Call for Proposals to strengthen India’s Inclusive Technological Innovation and Equitable Growth

Deadline: 03-Jun-24
The U.S. Department of State’s Public Diplomacy Section in New Delhi is inviting proposals for the Space Experiential Learning Center (SELC) to strengthen India’s inclusive technological innovation and equitable growth by fostering experiential learning in space research for high school aged students.

American Center New Delhi (ACND) is poised to establish a cutting-edge Space Experiential Learning Center (SELC).  This innovative facility will leverage state-of-the-art space equipment and immersive experiences to provide comprehensive theoretical education and hands-on practical training.  The SELC aims to cultivate and expand the expertise of 60 aspiring space enthusiasts across four cohorts, each comprising 15 participants from diverse backgrounds. The program, spanning approximately one year, will consist of classroom sessions conducted at ACND, focusing on space exploration, astronomy, and related topics, followed by field visits to further deepen participants’ understanding of space science and technology.

The Space Experiential Learning Center (SELC) will be a center for excellence, based at American Center New Delhi, where students in the 15-18 age group, from diverse backgrounds, will hone their practical skills in the field of space science learning. Achieving gender balance, and increased participation from underrepresented groups is a priority. The participants will be introduced to better education and research opportunities, as well as scholarships and financial aid available at U.S. universities through focused Education USA (EdUSA) advisory sessions.

Project Objectives 

• The main goal is to Learn by experience. The target audience will engage in meaningful interactions and experiences which provide skills and opportunities to create and innovate.  To that end, American Center New Delhi (ACND) will establish a Space Experiential Learning Center (SELC) to enable next generation space enthusiasts to participate in space exploration studies, education, experiential learning activities, and networking to incline them towards pursuing higher education and a career in space science, innovation, technology, and applications. The program will enable capacity building of young space enthusiasts through experiential learning, hands-on-exploration, experimentation, and exposure to space research centers, industries, and observatories.  It will foster a spirit of innovation among young STEM students in space science, technology, and scientific application domains. The program will enable networking with academia and industry experts for potential short-term internships, education opportunities, and long- term career prospects.
• This pioneering initiative will harness state-of-the-art space science equipment and immersive experiences, both within ACND premises for theoretical instruction and in real-world settings for practical application.  The endeavor aims to equip 60 aspiring space enthusiasts, organized into four cohorts of 15 participants each, with comprehensive knowledge and skills. Emphasizing inclusivity, the program will actively recruit participants from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented communities.
• Spanning approximately one year, the program will feature classroom sessions at ACND focusing on space exploration and related subjects. These sessions will be supplemented by field visits meticulously designed to translate theoretical concepts into practical experiences in space exploration.
• This NOFO solicits proposals for running and showcasing experiences at ACND. The required infrastructure (physical space, electricity, housekeeping etc.) for successfully running the SELC will be provided by ACND.
• Marketing and promotion will be a shared responsibility but will primarily fall on the organizations with whom they seek to collaborate. They also plan to conduct hybrid workshops, where participants from other consulate districts can participate in-person or virtually. These workshops will be stand-alone and will cover common and interesting themes around space science.

Funding Information

• Award amounts: awards may range from a minimum of $75,000 to a maximum of $100,000
• Total available funding: $100,000
• Award Ceiling: $100,000
• Award Floor: $75,000
• Length of performance period: 12 Months
• Number of awards anticipated: 1 award

Deliverables 

• Establish and Operate an Astronomy and Space Club
• Establish the Space Experiential Learning Center (SELC)
• Conduct Workshops and Skills Training
• Plan and supervise overnight Space and Astronomy Boot Camps
• Plan and organize an Annual Space Conference and Award Meet
• Plan and conduct programs in Other Consulate Regions

Eligibility Criteria

• The following organizations are eligible to apply:
  • Not-for-profit organizations
  • For-profit organizations (remember non-PD money only)
  • Civil society/non-governmental organizations
  • Think tanks.
  • Public and private educational institutions
  • Public International Organizations and Governmental institutions

Ineligible

• This opportunity will not support:
  • Projects relating to partisan political activity;
  • Charitable or development activities;
  • Construction projects;
  • Projects that support specific religious activities;
  • Fund-raising campaigns;
  • Lobbying for specific legislation or programs
  • Scientific research or surveys;
  • Commercial projects;
  • Projects intended primarily for the growth or institutional development of the organization;
  • Projects that duplicate existing projects; or
  • Illegal activities

For more information, visit Grants.gov.