The Franklin Institute was awarded a $999,807 cooperative agreement from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) under the Office of Stem Engagement (OSTEM) program. The award will support the Mission to Mars nationwide outreach program to engage families and youth in grades 4-8 in NASA's space exploration agenda through 2025.
The Franklin Institute will build capacity for informal science institutions, community organizations, and amateur astronomers to deliver astronomy-focused STEM engagement experiences. It will also catalyze partnerships among these groups to sustainably engage underrepresented communities in authentic STEM activities. Project partners include NASA organizations and science centers. The funding will equip partners to serve as science communicators and conveners around NASA missions from the Moon to Mars. The goal is to advance NASA's strategic objective of creating unique STEM opportunities through engaged networks of informal educators.