Advancing Informal STEM Learning

The Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports research and practice that enhance informal STEM learning experiences and environments. The program focuses on lifelong learning and emphasizes broadening participation and fostering a sense of belonging in STEM, particularly among historically underrepresented, underserved, or excluded communities. AISL encourages projects that engage the public, including community STEM, public participation in scientific research, science communication, and STEM media, while advancing knowledge and inclusion in the field. AISL offers funding across five project types: Synthesis, Conferences, Partnership Development and Planning, Integrating Research and Practice, and Research in Support of Wide-reaching Public Engagement with STEM. Budget ranges and project durations vary, from $50,000 for planning projects to $3.5 million for large-scale public engagement projects, with timelines spanning one to five years depending on the project type. Activities must contribute to AISL’s overarching goals, including informal STEM learning, broadening participation, advancing theoretical and empirical knowledge, and engaging the public in science. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities with a strong STEM focus, state and local governments, and Tribal Nations. Foreign organizations may participate through cooperative projects focusing on U.S. activities. Proposals should highlight how projects address informal STEM learning, identify their target audiences, and demonstrate equity and inclusion throughout the project design and implementation process. Submission requirements include adherence to NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) and specific AISL solicitation guidelines. Proposals must include a detailed project description, budget, evaluation plans, and a communication strategy. Evaluations should ensure iterative project improvement and accountability, aligning with AISL’s mission to enhance informal STEM education. Collaborative proposals must meet the program’s minimum budget requirements, with a preference for single-entity submissions to streamline administration. The merit review process evaluates proposals based on NSF’s Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts criteria, along with solicitation-specific criteria. These include considerations of audience engagement, equity in STEM participation, and alignment with AISL goals. Successful proposals demonstrate innovation, a robust theoretical framework, and a commitment to advancing knowledge in informal STEM education. The next full proposal deadline is January 14, 2026, with annual deadlines on the second Wednesday of January thereafter. Applications must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov. Applicants are encouraged to contact the AISL program officers for guidance and to review resources such as InformalScience.org for proposal preparation support.