Undergraduate & Graduate

******The following is a summary of grant and scholarship awards that will be issued during our Spring 2024 award cycle.  Please read below for information about these funding opportunities and how to apply prior to submitting an application.  You may also review the Student Request for Proposals (RFP) (revised August, 2023) for further information.

 

Applications for Spring-Summer 2024 Awards will be accepted from 3/13/2024 to 5/1/2024.

 

NASA CTSGC Spring-Summer 2024 Call for Applications

Award Audience Anticipated Number of Awards* Award Amount
Graduate Fellowship Grant Student (graduate) up to $10,000
Undergraduate Research Grant Student (undergraduate) up to $6,000
Student Project Grant  Student up to $1,500 
Student Travel Student up to $1,500
Undergraduate Scholarship Student (undergraduate at a 4-year institution)
$3,000
Community College Scholarship Student (community college)
$1,500
Community College Transfer Scholarship  Student (undergraduate at a 4-year institution who began at a community college) $3,000 

 

* These are anticipated number of awards and may be decreased or increased.

 

 

About this award

Award – Graduate Fellowships are available to promote and support graduate student research in areas that align with NASA Mission Directorates.  Refer to the NASA CTSGC website for the number and amounts of awards available each academic year. A student is eligible for one NASA CTSGC fellowship per academic year. (Note: Space Grant Fellowship recipients cannot receive other federal fellowships or traineeships while receiving a Space Grant fellowship. Please be sure to specify the proposed period of performance within your application to ensure no overlap of federal fellowships/traineeships.)

Eligibility – Graduate student applicants must be full-time graduate students at one of the Consortium Member Institutions with a strong academic record. First-semester graduate students should provide an undergraduate transcript.  Applicants are required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship to their respective Campus Director for accurate and timely completion of the Grant Verification approval. Also, should have not received a(n) Undergraduate Scholarship, Community College Transfer Scholarship, Graduate Research Fellowship, or Undergraduate Research award from NASA CTSGC during the prior academic year. Please note, NASA CTSGC defines an academic year as beginning on or about September 1st and ending on or about August 31st.

Award Opportunities – Funding opportunities are available to Graduate Students preparing for careers useful to NASA.

Eligible Budget Items – The budget may include items such as tuition, student stipend, technician and support staff salaries, summer salaries, fringe benefits, supplies, and materials. Funds may also be used to support travel directly related to the performance of the research/study.  Funds may not be used for equipment/computers, entertainment, entry fees, or indirect costs. All federal requirements pass through NASA CT Space Grant Consortium’s lead institution, University of Hartford, to all awarded grants. When preparing budget proposals, it may be helpful to reference the Office of Management and Budget Uniform Guidance.

Equipment and Supplies – NASA CTSGC funds may not be used for equipment purchases. The definition for equipment is an article of tangible nonexpendable personal property that has a useful life of more than one year and an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more per unit. General-purpose equipment needs to be approved by the NASA Grant Officer. Items below $5,000 are classified as supplies. If essential to the project, NASA CTSGC funds may be used for the purchase of supplies.  NASA CTSGC funds may not be used to purchase computers or tablets.

Fund Distribution – Funds will be available upon successful completion of a sub-award between the grant awardee’s institution and the University of Hartford, and then will be paid to grant awardee’s institution to be distributed according to its policies related to graduate student research grants. Graduate applicants should meet with their respective institution’s grants’ office prior to application submission. Note: NASA CTSGC cannot award final payment until all post-award requirements are met and approved. Details will be conveyed within the award agreement.

Post award responsibilities

Reporting – A project report will be requested upon completion of the fellowship work.  The required reporting format is available on the NASA CTSGC website. NASA CTSGC considers a successful project investment in the future of the researcher, their department and the institution, and therefore track these outcomes for reporting to NASA.

Outreach – Fellowship award recipients are required to share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for STEM careers by performing outreach within a community college, middle/high school community of their choice, or other community program.  For additional information on outreach opportunities, please refer to the NASA CTSGC website.

Poster Session – Students  will be required to furnish a research poster (template available online) for an annual expo following the completion of their research. Details about the annual expo will be communicated closer to the date.

Longitudinal Tracking – NASA CTSGC and NASA require tracking of all significant student awardees to their “next career step.” Please be aware that you will be contacted by your Campus Director to follow up on your career path and/or progress.

Apply for this award

Submit the application and additional forms via the Apply page.

Form 1: Applicant Contact/Demographic Information
* This information is utilized for NASA reporting only.

