2020 Advancing Informal STEM Learning Program Solicitation

The Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) program 2020 solicitation 20-607 is here! The AISL program supports new approaches to an evidence-based understanding of the design and development of STEM learning opportunities for the public in informal environments. It provides multiple pathways for broadening access to and engagement in STEM learning experiences as well as advances innovative research on and assessment of STEM learning in informal environments with the goal of engaging the public of all ages in learning STEM in informal environments. There are six types of projects that can be submitted for consideration for funding: Pilots and Feasibility Studies; Research in Service to Practice; Innovations in Development; Broad Implementation; Literature Reviews, Syntheses, or Meta-Analyses; and Conferences.

2020 solicitation highlights at a glance: 

• The deadline to submit proposals is January 12, 2021
• NEW: The restriction on the number of proposals for which an organization may be the lead has been lifted.
• NEW: Allowable Supplementary Documentation: The mechanism by which projects submit a DVD/CD as supplementary documentation has changed. These materials can now be submitted electronically.
• REMINDER: Fastlane or Grants.gov must be used to submit proposals.
• REMINDER: Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation should be submitted in accordance with the revised NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) (NSF 20001), which is effective for proposals submitted, or due, on or after June 1, 2020.

The Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education (CAISE) is a resource center funded by the National Science Foundation to provide access to information and resources and build connections between informal STEM learning initiatives across the community.

CAISE is ready to support future project teams as they develop proposals for AISL 2020. CAISE will share additional proposal development resources. We now have a schedule for information sessions with National Science Foundation Program Officers. The information sessions describe the new solicitation and address various aspects of the proposal submission process as well as provide opportunities to address participant questions. Follow us on Twitter @informalscience and on informalscience.org for additional support and resources for proposal development. Reminder: The CAISE team is not NSF/ AISL staff. You may contact us at caise@informalscience.org if you have questions about how to find resources related to project or proposal development. Once potential project teams have created a 1-2 page summary document of a potential proposal or project, the AISL program suggests that project team leaders email DRLAISL@nsf.gov to set up a call with an AISL program officer.