The U.S. National Science Foundation is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories. NSF was established in 1950 by Congress to promote the progress of science, advance the national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure the national defense.
The AISL Program supports projects that explore and enhance informal STEM learning (ISL) experiences. It prioritizes proposals that emphasize equity, belonging, and the well-being of historically marginalized communities. The program encourages initiatives that engage the public in STEM through various formats such as community STEM activities, scientific research participation, science communication, intergenerational STEM learning, and STEM media. Funded projects should contribute to understanding and improving informal STEM learning's role in fostering equity, science communication, public STEM engagement, interest in STEM careers, and community vibrancy. AISL funds five types of projects: Synthesis, Conference, Partnership Development and Planning, Integrating Research and Practice, and Research supporting widespread public STEM engagement. The program expressly excludes support for activities primarily focused on formal education or professional workforce training not aimed at informal STEM learning professionals.