Form 2: Proposal Information

a. Proposal Abstract (100-word maximum) – includes information relating the proposed project to NASA’s Mission Directorates.

b. Narrative – 5-page maximum

i. Purpose and objectives
ii. Relationship to NASA’s Mission Directorates
iii. Methodology
iv. Feasibility and timeline (plan) of the project
v. Budget narrative
vi. Expected outcomes and Assessment Plan
vii. Career potential

* Consult the scoring rubric for more information on how proposals will be evaluated according to these criteria.

c. Budget – Please be sure to include a Budget Worksheet for each institution involved in collaboration grant proposals.

d. Two Letters of Recommendation (internal or external) – One letter must be from the research project supervisor. All recommendation letters need to be signed and on institutional letterhead. Faculty who wish to submit confidential letters of recommendation may use the online system.

e. Resume/Curriculum Vitae – One-page For team proposals please submit a resume/CV for each team member.

f. Student Transcript – Official is preferred; however, unofficial is acceptable if availability at the time of submission is a problem.

 

About this award

Award – Undergraduate Research Grants are available to support and promote undergraduate research with faculty advisors at their institution. Refer to the NASA CTSGC website for the number and amounts of awards each academic year. A student is eligible for one award per academic year.

Eligibility – Undergraduate student applicants must be full-time students at the time of application and during the entire project period at one of the Consortium Member Institutions with a strong academic record. First-semester students are not eligible to apply as a transcript showing at least one completed semester is required with your application. Applicants are required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship to their respective Campus Director for accurate and timely completion of the Grant Verification approval. Also, have not received a(n) Undergraduate Scholarship, Community College Transfer Scholarship, or Undergraduate Research Grant award from NASA CTSGC during the prior academic year. Please note, NASA CTSGC defines an academic year as beginning on or about September 1st and ending on or about August 31st.

Award Opportunities – Students may be preparing for senior design projects, honors research, or searching for an educational experience, which is consistent with the mission of NASA as exemplified by its four Mission Directorates. Students desiring to complete their research in collaboration with local STEM companies should contact the companies in advance and include a letter of support from the partner along with their application.

Budget – A budget is not required for Undergraduate Research Grant.  Funds will be paid directly to the student as a stipend.

Fund Distribution – Funds will be distributed in two payments to the student’s institution; the institution will pay the student upon completion of a sub-award between the institution and the University of Hartford. The first payment will be $3,000 at the beginning of the research. The remaining balance will be paid upon submittal and approval of all required post-award documentation.

Post award responsibilities

Reporting – A project report will be requested upon completion of the work.  The required reporting format is available for download on the NASA CTSGC website. NASA CTSGC considers a successful project investment in the future of the researcher, their department and the institution, and therefore track these outcomes for reporting to NASA.

Outreach – Award recipients are required to share their knowledge of and enthusiasm for STEM careers by performing outreach within a community college (not their own), middle/high school community of their choice, or other community program. For additional information on outreach opportunities, please refer to the NASA CTSGC website.

Poster Session – Students  will be required to furnish a research poster (template available online) for an annual expo following the completion of their research. Details about the annual expo will be communicated closer to the date.

Longitudinal Tracking – NASA CTSGC and NASA require tracking of all significant student awardees to their “next career step.” Please be aware that you will be contacted by your Campus Director to follow up on your career path and/or progress.

Apply for this award

Submit the application and additional forms via the Apply page.

    Form 1. Applicant Contact/Demographic Information
    * This information is utilized for NASA reporting only.

    Form 2. Proposal Information

    a. Proposal Abstract (100-word maximum) – includes information relating the proposed project to NASA’s Mission Directorates.

    b. Narrative – 5-page maximum

    i. Purpose and objectives
    ii. Relationship to NASA’s Mission Directorates
    iii. Methodology
    iv. Feasibility and timeline (plan) of the project
    v. Expected outcomes
    vi. Career potential
    * Consult the scoring rubric for more information on how proposals will be evaluated according to these criteria.

    c. Two Letters of Recommendation (internal or external) – One letter must be from the research project supervisor. All recommendation letters need to be signed and on institutional letterhead. Faculty who wish to submit confidential letters of recommendation may use the online system.

    d. Resume/Curriculum Vitae – One-page maximum. For team proposals please submit a resume/CV for each team member.

    e. Student Transcript – Official is preferred; however, unofficial is acceptable if availability at the time of submission is a problem.

    About this award

    Award – The purpose of these grants is to allow students to purchase items needed for senior capstone, undergraduate research, or extracurricular club design projects including materials, electronic components, chemicals, etc. NASA CTSGC recognizes these small grants will allow students to choose projects that are beyond the normal funds allocated by departments, colleges, and universities. Refer to the NASA CTSGC website for the number and amounts of awards available each academic year.

    Eligible Projects – Any group or individual project that is consistent with the mission of NASA as exemplified by its four Mission Directorates, is eligible.

