Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) is seeking proposals for its Building the Next Generation of STEMM Leaders in the Field of Environmental Justice. Donor Name: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine State: Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/08/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support the development and implementation of projects that cultivate the next generation of STEMM leaders in the field of Environmental Justice (EJ). Specifically, this funding opportunity will support proposals based in education and mentorship that aim to raise awareness, expand understanding, and empower young people (grades 9-12) to apply STEMM disciplines to explore and examine the relationship between environmental hazards and their effects on the health and resilience of communities. Ultimately, the GRP expects this funding opportunity to increase the number of young people in the Gulf of Mexico region who study and work in STEMM disciplines within the field of EJ. The GRP encourages nonprofit or community-based organizations to work with young people from communities affected by environmental inequalities. This grant opportunity aims to support experiences that foster the development of the scientific and environmental literacy, skills, competencies, and capabilities that are critical to cultivating a next generation of STEMM leaders working towards Environmental Justice. Activities should focus on education and mentorship opportunities in the Gulf of Mexico region that provide youth with opportunities to learn about and apply STEMM in the exploration and examination of environmental hazards and their effects on the health and resilience of communities, raising awareness and building capacity among youth to pursue STEMM studies and/or careers in the field of EJ. These activities may take place in formal or informal educational settings, should target youth in the 9-12 grade range, and be complementary to formal education standards and learning objectives. Projects should be grounded in appropriate teaching methods for the goals of the project. Funding Information Total funding available: $4 million Specifications for award amount: This funding opportunity is for projects of at least $75,000. The majority of the available funds will support projects that are less than $500,000, and the remainder will support projects between $500,000 and $1,000,000. Award Duration Grants will be awarded to support projects up to 24 months in length. Eligibility Criteria For the purpose of this grant opportunity, applications will be accepted from all nonprofit and community-based organizations with 501(c)(3) status, which support educational, service, and/or coordination activities for youth in the 9-12 grade range. Preference will be given to applicants with a history of working with children and youth, particularly those who work with underrepresented or underserved populations, including but not limited to racial/ethnic minorities, tribal youth, LGBTQ+ youth, students demonstrating low socio-economic status as established by the free and reduced lunch program, children with disabilities, first-generation immigrants, students from rural or remote areas, and/or students experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Programmatic activities must occur in the United States Gulf of Mexico region. The Gulf Research Program welcomes proposals from all nonprofit and communitybased organizations with 501(c)(3) status, on behalf of qualified individuals. The applying organization will be referred to as the “applicant” hereafter. The individuals who will lead the proposed project will be referred to as “project directors” hereafter. All eligible applicants must have a valid federal tax ID number in order to apply. For more information, visit National Academies.