K-12 Funding Opportunities

The NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) supports K-12 educators and students across Connecticut through funding opportunities that promote STEM learning, aerospace and aeronautics education, hands-on exploration, and workforce development. Whether you're looking to launch a new STEM initiative, expand an existing program, or provide unique learning experiences for students, CTSGC funding can help bring your ideas to life.

Current Funding Opportunities

K-12 Program Grants

CTSGC provides funding for a wide range of STEM-related educational programs and activities. Grants may support:

  • Guest presentations from STEM, aerospace, and aeronautics professionals
  • School or district-wide STEM design competitions
  • Robotics teams and engineering clubs
  • Invention and innovation programs
  • STEM events, workshops, and student engagement activities

Plant the Moon Challenge

The Plant the Moon Challenge is a global project-based learning experience that invites students to explore how food might be grown for future space missions. Participants investigate plant growth using simulated lunar or Martian regolith while applying scientific inquiry, engineering design, and teamwork skills.

As humanity prepares for future missions beyond Earth, students are challenged to help answer an important question:

How can we sustainably grow food in space?

Applications and program announcements will be posted on the Plant the Moon Challenge page.

Professional Development Scholarships

CTSGC offers scholarships to support K-12 educators attending STEM-focused professional development programs. Funding may be used to offset registration fees and other eligible expenses associated with approved educational and training opportunities.

Recipients are required to submit a brief report following completion of their funded program.

Field Trip Scholarships

Field Trip Scholarships help Connecticut educators provide students with enriching STEM learning experiences outside the classroom. Funding may be used for program admission fees and transportation costs associated with approved STEM-focused field trips.

Examples of eligible destinations include:

Museums

  • New England Air Museum, Windsor Locks
  • Connecticut Science Center, Hartford
  • SHU Discovery Science Center & Planetarium, Bridgeport

Planetariums and Observatories

  • Copernican Planetarium and Observatory, Central Connecticut State University
  • Robert K. Wickware Planetarium, Eastern Connecticut State University
  • Van Vleck Observatory, Wesleyan University
  • Treworgy Planetarium, Mystic Seaport Museum
  • Mahan Planetarium, Wallingford

Recipients are required to submit a brief report following completion of their funded field trip.

Examples of Previously Funded Projects

CTSGC has supported a variety of innovative STEM programs across Connecticut, including:

  • Student Spaceflight Experiments Program (SSEP) activities at Annie Fisher STEM Magnet School and East Lyme Middle School
  • Aerospace Adventures after-school programming in Ledyard
  • Space Day events in Cheshire and Danbury
  • Robotics clubs in Manchester Public Schools and Shepaug Valley School
  • Solar Solidarity Project at Carmen Arace Intermediate School

What Can Be Funded?

Examples of eligible projects include:

  • STEM, aerospace, or aeronautics presentations by industry experts
  • District-wide STEM competitions or design challenges
  • Robotics team startup supplies and equipment
  • InventionX and innovation-focused clubs
  • STEM workshops, outreach events, and hands-on learning experiences

How to Apply

Applying for CTSGC funding is simple:

  1. Complete the online K-12 Grant Application
    https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=dd557e7612ad4fc7897d4795ccc066d9
  2. Submit an Appendix A Budget Worksheet with your application.
  3. Upload a letter of support from a principal, department chair, superintendent, or other appropriate school administrator.

Reporting Requirements

Award recipients must submit a brief final report upon completion of their funded project or activity. Reporting forms and instructions will be provided directly to awardees via email before the end of your period of performance.

Stay Connected

Join our K-12 and Informal Education mailing list to receive updates on funding opportunities, NASA resources, STEM programs, and educator events throughout the year.

K-12 Education Resources

Explore free educational materials, activities, and classroom resources through NASA STEM Engagement, which provides content for students and educators across a wide variety of STEM disciplines.

NASA STEM Engagement: https://www.nasa.gov/stem

Need Assistance?

All CTSGC applications are submitted electronically.

If you have questions regarding eligibility, proposal requirements, or technical issues with the application process, please contact the CTSGC office:

  • Phone:860-768-4890
  • Email:csgcinfo@hartford.edu

Important: To ensure proper functionality and document uploads, applications should be completed using a desktop or laptop computer. Mobile device submissions are not recommended.

Please do not submit online applications using a mobile device.