Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL)

Overview

The Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) Program is committed to funding research and practice, with continued focus on investigating a range of informal STEM learning (ISL) experiences and environments that make lifelong learning a reality. This program seeks proposals that center engagement, broadening participation, and belonging, and further the well-being of individuals and communities who have been and continue to be excluded, under-served, or underrepresented in STEM along several dimensions. The current solicitation encourages proposals from institutions and organizations that serve public audiences, and specifically focus on public engagement with and understanding of STEM, including community STEM; public participation in scientific research (PPSR); science communication; intergenerational STEM engagement; and STEM media.

Projects funded by AISL should contribute to research and practice that further illuminates informal STEM learning's role in engagement, broadening participation, and belonging in STEM; personal and educational success in STEM; advancing public engagement in scientific discovery; fostering interest in STEM careers; creating and enhancing the theoretical and empirical foundations for effective informal STEM learning; improving community vibrancy; and/or enhancing science communication and the public's engagement in and understanding of STEM and STEM processes.

The AISL Program funds five types of projects: (1) Synthesis; (2) Conference; (3) Partnership Development and Planning; (4) Integrating Research and Practice; and (5) Research in Support of Wide-reaching Public Engagement with STEM.

AISL GOALS FOR PROPOSALS
This section describes six goals that the AISL Program views as essential across its funding portfolio. PIs are encouraged to consider these goals to help guide their proposed work. Note that all proposals must explicitly address the first three goals: (1) Learning in Informal Experiences and Environments, (2) Advancing the Knowledge Base of Informal STEM Learning, and (3) Broadening Participation in STEM. Certain project types (described below) may require addressing additional goals. Unless specified, submitters can use their judgment and determine the extent to which AISL Goals #4-6 apply to their project.

1. Learning STEM in Informal Experiences and Environments (required of all proposals)
2. Advancing the Knowledge Base of Informal STEM Learning (required of all proposals)
3. Broadening Participation in STEM (required of all proposals)
4. Intentionally Community/Practitioner Driven
5. Professional Capacity Building & Informal STEM Infrastructure
6. Support Learners' Participation in and Understanding of STEM practices

Anticipated Funding Amount: Limits for funding requests and duration of AISL proposals under this solicitation are as follows: 
(1) Synthesis projects: $100,000 to $500,000 with a duration up to three years;
 (2) Conference projects: $75,000 to $250,000 with a duration up to two years; 
(3) Partnership Development and Planning projects: $50,000 to $150,000 with a duration of one to one and one-half years; 
(4) Integrating Research and Practice projects: $250,000 to $2,000,000 with a duration of two to five years; and 
(5) Research in Support of Wide-reaching Public Engagement with STEM projects: $1,000,000 to $3,500,000 with a duration of two to five years.