E-STEM is a fantastic approach for young people to develop the problem-solving abilities required to handle today’s environmental concerns, according to the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) and Pratt & Whitney. Under the Global E-STEM Awards program, nonprofit organizations and their partners can apply for up to $15,000 in Innovation Grants and $50,000 in Excellence Prizes to fund E-STEM projects that involve kids between the ages of 11 and 22.

This opportunity specifically aims to honor programs that have effectively involved students between the ages of 11 and 22, especially those who are viewed as underrepresented in STEM, in meaningful learning experiences that develop STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) skills through environmental problem solving, and have taken action on one or more of the following solutions to environmental issues:

• Climate change solutions
• Sustainable energy
• Sustainable aviation

The program’s overall objectives are to develop STEM interest and skills, increase students’ environmental literacy through STEM education, and open doors to environmental careers. As such, applicants will be asked to explain how they intend to use the funds to either expand or replicate their successful program in order to reach more students.

Quick Details:

• Organizer: North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE)
• Closing date: July 8, 2024
• Gender: Any
• Type: Award
• Eligible Nations: All

Award:

Prize winners will receive:

• Up to $50,000 in funding to support their organization’s vision through E-STEM.
• Global recognition for their organization’s work through NAAEE and Pratt & Whitney platforms.
• Opportunities for professional development
• Financial assistance for attending the 2024 NAAEE international virtual conference
• Peer support and networking.
• Access to the NAAEE network and the nonprofit community at Pratt & Whitney.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be a university, school, or other academic institution; an organization exempt from federal income tax under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and not designated as a private foundation; or a nonprofit or non-governmental organization with a recognized legal status in the foreign country in question that is equivalent to that of section 501(c)(3). In your application, you will be asked to attach supporting evidence for your nonprofit status.
• Not be subject to limitations or penalties imposed by the United States or any other relevant authority. Here is a complete list of all US sanctions.
• Possess a functional bank account that is able to accept USD electronic transfers. The bank must not be subject to limitations or sanctions from the United States or any other relevant country.
• Has the ability to show administrative and financial steadiness.
• Give a program that you worked on with kids in the 11–22 age range.
• Has the ability to oversee initiatives from December 2024 to October 2025.
• Submissions in English only will be taken into account.

Application Requirements:

• Project Description (max. 800 words)
• Partner Letter(s) of Support
  If you worked with partners, provide a letter of support from each partner organization that was instrumental to your project’s success. The letter should clearly outline the partner’s role in the project. You can upload up to three letters of support from partner organizations (1 letter per organization). In each letter of support, make sure that they include:
  • Name, address, & website URL of the partner organization
  • Name & email of a contact person
  • Their role description as a partner organization, including how they worked with your organization to design and implement the project
  • Signature of an organizational representative, if possible
• Supporting Materials (Include up to 3 URLs to any videos, photos, or websites that support your project. These supporting materials will help the reviewers better understand your organization’s relevant experience)
• Last fiscal year’s operating budget
• This fiscal year’s operating budget

After receiving the prize:

Prize winners are expected to do the following after receiving their award:

• Attend at least one E-STEM Award ceremony to share their story with E-STEM Award recipients.
• Provide program updates one year after the Prize is granted, as well as images, videos, and other media
• When accessible, NAAEE will share tales and videos with you throughout the year. In some instances,
• A camera team may visit the winners to document their project activity.
• Participate in the virtual NAAEE conference in 2024, with potential possibilities to present the project.

How to apply for the Pratt & Whitney Global E-STEM Excellence Awards?

Sign up or log in to the online application portal through the link below.

Apply Now

For further information about the NAAEE Global E-STEM Excellence Awards, please visit the FAQ, or refer to the NAAEE’s website.

More Opportunities:

• Rainforest Journalism Fund Internship by Pulitzer Center 2024
• Visiting Scholars Program at the Rachel Carson Center for Environment and Society (RCC) in Germany
• The Mira Fellowship for Mid-career Professionals
• Torrens University Australia International Scholarships

Frequently Asked Questions:

• This is the first time I’ve ever submitted a grant application. How can I be successful?
  • They invite you to attend their Applicant Webinar, where they offered advice on how to craft a winning proposal. The applicant webinar recording may be seen here, with English subtitles.
• I want to receive this grant funding, but I cannot commit to attending professional development sessions. Can I still apply?
  • No. In order to improve your project and expand your professional networks, applicant organizations must pledge to take part in the professional development options specified in this RFP. They work hard to ensure that everyone gets the most out of these opportunities and to make the most use of your time.
• How do you determine how much funding each project will receive?
  • They shall try their hardest to fulfill your requested financing amount if it is granted. Nonetheless, they weigh your request against their objective of providing financing to as many worthy initiatives as they can.
• What are some examples of STEM skills?
  • Here is a chart they found helpful in outlining some of the STEM skills they encourage.

If you have other questions, please email them at [email protected].