Key Dates
Deadline: February 20, 2026 @ 12pm
Award Notification Date: Mid-March 2026, contingent upon the availability of appropriated federal funds.
Subawardee Orientation: Spring 2026 and Fall 2026
Period of Performance and spending: June 1, 2026 - May 31, 2027
What are we looking for?
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium seeks proposals for professional development, apprenticeship, and college pathway projects to provide authentic student engagement experiences in STEM. Funds may be used to support existing projects or fund new initiatives. Suggested focus includes student-centered undergraduate research experiences, skilled technical apprenticeships and certifications, or experiential learning for high school students with emphasis on career-focused CTE programs.
NASA Strategic Plan prioritizes skilled technical STEM workforce, defined as STEM careers that do not require a bachelor’s degree or higher. Priority considerations will be given to proposals in alignment with NASA’s goals.
Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium opportunities are open and available to all STEM students. Our commitment stands to broaden and enhance access for all, including but not limited to first-generation college students, women, people of color, and those who wish to pursue careers in STEM fields.
There are two funding levels:
$22,000 Award Level
- $20,000 must be used for Participant Support Cost
- $2,000 may be used for Program-Related Cost
- Cost Share Requirement. One-to-one fund match from a non-federal source.
$12,000 Award Level
- $10,000 must be used for Participant Support Cost
- $2,000 may be used for Program-Related Cost
- No cost share funding match requirement.
Are you and your program eligible?
Application institutions must be:
- Accredited colleges or universities in Washington State.
- Community-based institutions that provide workforce development programs and apprenticeships operating in Washington State.
You can use this grant to support:
Participant Support Funding is defined as:
- Scholarships for students working towards STEM bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, or skilled technical workforce certificates.
- Undergraduate internship, or apprenticeship stipends for applied learning experiences.
- Graduate Fellowship stipends
- Travel funds for individual students (example: registration fees and travel costs to attend conferences).
- Stipends are fixed amounts paid to students to offset living expenses to support training and learning experiences, also called “living allowances”. While it is a fixed amount, Washington Space Grant encourages the stipend amount is calculated equivalent to the NASA internships rate of $24.75/hr for Graduate Fellows. For undergraduate or non-degree programs, $20.50/hr or the local minimum wage, whichever is higher. If there are students in the same program not receiving Space Grant funding, it is highly recommended you explore other ways to provide an equivalent amount of funding for all participants.
Student Eligibility
- Must be US Citizen or legal resident: Student direct funding recipients, working towards STEM bachelor's degrees, associate degrees, or certificates.
- Must be US Citizen only: Graduate students direct funding recipients, working towards a graduate degree.
- No residency requirement: Participants who do not receive direct funding, such as attending a workshop.
- All students must be currently enrolled in an academic institution or program working towards a STEM degree or certification.
Program-Related Funding is defined as:
- Supplies, materials, transportation, and compensation for professional staff to guide students through experiential learning in STEM topics (example: field trip bus for a laboratory tour).
- Refreshments & meals (for program-related training, workshop sessions, or recognition events).
You cannot use this grant for:
- Major equipment purchases.
- Activities not directly related to student-centered learning experiences.
- Travel outside of the United States.
How to Apply
The application must use the templates provided. Submit your application to nasa@uw.edu.
Proposal Application Submission Checklist
- Cover Sheet and Scope of Work (must be signed by authorized official)
- Budget Justification Document
- Budget Spreadsheet
- Your Institution’s Federally Negotiated Facilities and Administrative Rate Agreement
- Email Subject: Grant Proposal Submission: [Your Institution’s Name]
- OPTIONAL: Supporting documentation such as website, past program reports, and key personnel and facilitators’ credentials and relevant experience. Please submit as attachments or weblinks. If you attach supporting documents, cross-reference them in the body of the proposal narrative. 3 page limit.
We are here to help with your application! Contact Kam Yee, WASG Deputy Director, by emailing nasa@uw.edu
Selection Criteria
For this grant, reviewers will use the criteria below to score each application:
- Qualifications: The applicant has demonstrated ability, subject matter expertise, and staff to produce the project.
- Quality: Program is well-conceived and intentionally integrates evidence-based practices. Program includes multiple (or a series of) meaningful learning experiences over a period of time (from weeks to months) for participants to develop technical skills or gain STEM career and college readiness through sustained engagement.
- Feasibility: Program has institutional infrastructure to sustain meaningful engagement to broaden and enhance access for all participants. Proposal includes a clear and realistic budget, timeline, and milestone goals.
- NASA Mission Directorate Alignment: Washington Space Grant Partner Grant is financially supported by NASA and requires funded activities to have direct alignment with the NASA Mission Directorates.
- NASA’s Strategic Plan prioritizes SKILLED TECHNICAL WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT. Priority considerations will be given to proposals for community and technical colleges (CTC) and high school career and technical education (CTE) programs that accelerate students into STEM careers.
For more information and/or to apply:
mailto: nasa@uw.edu
Deadline: 02/20/2026 12:00 Pacific Time