Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematic (STEM), Education and Workforce Program
Solicitation Title: Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematic (STEM), Education and Workforce Program
Funding Amount: up to $50,000
Sponsor Deadline: Friday, April 14, 2023
Solicitation Link: https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=345510
Solicitation Number: AFRL-AFOSR-2023-0003
Overview
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) seeks a broad range of applications for
augmenting existing and/or developing innovative solutions that directly maintain and/or cultivate a diverse, world-class Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce to maintain the U.S. Air Force and Space Force’s technological superiority. The goal of proposed efforts must provide solutions that establish, build, and/or maintain STEM educational pathways and workforce opportunities for diverse U.S. citizens directly relevant to AFOSR science and technology areas.
As the capacity of the Department of the Air Force (DAF) Science and Technology (S&T) workforce is interconnected with STEM education and outreach, AFOSR recognizes the need to support efforts that can jointly improve STEM student outcomes and align education and outreach efforts with DAF S&T current and future workforce needs. This announcement explicitly encourages projects that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences for students of all ages and the air and space related workforce.
Projects must aim to increase engagement in STEM, from students to the current workforce, and enhance people with needed DAF STEM skills, knowledge and abilities. AFOSR encourages applications to utilize current STEM education research for informing project design and advancing STEM careers and opportunities of DAF relevance.
This FOA is specifically seeking STEM education and outreach projects that address scientific and technical areas identified in the following thrust areas. Project scope may range in size and complexity. While not a formal requirement or program focus of this FOA, applicants are strongly encouraged to consider under-represented and under-served populations including women and minorities in project plans. Special audience priority areas may include, but not be limited to, military connected students, veteran initiatives, and education systems integral to DAF science and technology.
AFOSR STEM topic areas include:
- Engineering and Complex Systems
- Information and Networks
- Physical Sciences
- Chemistry and Biological Sciences
STEM interests include a broad range of STEM educational and training opportunities
for career and workforce development, including but not limited to:
- Internships for veterans and underrepresented groups in STEM
- Professional development opportunities
- Programs to stimulate analytical/thinking skills
- Development of educational resources
- STEM education outreach activities
- Education and community engagement workshops
- Target age groups may require different levels of educational tools
- Coordinating and partnering with activities and organizations that support DAF research areas
DoD STEM goals are as follows:
Goal 1.0: Inspire community engagement in DoD STEM education programs and activities to provide meaningful STEM learning opportunities for students and educators.
Goal 2.0: Attract the Nation's and DoD's current and future STEM workforce through multiple
pathways to educational and career opportunities.
Goal 3.0: Increase participation of underserved and underrepresented groups in STEM
education.
Goal 4.0: Advance the efficiency and effectiveness of STEM education and workforce
development programs, activities, and outreach through evaluation and assessment. Relevant
information includes, but is not limited to, details of any other Federal funds to be used, and
any funds to be contributed by non-Federal sources toward STEM outreach and education.
Multiple Principal Investigators from the same organization may apply for a STEM Program award, but each approach must be distinctive.
Your pre-proposal inquiries and questions should be submitted not later than Friday, March 24, 2023. You should submit your questions in writing by electronic mail. You should include the announcement number in the subject line. You may contact the administering agency contacts by telephone, but email is preferred.
Dr. Kimberly Jacoby Morris
Phone: (703) 696-9562
Email: [email protected]
RODA ID: 1885