Request for Proposals: Global E-STEM Awards

This awards program supports promising programs that build and use STEM knowledge and skills in environmental learning and problem solving. Preference will be given to nonprofit organizations working with underrepresented audiences in STEM and using partnerships to boost their impact.

Priorities

• Since environmental issues are cross-disciplinary by nature, programs considered for the Global E-STEM Awards must be working to engage students in at least one of the four STEM topics (science, technology, engineering, and/or math) and have taken action on one or more of the following solutions to environmental issues:
  • Climate change solutions—STEM learning opportunities that build student understanding of the impacts of human-caused increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2). Programs may explore broad implications of sea level rise, changing weather patterns, global warming, or other climate change impacts. An example might be citizen science projects studying the impact of climate change on coral reefs or other ecosystems, and taking action to address or mitigate the impacts. Another example might involve learning about changing weather pattern impacts on local agricultural production and vulnerable communities, and taking action to conserve water.
  • Sustainable energy—STEM learning opportunities that build student understanding of non-depleting, renewable, or zero-emission energy sources, and energy conservation strategies. Clean and renewable energy sources include wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, or hydropower, among others. Energy reduction can include a variety of strategies, from transportation choices to clean manufacturing to locallygrown food to installing energy-efficient light bulbs or weather stripping.
  • Sustainable transportation—STEM learning opportunities that build student understanding of strategies to reduce the environmental impact of transportation, an extremely energy consumptive human behavior. Potential projects might include educating students about sustainable aviation fuels (clean biofuels), electric transport, and clean manufacturing. Projects might involve using a gas sensor to test the CO2 emissions of various biofuels and then calculating how much fuel would be needed to support a region’s or country’s commercial flight sector. Another example project could be educating students about the importance of aircraft design in fuel efficiency, and then holding an aircraft design competition in which students use computer software and engineering concepts to design their own aircraft.

Award Information

• Applicants will be considered for the following award pools:
  • E-STEM Innovation Grants between $5,000–$15,000 USD each will be awarded to organizations proposing a new or expanded E-STEM project or program.
  • E-STEM Excellence Prizes of $15,000–$50,000 USD will support new or expanded projects by organizations that also demonstrate excellence through their previous E-STEM programming.
  • Sustainable Transportation Grant of $10,000 USD will be awarded to one organization with proposed work focused on sustainable aviation and other transportation issues.
• Awardees will also receive:
  • Global recognition of their organization’s work through NAAEE and Pratt & Whitney’s platforms.
  • Professional development and peer learning opportunities with E-STEM awardees.
  • Access to the NAAEE network and Pratt & Whitney nonprofit community.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicant organizations must:
  • Be a school, academic institution, or university, or an organization tax-exempt under section 501(c) (3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code and not classified as a private foundation, or a nonprofit or non-governmental organization with recognized legal status in their respective foreign country that is equal to section 501(c)(3) status. You will be requested to upload documentation to prove your nonprofit status in your application.
  • Not be subject to U.S. or other applicable governmental sanctions and other restrictions.
  • Have a working bank account that can receive electronic funds in USD. The bank must not be subject to U.S. or other applicable governmental sanctions and other restrictions.
  • Be able to demonstrate fiscal and administrative stability.
  • Submit a program that worked with students aged 11-22.
  • Be able to administer programs between December 2024–October 2025.

For more information, visit NAAEE.