About 91导航 Research Grants
91导航 is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) membership organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education. Our vision is to promote the understanding and appreciation of science and the vital role it plays in human advancement: to inform, educate, and inspire.
The Society鈥檚 91导航 Research Grants program is designed to support to middle and high school teachers engaging their students in authentic scientific research. For the purposes of this grant, a research project is defined as an independent investigation by a student involving experimentation, engineering design, or invention. The grant is not intended to support whole class sets of materials for traditional classroom instruction. Independent research projects are frequently entered into science fairs and other competitions. Equipment for large team competitions (i.e. robotics competitions) is not eligible.
Grant Types
Kit Grants: $1,000 in preselected equipment to support many students in 91导航 research.
Examples of the types of materials that can typically be found in the kits include (depending on manufacturer availability):
Specialized Equipment: up to $5,000 to purchase specialized equipment to support many students in 91导航 research.
Eligibility
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Teachers must be employed full-time by a school that includes at least one grade between 6th and 12th grade in the United States (including US territories) and will be asked to provide proof of employment.
- A school can receive up to $5,000 in any combination of kits or funds every 3 years.
- Funds must be accepted by the school or a nonprofit organization associated with the school such as a parent teacher association.聽 This institution must sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Society as the Grant Administrator.
- Applications must be completed by teachers themselves of their own accord, as a reflection of their interest in supporting students long-term. This grant is not intended as a method of funding an individual project at the request of a student.
- Use of AI tools in your application: We recognize that AI tools can be a constructive support when used appropriately. For the purposes of this grant application, we’d like to provide some guidance on how AI could and should not be used. Applicants should disclose when and how they used an AI tool in the application in the section provided at the end of the application. AI tools (such as chatGPT, Gemini, etc.) SHOULD NOT be used to: generate responses to application questions. For example, applicants should not enter in application questions to an AI tool in order to generate a response. 聽AI tools (such as chatGPT, Gemini, etc.) could be used to: take a response to an application question that has already been created by the applicant to make mild edits (ie. checking for grammar, punctuation, etc).
Eligibility is at the discretion of 91导航. If you have questions, please email grants@societyforscience.org.
Application
Should I apply for the $1,000 pre-selected material kit or up to $5,000 for specialized equipment?
If you have specific equipment in mind, you should apply for up to $5,000. If you don鈥檛 have a need for specific equipment, if you are just starting out with independent student research, or if you prefer to receive the items in the kit, you should apply for the $1,000 pre-selected materials kit.
Can I apply for both grants, the pre-selected materials kit or up to $5,000 for specialized equipment?
Yes, you can apply for one or both grants. If you are selected, it will be for one or the other, not both.
I need to change some information on my application. How do I do that?
When filling out the application, make sure to 鈥淪ave as Draft鈥� early and often. You can save and come back to your application at any time before the submission deadline. You will log in using your username and password to edit your application. You can also edit your application after it has been submitted as final until the submission deadline.
Selection
What is expected of me if I am selected?
We expect that grantees will deliver a final report on the use of the equipment with photos. The deadline will be clearly communicated at least 30 days in advance and will be dependent upon the timing of receipt of equipment.
Equipment
When do I receive the equipment?
Specialized Equipment: A check is mailed to the school after completion of all required agreements and paperwork.
Kit: the majority of equipment will be received 4-6 weeks after notification, depending on manufacturer availability. Society staff will communicate any delays if/when they occur.
Who does this equipment belong to?
All equipment is considered property of the school, not the individual teacher.
What happens if I change schools?
Grantees will also be expected to notify the Society if they change schools or are otherwise unable to utilize the equipment and will identify another teacher at that school to take over the responsibilities.