Public and tribal libraries are invited to apply for NASA@ My Library, a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) education initiative that will increase and enhance STEAM learning opportunities for library patrons throughout the nation, including geographic areas and populations currently underrepresented in STEAM education.
The project is offered by the National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL) at the Space Science Institute (SSI) in partnership with the American Library Association (ALA) Public Programs Office, Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) and Education Development Center (EDC). Support comes from NASA’s Science Mission Directorate as part of its Science Activation program.
Sixty public and tribal libraries in the U.S. will be selected through a competitive application process to become NASA@ My Library Partners.
Applications will be accepted from May 17 to July 21. View the project guidelines and apply online. ALA members and nonmembers are encouraged to apply.
NASA@ My Library Partners will receive training and resources to implement NASA events and programming, access to a university subject matter expert (SME) to support patron engagement, and a $1,600 programming stipend to purchase materials for NASA STEAM activities and/or support presentations by local NASA-funded SMEs.
Participating libraries will develop and implement at least three public programs related to high-visibility events such as Look Up!: Explore Our Universe (to celebrate the launch of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and first images) and Our Planet: EARTH. In the process, grantees will work with at least one community collaborator, participate in virtual training opportunities and implement engaging social media content. The programming period is September 22, 2021 – August 31, 2022. View the full project guidelines.
This opportunity is open to public and tribal libraries in the U.S. Priority consideration will be given to libraries in communities with above average populations of demographics underrepresented in STEM education and professions, specifically, Hispanic or Latino/a/x, Black or African American, American Indian and Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander. Priority consideration will also be given to libraries who provide evidence of need for resources to support learning (e.g., low median household income and/or education levels). Geographic diversity will also be considered in site selection – rural and small libraries are encouraged to apply. View the project guidelines for more information.
About the American Library Association
The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government, and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit www.ala.org.
About the ALA Public Programs Office
The ALA Public Programs Office empowers libraries to create vibrant hubs of learning, conversation and connection in communities of all types. Learn more at www.ala.org/ppo.
About the STAR Library Network (STAR Net)
STAR Net is a hands-on learning network for libraries and their communities across the country (www.starnetlibraries.org). STAR Net focuses on helping library professionals build their STEM skills by providing activities, resources and training. In addition to its STEM Activity Clearinghouse, STAR Net offers blogs, webinars, workshops at conferences, collaboration opportunities, information about upcoming national STEAM events, and a monthly e-newsletter. STAR Net is built upon a strong network of collaborators and partners, led by SSI’s NCIL. Additional partners include the Collaborative Summer Library Program, Lunar and Planetary Institute, University of Colorado, University of Virginia, and many others.
About SSI’s National Center for Interactive Learning (NCIL)
NCIL is dedicated to expanding the understanding and participation of families, youth, teachers, and citizens in science and technology ( We foster collaboration between STEM professionals and educators to bring the wonder of science and engineering directly to people. About the Space Science Institute (SSI) Space Science Institute (SSI) is a nonprofit, public benefit research and education 501(c)(3) corporation founded in 1992 with a vision to expand humankind’s understanding and appreciation of planet Earth, our Solar System, and the universe beyond (www.spacescience.org). SSI’s mission is to (a) enable scientists to make new discoveries, (b) increase science and technology literacy for people of all ages and backgrounds, and (c) inspire youth to pursue science-technology education and career opportunities.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under cooperative agreement No. NNX16AE30A. This work was also assisted and supported by the Space Science Institute, which was the recipient of the cooperative agreement. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASA or the Space Science Institute.
Originally published at https://www.ala.org/news/member-news/2021/05/public-and-tribal-libraries-invited-apply-nasa-my-library-steam-initiative-0
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