Student Chapter Outreach Grant

The ASBMB Student Chapter Outreach Grant helps Student Chapters increase their involvement in science outreach activities. Funding is available for individual chapters to apply for up to $500 in support of outreach activities in their local communities.

Applications

We welcome proposals for in-person as well as hybrid or virtual programming. We will be looking for creative ideas that take into consideration accessibility, sustainability and reach.

The grant is available to active ASBMB Student Chapters. There are two application deadlines each year. In 2024, the deadlines are:

• March 3
• Oct. 2

Applications received after the deadline will be considered for the following grant cycle. Chapters can apply only once per calendar year.

Individuals should note that they may only receive the Student Chapter Outreach Grant OR the Science Outreach and Communication Grant in a given cycle. They may not be selected for both grants.

Review of proposals will take place during the four weeks following the application deadline. Applicants then will be notified of their initial results: award not granted, award granted or conditional. Conditionally granted proposals will have a week to submit their revisions and will be notified of a final decision no later than two months after the initial submission.

Application review timetable

Criteria for awarding outreach grants

Applications will be reviewed based on the following criteria:

• The project is feasible and the proposed activities are well thought out.
• The program addresses a scientific need.
• Proposals focusing on local community engagement with the target audience extending beyond the campus are preferred. Please note that recruitment events targeting undergraduate students to join the chapter are discouraged.
• The proposal includes an informal assessment of the impact of the activities on chapter students and the target audience, including the number of participants and feedback (survey, reflection, questionnaires etc.).
• The program can be delivered within the funds requested and the timescale provided.
• The proposal offers a plan for partial sustainability. Priority will be given to proposals that include a plan for continuity.

Once funding is awarded:

• Chapters will be expected to fill out and submit a summary progress report within two months of program completion
• Student members strongly are encouraged to present their outreach program through an appropriate ASBMB outlet:
  • Article for ASBMB Today
  • Poster at the ASBMB annual meeting

Examples of outreach efforts and programs include:

• Working with a local school to showcase hands-on science activities.
• Science demonstrations, such as these ideas from the University of Northern Colorado.
• Class visits to biochemistry labs to carry out experiments.
• Science festivals or fairs, such as the Flipped Science Fair concept from Kids Judge! Neuroscience Fair.
• Virtual or in-person science cafés.
• Starting a science podcast series.