NASA is investing more than $5 million in science, technology, engineering, and math education to inspire the next generation of innovators
Through 29 awards granted to institutions across the United States and Puerto Rico, the agency aims to strengthen STEM learning outside of traditional classrooms and connect students to real-world pathways into STEM careers.
The awards support partnerships with museums, libraries, after-school programs, and other community-based organisations, helping bring hands-on NASA learning experiences directly to young people where they live and learn.
STEM beyond the classroom
The funding is part of NASA’s TEAMS Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) program, which focuses on informal STEM education. These initiatives are designed to reach learners of all ages by integrating NASA missions, discoveries, and technologies into community spaces.
By working with trusted local organisations, the program expands students’ access to STEM resources who may not otherwise have opportunities to engage with advanced science and engineering concepts. The projects emphasise sustainability, ensuring that learning opportunities continue well beyond the initial funding period.
STEEM innovator awards
Eighteen institutions were selected to receive nearly $4.5 million through the STEM Innovator Awards. These organisations act as regional hubs, building networks of educators and institutions to advance innovative STEM education practices.
STEM Innovator awardees include science centres, universities, museums, and nonprofit organisations located across the country. Their projects focus on delivering large-scale NASA STEM experiences, supporting educator professional development, and creating collaborative networks that amplify impact across entire regions.
Institutions receiving STEM Innovator Awards range from major national organisations such as the American Museum of Natural History and Liberty Science Centre to universities and research institutions, including the University of Montana, Texas Christian University, and the University of California, Berkeley. Several awardees also represent geographically diverse communities, including Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and rural regions of the continental United States.
Community anchor awards
In addition to regional hubs, NASA selected 11 organisations to receive more than $547,000 through the Community Anchor Awards. These grants support locally focused projects that introduce NASA content to diverse audiences and strengthen community connections.
Community Anchor awardees include children’s museums, science centres, scouting organisations, and educational nonprofits. Their projects are tailored to meet the needs of local communities, with an emphasis on engaging families, young learners, and underrepresented groups in STEM.
By supporting community anchors, NASA helps ensure that STEM engagement is accessible, culturally relevant, and responsive to local interests, creating welcoming entry points into science and engineering learning.
The TEAM II awards are funded through NASA’s Next Generation STEM project, an initiative within the agency’s Office of STEM Engagement. This project focuses on developing innovative educational resources and hands-on experiences that spark curiosity and help students explore career pathways in aerospace and related fields.
