2017 Annual Report

Outreach & Equity

STEM ACTION & RESEARCH GRANTS

SUPPORTING STUDENTS THROUGH EDUCATORS & NONPROFITS

2017 STEM ACTION GRANT RECIPIENTS

The Society for Science & the Public recently launched a series of grant pro- grams aimed at supporting teachers, students and innovative nonprofits engaging in STEMactivities. Through the STEMActionGrant program, the Society is supporting organizations that advocate for the general public’s increased under- standing of STEMfields, spark a lifelong interest in and appreciation for STEM fields through unique programming and increase underrepresented popula- tions’ participation in STEMfields. In 2017, small grants of up to $5,000were awarded to 13 deserving organizations to support their work, totaling $55,000. Through the STEMResearch Grant program, the Society supports educators who are leading students in authentic STEM research projects, enriching multiple students and supporting low- income or underrepresented students. In total, the Society provided $120,000 in grants to 29 STEM teachers to fund

materials needed to complete research projects or travel necessary to bring students to locations where they could complete their research. The Society for Science & the Public Award for Community Innovation was established in 2017 as part of the STEM Action Grant program. Twenty Society- affiliated science fairs were each invited to award $500 to the project at the fair that provided the best solution to a prob- lem in the local community. The recipi- ents of this award were featured on the Society’s blog, and their stories demon- strate how they are making a difference in their hometowns.

SIXTH ANNUAL

2017 ANNUAL REPORT | SOCIETY FOR SCIENCE & THE PUBLIC | 41