reviews will be processed as submissions are received.
Purpose
This Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) student-centered opportunity seeks proposals for experiences that promote skills for STEM careers. Proposals are for hands-on activities which align with at least one the research priorities of the NASA Mission Directorates. Funding is for undergraduate student-led team projects allowing for direct interaction and usage of technology, hardware, machinery, research, etc. Single student projects will not be accepted. This program will support regional and national competitions for rocketry, robotics and/or other undergraduate team activities. The intent of this program is to assist with expenses such as travel to competitions, supplies and materials for project builds, etc. It is not designed to pay student wages for project participation; therefore, wages are unallowable (see budget form for complete listing of unallowable expenses).
Eligibility
- The project’s lead student must be enrolled as an undergraduate at ISGC affiliated higher education institutions: DMACC, Drake, Iowa, Iowa State, Loras College, Morningside, or Northern Iowa with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, at the time of application.
- A faculty or staff mentor is required.
- These grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis, until available funds are consumed.
- Subsequent year funding requires a new application and is contingent upon receipt of previous year’s final report, and other deliverables as requested/needed.
Project must align with one or more of the NASA Mission Directorate’s research priorities and/or challenges. Projects will be evaluated based on the number of students involved/impacted, likelihood to increase the diversity of the STEM pool, and internal and external collaborations with NASA. The ISGC encourages proposals involving females, members of underrepresented minorities, persons with disabilities, and U.S. military veterans.
Proposal Elements:
Proposal body (Page limit: 4-5) – Please include a project summary, technical description of your research project, expected goals and outcomes, and note the alignment with NASA Mission Directorate/s with benefits that are related to the ISGC mission. Include a budget summary which aligns with the amounts and justification provided in the ISGC budget template provided.
Budget – Total project budget request may not exceed $5,000. While non-Federal match is encouraged, it is not required. Waived indirect is calculated against NASA funds, based on the university government approved rates (budget template will calculate this for you). Funds must be expended by May 31, 2025. The budget template below is available in Excel format from. The budget template, must be submitted in Excel format with the proposal. Please note: That which is not allowable from the NASA funding is also not allowable as Match and/or Cost Share. A full listing of unallowable expenses are listed on the budget template. (NOTE: Upon award, project expenses must fall within the period of performance.)
Submission
Proposals must be uploaded as a PDF file, with the ISGC Excel budget template.
Please refer to the Submission Checklist prior to submission
Reporting Requirements:
A midterm progress report (due by 2/29/25) and a final report are required. The reports outline accomplishments and metrics proposed. If/Once awarded, the PI and/or student lead will be responsible to ensure that all team members complete the necessary forms: student participant data and photo authorization release. These forms are available at: https://www.iaspacegrant.org/student-forms/. Photos of students and project work are encouraged to highlight accomplishments. Photo authorization forms will be required for individuals identifiable in photographs, videos, social media, etc.
Purchasing Stipulations:
Purchasing Guidelines must be followed to mitigate the suspension or cancelation of payment(s) for team expenses post-award (ISU Teams Only).
Questions
For questions regarding proposal eligibility or program guidelines, please contact us at (isgc@iastate.edu).