    Eligible Applicants – Individual students and informal/formal groups of students may apply. The project leader/Primary Investigator (P.I.) must be a U.S. Citizen, and all project team members must be full-time students at a Consortium Member Institution at the beginning of the project. First-semester students are not eligible to apply as a transcript showing at least one completed semester is required with your application. Individual Applicants/Project Leader (for group projects) must have a strong academic record. There must be a faculty member who agrees to serve as the project advisor.  Applicant P.I. is required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship to their respective Campus Director for accurate and timely completion of the Grant Verification approval.

    Budget – Funds may be used for supplies and materials only. Funds may not be used for travel*, equipment/computers, entertainment, entry fees, tuition, salaries, fringe benefits, or indirect costs.
    *Students may also apply for Travel Grants to visit NASA Centers, participate in professional meetings, etc.

    Fund Distribution – Funds will be paid to the student’s institution upon receipt of a detailed invoice on a reimbursement basis; the institution will pay the student upon completion of a sub-award agreement between the institution and the University of Hartford. Submission of a completed budget form (CTSGC as well as most institutions will also need detailed, itemized original receipts). Note: NASA CTSGC cannot award final payment until all post-award requirements are met and approved.

    Post award responsibilities

    Reporting – A project report will be requested upon completion of the work.  The required reporting format is available for download on the NASA CTSGC website. NASA CTSGC considers a successful project investment in the future of the researcher, their department and the institution, and therefore track these outcomes for reporting to NASA.

    Poster Session – Students  will be required to furnish a research poster (template available online) for an annual expo following the completion of their research. Details about the annual expo will be communicated closer to the date.

    Longitudinal Tracking – NASA CTSGC and NASA require tracking of all significant student awardees to their “next career step.” Please be aware that you will be contacted by your Campus Director to follow up on your career path and/or progress.

    Apply for this award

    Submit the application and additional forms via the Apply page.

      Form 1. Applicant Contact/Demographic Information
      * This information is utilized for NASA reporting only.

      Form 2. Proposal Information

      a. Proposal Abstract (100-word maximum) – includes information relating the proposed project to NASA’s Mission Directorates.

      b. Narrative – 5-page maximum

      i. Purpose and objectives
      ii. Relationship to NASA’s Mission Directorates
      iii. Methodology
      iv. Feasibility and timeline (plan) of the project
      i. Budget narrative
      v. Expected outcomes
      vi. Career potential

      * Consult the scoring rubric for more information on how proposals will be evaluated according to these criteria.

      c. Budget – Please be sure to include a Budget Worksheet for each institution involved in collaborative grant projects.

      d. One Letter of Recommendation– The letter must be from the research project supervisor/advisor. All recommendation letters need to be signed and on institutional letterhead. Faculty who wish to submit confidential letters of recommendation may use the online system.

      e. Resume/Curriculum Vitae – One-page maximum. For team proposals please submit a resume/CV for each team member.

      f. Student Transcript – Official is preferred; however, unofficial is acceptable if availability at the time of submission is a problem.

      About this award

      Award – To encourage travel to NASA facilities to use their unique resources and/or present Space Grant and NASA funded research at conferences the NASA CTSGC awards travel grants. Refer to the NASA CTSGC website for the number of awards available each academic year.

      Eligible Travel – Travel supported by travel grants may include, but is not limited to, trips to NASA facilities to use specialized research equipment, trips to NASA Centers to discuss collaborations with NASA scientists and engineers, attendance at pre-proposal conferences sponsored by NASA, presentation of Space Grant funded research at conferences, participation in NASA or Space Grant programs/workshops/competitions, or invited papers at conferences, visits by NASA scientists/engineers to campuses for research collaboration. NASA CTSGC only supports domestic travel.

      Eligible Applicants – Full-time students at Consortium Member Institutions are eligible. All applicants must be US Citizens. First-semester students are not eligible to apply as a transcript showing at least one completed semester is required with your application.  Applicants are required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship to their respective Campus Director for accurate and timely completion of the Grant Verification approval. Student applicants should have a strong academic record.

      Budget – Funds will be paid to the student or groups’ institution upon submission of a detailed invoice, including back-up (how the funds were spent), at the conclusion of the trip.  No travel advances are allowed.

      Fund Distribution – Funds will be paid to the student’s institution on a reimbursement basis. NASA CTSGC will pay detailed invoices from the affiliate upon completion of a sub-award to the master agreement. Most affiliate institutions will require detailed, itemized receipts. Contact your Campus Director for details. No travel advances will be allowed from NASA CTSGC funds. International travel is not allowed to be funded with Space Grant dollars. Note: NASA CTSGC cannot award final payment until all post-award requirements are met and approved.

      Post award responsibilities

      Reporting – A project report will be requested upon completion of the travel.  The required reporting format is available for download on the NASA CTSGC website. NASA CTSGC considers a successful project investment in the future of the researcher, their department and the institution, and therefore track these outcomes for reporting to NASA.

