The chicago stem expansion project for youth will expand access to high-quality stem programming focused on earth and space science for middle and high school students from low-income communities…

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Shared Services Center awarded Chicago Urban League $450,000 under the Congressionally Directed Programs (CFDA 43.014) on June 1, 2027.

Chicago Urban League will expand access to high-quality STEM programming focused on Earth and space science for middle and high school students from low-income communities in Chicago who lack access to specialized STEM opportunities. The project will deepen curriculum alignment with NASA mission priorities including Earth systems science, atmospheric research, space exploration, and aeronautics. Through this expansion, Chicago Urban League will significantly increase the number of students served and enhance the rigor and relevance of STEM instruction, building on existing programming.

The award is obligated at $450,000 with a period of performance from June 1, 2027 through May 31, 2028. Place of performance is Chicago, Illinois. The assistance type is a project grant under a congressionally directed program, which circumvents merit-based competitive allocation and applies to a designated recipient specified in the Explanatory Statement.

The chicago stem expansion project for youth will expand access to high-quality stem programming focused on earth and space science for middle and high school students from low-income communities who lack access to specialized stem opportunities. Building on existing programming the project will deepen curriculum alignment with NASA mission priorities including earth systems science atmospheric research space exploration and aeronautics. Through this expansion CUL will significantly increase the number of students served and enhance the rigor and relevance of stem instruction.