Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium Aerospace Outreach Grants
Eligibility
Wisconsin K-12 educators, schools, museums, and informal learning organizations that can deliver aerospace and STEM outreach activities. Applicants must provide a 1:1 cost share (match). Programs must have a clear connection to aerospace, aviation, or space science themes.
Program Goals
The Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC), affiliated with NASA and administered by UW-Green Bay, provides outreach grants to inspire Wisconsin students in aerospace, engineering, and STEM careers. Grants support hands-on workshops, rocketry programs, astronomy clubs, satellite projects, and any educational activities connecting students to space and aviation science.
Application
Applications are submitted annually through the WSGC website. Deadlines vary by cycle — monitor wsgc.uwgb.edu for the next RFA. Applications include a project narrative, budget with match documentation, and description of student populations served.
Cycle Notes
Annual grant cycle. The 1:1 match can include in-kind contributions from partners, volunteer time valued at fair rates, and other grant funds. Award decisions are typically made in spring for the following academic year.
Award Amount
Up to $5,000 per project with a required 1:1 cost share match. Projects demonstrating strong student reach, partnerships, and sustainability beyond the grant period are most competitive.
Allowable Purchases
Materials, equipment, and curriculum for aerospace and STEM outreach programs. Forward Education products that connect to WSGC priorities:
- Smart Solar Energy Kit — Solar energy systems connect directly to spacecraft power and satellite technology themes.
- Coding for Good Kit — Programming and sensor use align with satellite data collection and aerospace instrumentation concepts.
- Climate Action Kit — Earth observation, climate data, and environmental monitoring tie directly to NASA Earth science mission themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my program need to focus exclusively on space?
The project must have a clear connection to aerospace, aviation, or space science — but does not need to be exclusively space-focused.
What counts as a valid 1:1 match?
Cash from other grants, in-kind contributions (volunteer time, donated materials), and institutional support all count. Your match documentation must be clear and verifiable.
Can informal educators (museums, planetariums) apply?
Yes. Museums, science centers, and community education programs are explicitly eligible alongside K-12 schools.
How do I stay informed about application deadlines?
Subscribe to WSGC's newsletter at wsgc.uwgb.edu and monitor their education page for RFA announcements.
Is there a geographic restriction within Wisconsin?
No. WSGC serves the entire state of Wisconsin. Rural and urban schools both compete in the same pool.
Need Help With Your Grant Application?
Forward Education's grant support team helps Wisconsin schools navigate funding opportunities, write stronger applications, and select the right products for their programs.
Download the Wisconsin Grant Guide
Get the full list of Wisconsin K-12 STEM funding opportunities in one place — deadlines, award amounts, eligibility, and tips for first-time applicants.