      Poster Session – Students  will be required to furnish a research poster (template available online) for an annual expo following the completion of their research. Details about the annual expo will be communicated closer to the date.

      Longitudinal Tracking – NASA CTSGC and NASA require tracking of all significant student awardees to their “next career step.” Please be aware that you will be contacted by your Campus Director to follow up on your career path and/or progress.

      Apply for this award

      Submit the application and additional forms via the Apply page.

        Form 1. Applicant Contact/Demographic Information
        * This information is utilized for NASA reporting only.

        Form 2. Proposal Information

        a. Proposal Abstract (100-word maximum) – includes information relating the proposed project to NASA’s Mission Directorates.

        b. Narrative – 2-page maximum. Please include the following sections

        i. Purpose of Travel and Invitation: provide a copy of any supporting materials related to the travel, i.e., letter or conference paper acceptance notice (copy of email or webpage of the program is acceptable). Please remember that Space Grant can only support domestic travel.
        ii. Relevance to NASA’s strategic goals
        iii. Goals and Objectives
        iv. Timetable
        v. Budget Narrative: Please provide a description of how you will fund the travel if you do not receive full Space Grant funding for the total coast of the trip. (Ex. If the total trip will cost $1,500, describe how you will fund the remaining $500 after the Space Grant award of $1,000.)
        * Consult the scoring rubric for more information on how proposals will be evaluated according to these criteria.

        c. Budget Justification – Please be sure to include a Budget Worksheet for each institution involved in collaboration grant proposals.

        d. One Letter of Recommendation – Must be from a faculty member familiar with the travel purpose. Applicants may submit additional letters of support. All recommendation letters must be submitted on the space grant website. Faculty who wish to submit confidential letters of recommendation may use the online system.

        e. Resume/Curriculum Vitae – One-page maximum. (For a team or group, please include a resume for each member.)

        f. Student Transcript – Official is preferred; however, unofficial is acceptable if availability at the time of submission is a problem.

        About this award

        Awards – Refer to the NASA CTSGC website for the number and amounts of awards available each academic year.  A student is normally eligible for one scholarship or fellowship per academic year.

        Eligibility – Undergraduate student applicants must be full-time students at the time of application at one of the Consortium Member Institutions with a strong academic record.  First-semester students are not eligible to apply as a transcript showing at least one completed semester is required with your application.  Applicants are required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship to their respective Campus Director for accurate and timely completion of the Grant Verification approval.  Also, applicant may not have received a Scholarship, or Undergraduate Research award from NASA CTSGC during the prior academic year.  Please note, NASA CTSGC defines an academic year as beginning on or about September 1st and ending on or about August 31st.

        For Community College Transfer Scholarship applicants:   Students must demonstrate that they began their postsecondary education at a community college (typically through a student transcript) where they enrolled for a minimum of two terms and are currently enrolled (typically through a student transcript) in or have been admitted (typically through a letter of admission) to a 4-year Consortium Member postsecondary education institution.   Students may only be awarded the Community College Transfer Scholarship once in their academic careers.

        Fund Distribution – Full amount is paid directly to the student award recipient from their respective institution Financial Aid Office upon completion, submission and approval of a report.

        Post award responsibilities

        Reporting – Contact and demographic-related information is required prior to scholarship payment.  The form is available on the NASA CTSGC website.

        Longitudinal Tracking – NASA CTSGC and NASA require tracking of all significant student awardees to their “next career step.” Please be aware that you will be contacted by your Campus Director to follow up on your career path and/or progress.

        Apply for this award

        Submit the application and additional forms via the Apply page.

        Form 1. Applicant Contact/Demographic Information
        * This information is utilized for NASA reporting only.

        Form 2. Proposal Information

        a. Narrative – 3-page maximum. Please include the following sections:

        i. Describe your academic and career goals.
        ii. Describe information on any research experiences or other relevant experiences you have had and how you believe they have influenced your career in STEM.
        iii. Describe your community service, extra-curricular activities, work experience awards and/or honors.
        iv. Briefly explain the benefits that you expect to derive from a NASA CTSGC Scholarship.

        * Consult the scoring rubric for more information on how proposals will be evaluated according to these criteria.

        b. One Letter of Recommendation – All recommendation letters need to be signed and on institutional letterhead. Faculty who wish to submit confidential letters of recommendation may use the online system.

        c. Resume/Curriculum Vitae – One-page maximum.

        d. Student Transcript – Official is preferred; however, unofficial is acceptable if availability at the time of submission is a problem.

        Applications and further information about NASA CTSGC Grants, Scholarships, and Internships may be obtained from your university/college NASA CTSGC Campus Director. NASA CTSGC actively encourages women, minorities, and those with disabilities to apply for its grants, scholarships, and internships.