AASL Opens STEM Inspire Special Event Grant Application

CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) STEM Inspire Special Event Grants, made possible through the generous support of the Danaher Foundation, will offer $48,000 in STEM Grant support to provide direct assistance funding to middle or high school libraries for special short-term projects or events that would engage students to promote STEM education and promote student interest in a career in the STEM field. Direct assistance is capped at $3,000 per grant.

“These grants will open up the world of STEM for students who may not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in STEM activities or lessons,” said AASL President Kathy Lester. “As a safe and open space, the school library is the perfect setting for students to engage and explore STEM. These grants also offer school librarians the opportunity to collaborate with community partners, curate STEM resources for their school community, and be an engaging and inviting leader.”

The desired impact of the grants is to expand an understanding of STEM and STEM careers for learners and the school community, especially underserved students or students in geographic areas that lack resources for STEM-Career programming.

Applications are due by noon on April 11, 2023. Criteria, eligibility, and application requirements can be found at www.ala.org/aasl/awards/STEM. The STEM special project or event must take place during the fall 2023-2024 school year with final grant report due December 15, 2023.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.