STEM Ambassador Program

STEM Ambassador Program is sponsored by Iowa Space Grant Consortium. Offers opportunities for students to engage in STEM outreach and education activities.

Iowa Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate STEM Ambassador Program - Iowa Space Grant Consortium Undergraduate STEM Ambassador Program The Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) is seeking enthusiastic undergraduate students to apply for the STEM Ambassador Program for the 2026–2027 Academic Year. This program supports students who will serve as STEM Ambassadors, representing ISGC’s Academic and Informal Affiliate institutions across Iowa.

Ambassadors will promote NASA’s mission and engage the public in STEM education through outreach and community engagement activities. Find the full opportunity PDF- here . Ambassador Responsibilities Ambassadors must serve from August through May as an ISGC STEM Ambassador.

Each ambassador must participate in a minimum of four outreach events : two during the Fall semester and two during the Spring semester. * Additionally, ambassadors are expected to attend at least two ISGC trainings , workshops, or networking sessions. Participation is mandatory for check-in meetings, as outlined in the program schedule below.

Eligibility for travel support to a NASA center is contingent upon meeting Ambassador responsibilities. *Some ISGC events will be held on the Iowa State University Campus; however, outreach events may be held at participant’s home institution. Up to 11 undergraduate students will be selected to serve as ISGC STEM Ambassadors.

Selected applicants will need to provide an unofficial transcript upon graduation and agree to participate in a NASA longitudinal tracking process that surveys student progress and eventual employment outcome to help assess the effectiveness of our program and STEM retention efforts. Awardees will be required to attend the ISGC Spring Research Symposium in April 2027.

All students of ISGC C ore I nstitutions and A cademic A ffiliates are eligible to apply: Des Moines Area Community College ( DMACC ), Drake , Iowa , ISU , Loras College , Simpson College , Morningside University , and UNI .

Applicant must be graduated from high school prior to August 2026 Must be a current undergraduate student enrolled full-time at one of ISGC’s Core or Academic Affiliates Interest in STEM education, outreach, and public engagement Availability to participate in required training and events throughout the academic year Ability to pass background check and completion of Youth Risk Management Training Good academic standing (minimum 3. 0/4.

0 GPA) Group trip to NASA Center sponsored by ISGC.

Equivalent of $1,500 (Travel Airfare/Ground Transportation to Center, Hotel, Center Entrance Fee) Professional development in science communication and outreach (potential for Micro-credential ISU – Canvas Course 8-weeks, Fall semester) Exclusive access to NASA internship resources and ISGC networking opportunities Support from ISGC and its statewide partner institutions In-Person at Iowa State University NASA Internship Information Session Workforce Development Workshop NASA Travel Planning Session Presentation at ISGC Student Research Symposium Travel to a NASA Center (pending eligibility and availability) Orientation & Training; NASA Internship Information Session Check-in Meeting; Workforce Development Workshop Mid-Year Check-in; NASA Travel Planning Session; Preparing for SRS Closing Session; Presentation at ISGC Student Research Symposium Travel to a NASA Center (pending eligibility and availability) Complete the application : https://app.

smartsheet. com/b/form/0198762f9bd77f808225251297882772 As part of the application, you will be asked to upload your most recent unofficial transcript (unprotected and unsecured PDF) A mentor must submit a recommendation letter . Forward this request to your mentor by email with the following URL for online submission: https://app.

smartsheet. com/b/form/b305a55ae32342fd840f5b624b4e379a Preliminary announcement date for awards is Early August 2026, contingent upon availability of NASA funding. This online announcement is available on the ISGC website .

Questions should be addressed to the ISGC administrative team: Director, Dr. Sara Nelson, sdnelson@iastate. edu Assistant Director for Education and Outreach, Rachel Shannon, rshannon@iastate. edu Program Specialist II, Hailey Waller, hewaller@iastate.

edu Iowa State University (ISU), Aerospace Engineering Iowa State University (ISU), Electrical Engineering Simpson College, Biology and Education Drake University, Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology University of Iowa (UI), Physics and Astronomy University of Northern Iowa (UNI), Biochemistry University of Iowa (UI), B. S.

Physics, Astronomy, and Mathematics University of Northern Iowa (UNI), Elementary Education Drake University, AI and Advertisement Morningside University, Biology, Chemistry, and Applied Food Studies Iowa State University (ISU), Biology