Iowa Space Grant Consortium: Curriculum Development Proposal Submission
Iowa Space Grant Consortium: Curriculum Development Proposal Submission
Deadline: July 31, 2025
Overview: The Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) requests proposals for the curriculum development program, which will support the development of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) related curricula aligned with NASA Mission Directorates, with a focus on improving student skills. To support mission directorate alignment with emerging curriculum, the ISGC plans to award two projects focused on activities aligning with any of the four NASA Mission Directorates: Aeronautics Research (ARMD), Human Exploration Operations (HEO), Science (SMD), and Space Technology (STMD).
To be considered for this funding, proposals should utilize STEM related curricula focused on preparing the future STEM workforce and/or STEM preservice educators by including (but not limited to) augmenting hands-on instruction, using online and virtual NASA content experiences, using publicly available NASA data, and accelerating the use of digital learning tools.
Priority will be given to proposals which:
1. are developing curricula supporting transdisciplinary learning and are attempting to develop STEM ecosystems fostering partnerships between educators and industry;
2. Collaborate with other ISGC affiliates;
Projects will be selected through a competitive process using selection criteria put forth in this RFP. These criteria will: show alignment with MD priorities, demonstrate capacity of key personnel, indicate acceptable level of likelihood to succeed, be sustained in the future, and involve students in the development of the curriculum. The detailed ISGC strategic, NASA strategic plan and mission directorates links can be found on ISGC web page at https://www.iaspacegrant.org/nasa-resources/.
Eligibility, Amount of Award, and Duration: All faculty of ISGC core institutions and academic affiliates are eligible to apply: Drake, ISU, Iowa, UNI, Des Moines Area Community College, Morningside University, and Loras College.
Submission is limited to one proposal per investigator. Up to two awards may be funded at $20,000 annually each for a 2-year period of performance beginning August 1, 2025, through June 20, 2027. A progress report will be required by February 28, 206 & 2027. A final report that includes an evaluation of the project’s effectiveness relative to the proposed objectives and other standard ISGC and NASA requirements will be required annually 30 days after the performance period closes or by July 20, 2026 & 2027. Future funding is contingent upon all reporting requirements being met annually. Awardees will be required to submit the progress and final reports through the ISGC portal for faculty reporting on our website: https://www.iaspacegrant.org/faculty-forms-and-reports/.
All awards are dependent upon NASA funding availability.
Proposal Content
• Project Description (five-page maximum, 12 pt. font) that should include:
o background
o goals and objectives of the project
o support for mission directorate alignment
o evaluation plan
o timetable
o long-term benefits
o key personnel
• Budget and justification (Budget template available at: https://www.iaspacegrant.org/files/2025/05/budget-template_PY36-CD.xlsx
• Matching fund commitment letter from authorized institutional representative (typically an office of sponsored programs or grants office {except at ISU – use departmental approval process})
• Course approval from head/chair of the department or dean of the college
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) of PI (2 page maximum)
Budget: Funds may be used to purchase supplies, support faculty or staff release time, support undergraduate students, or domestic travel related to the course. Funds may not be used to support tuition. The proposal budget justification should describe how the requested funds support the project goals. All supported individuals (faculty, staff, and students) must be U.S. citizens. Non-U.S. citizens may participate but cannot receive direct compensation from the award or cost-share funding. Equipment purchases and foreign travel are not permitted. Proposing institutions are required to provide 100% match (1:1) using non-federal funds. Cost-share may be cash or in-kind contributions. No indirect costs will be paid on NASA funds; however, waived indirect costs may be counted toward the match requirement. Budget and justification should explain, in itemized detail, the ISGC amount requested and matching dollars using the ISGC budget template.
Please direct all questions to isgc@iastate.edu.