Undergraduate & Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

The Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) provides funding opportunities that support student research, academic projects, professional development, internships, and scholarships in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields aligned with NASA's mission priorities.

The information below summarizes the funding opportunities available to undergraduate and graduate students. Applicants are strongly encouraged to review all eligibility requirements, proposal guidelines, and required application materials before submitting an application.

Additional program details can be found in the CTSGC Student Request for Proposals (RFP). An updated version of the RFP is anticipated on September 1, 2026.

Student Request for Proposals (RFP):

https://ctspacegrant.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/CTSGC-Student-RFP_AY2026-2027-FINAL.pdf

Application Status

We are not currently accepting student proposals.

Spring award recipients are posted at:
https://ctspacegrant.org/10798/10798

Fall 2026 Application Period

Applications for Spring 2027 funding will be accepted from September 1, 2026, through October 13, 2026.

Students should carefully review the requirements for their selected funding opportunity prior to applying.

Please note: Spring 2027 proposals are tentatively expected to open in January 2027. Specific dates will be announced at a later time.

Fall 2026 Student Funding Opportunities

Graduate Fellowship Grant

The Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports outstanding graduate students conducting research that directly advances NASA mission directorates, research priorities, and future workforce needs. The fellowship is designed to foster the development of highly skilled researchers and professionals who will contribute to aerospace, engineering, science, technology, and other NASA-related fields.

Graduate fellows are expected to conduct independent, faculty-mentored research that demonstrates scientific rigor, technical merit, and relevance to NASA's strategic objectives. Projects should contribute new knowledge, innovative methodologies, or technological advancements while providing meaningful educational and professional development opportunities for the student investigator.

Audience: Graduate Students
Award Amount: Up to $10,000
Expected Awards: Not offered for Spring 2027

Undergraduate Research Grant

The Undergraduate Research Grant Program supports student-led research projects conducted under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The program encourages undergraduate participation in authentic research experiences that strengthen technical skills, promote innovation, and prepare students for advanced study and careers in NASA-related STEM fields.

Projects should provide meaningful hands-on learning opportunities while advancing knowledge or addressing challenges relevant to science, engineering, technology, mathematics, or other disciplines that support NASA's mission.

Audience: Undergraduate Students
Award Amount: Up to $6,000
Expected Awards: TBD

Student Project Grant

The Student Project Grant Program supports hands-on design, development, and implementation activities conducted by student teams or individual students. The program is intended to encourage innovation, creativity, applied learning, and practical problem-solving through projects that align with NASA missions and workforce needs.

Examples include senior capstone projects, engineering design projects, research prototypes, robotics initiatives, aerospace system development, technology demonstrations, and other student-led innovation activities.

Projects should result in a tangible product, prototype, demonstration, or technical outcome that provides students with practical experience and professional skill development.

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Award Amount: Up to $1,500
Expected Awards: TBD

Student Travel Grant

Provides support for professional travel experiences that increase the impact, visibility, and competitiveness of CTSGC and NASA-related research, education, and workforce development activities. Travel must clearly advance scholarship, research, professional development, or NASA workforce objectives.

Audience: Undergraduate and Graduate Students
Award Amount: Up to $1,500
Expected Awards: TBD

How to Apply for Student Grants

For Research Grants, Project Grants, and Travel Grants:

Student Application:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/01971713899d79869bd7730bc5f6c3a4

Undergraduate Scholarship

The CTSGC Scholarship Programs support high-performing students pursuing academic programs that contribute to NASA's future workforce and research priorities. Scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership, community engagement, research involvement, and commitment to STEM careers.

Supports students enrolled at four-year CTSGC-affiliate institutions pursuing undergraduate degrees in STEM-related disciplines.

Audience: Undergraduate Students at Four-Year Institutions
Award Amount: $3,000
Expected Awards: TBD

Community College Scholarship

Supports students enrolled at Connecticut State Community College campuses pursuing STEM-related associate degree or certificate programs.

Audience: Community College Students
Award Amount: $1,500
Expected Awards: TBD

Community College Transfer Scholarship

Supports students who began their education at a community college and have transferred to a four-year CTSGC-affiliate institution in pursuit of a STEM degree.

Audience: Community College Transfer Students
Award Amount: $3,000
Expected Awards: TBD

The number of awards listed above is anticipated and may increase or decrease based on funding availability and proposal quality.

How to Apply for Scholarships

For Undergraduate, Community College, and Community College Transfer Scholarships:

Scholarship Application:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0198c843a3dd701ca226b5ad3337e02c

Before submitting an application, applicants should review the applicable Funding Opportunity description and Student RFP to ensure all eligibility requirements and application materials have been completed.

Application Platform

All CTSGC applications are submitted electronically through our online application platform.

View Available Applications and Opportunities:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=6d036fbc75f2453eb0be811e2c50fd79

Important: Applications should be completed using a desktop or laptop computer. Mobile device submissions are not recommended.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions regarding eligibility, application requirements, or technical difficulties, please contact the CTSGC office:

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

All applications, supporting documents, and post-award reports are submitted electronically through CTSGC's online systems. Applicants are encouraged to begin the application process early to allow sufficient time to gather required materials and obtain any necessary institutional approvals.