Association of Science and Technologies Centers

NASA’s Universe of Learning is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning and literacy program that provides resources and experiences related to NASA astrophysics. NASA’s Universe of Learning collaborates with ASTC and Smithsonian Affiliations to develop and test sustainable models of innovative STEM learning for informal learning institutions. The Universe of Learning team connects the public to the data, discoveries, and experts that span NASA’s Astrophysics missions. This team collaborates with a nationwide network of informal educators, scientists, and engineers who not only share these resources, but also help develop them.

ASTC is proud to partner with NASA’s Universe of Learning to provide funding to support ASTC members in creating projects and programs for their local audiences that can be shared with and adapted by museums and other organizations all around the United States. The goals of the program are to:

  • strengthen science learning and literacy;
  • enable inquisitive learners to discover the universe for themselves in innovative, inclusive, and accessible ways; and
  • enhance and broaden the portfolio of astrophysics learning assets available to educators.

2024 Call for Proposals

The Informal Learning Network is currently offering competitive funding to informal learning institutions! The goal of this funding opportunity is to foster co-creation and inclusivity, reducing barriers to participation and expanding access to scientific knowledge about the universe.

Successful applications will:

  • Implement projects that utilize NASA’s Universe of Learning resources creatively.
  • Focus on inclusivity, aiming to reduce barriers to STEM learning experiences.
  • Foster meaningful collaborations that enhance participant engagement and learning.

This opportunity offers two funding tiers, Launchpad and Voyager, to address the specific needs of both new and returning participants. This reflects our commitment to fostering both the initiation and deepening of astrophysics-themed learning collaborations. Launchpad is specifically designed for new applicants who seek to leverage the resources of NASA’s Universe of Learning and offers up to $5,000 in project funding. Voyager is designed for organizations that have previously received support from NASA’s Universe of Learning and offers up to $10,000 in project funding.

Application Due Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024

Learn More and Apply!

Get Involved

The Informal Learning Network of NASA’s Universe of Learning is a collaboration of museums and cultural institutions affiliated with ASTC and the Smithsonian who are learning together to create and imagine learning resources and experiences to successfully engage diverse local audiences in the exploration of the cosmos. We seek to enhance and broaden the Informal Learning Network’s portfolio of astrophysics learning assets through co-creation and the inclusion of broader perspectives to reduce barriers to participation. Through expanding the network, NASA and its partners aim to achieve impactful astrophysics programming that is innovative, inclusive, accessible, and relevant to broader audiences. 

Join the Informal Learning Network Google Group for updates on upcoming events and funding opportunities
Join ASTC’s Community of Practice for Universe of Learning to engage with others in discussions about Universe of Learning resources

Learn More

NASA’s Universe of Learning provides a range of ready-to-go programming to add to your events and activities. These projects and tools are based on academic research, educational best practices, and astronomy data that you can use with a range of learners in person or online. Explore the Resource Catalog to find activities for learners, videos and posters, professional learning webinars, and much more – use the filter bar to find resources that suit your audience, product type, or theme.

Learn about program models used by members of the Informal Learning Network in NASA’s Universe of Learning Resource Catalog.

Join NASA’s Universe of Learning for monthly Cosmic Conversations to build relationships with your peers in the informal learning world through the lens of astronomy beyond our solar system. These conversations take place on the fourth Thursday of each month at 2:00 pm Eastern. Topics include successful programs for specific audiences, establishing partnerships in your communities, or strategies for gaining new audiences. offers 1) a conversation with a subject matter expert, 2) an introduction to a project or resource, and 3) a community-led discussion.  Each 30-minute Cosmic Conversation starts with a brief presentation from a guest speaker, followed by conversation among participants on the call. Invite your colleagues and whoever else you think may benefit from these conversations.

Our Awardees

The science centers and museums who have received support from NASA Universe of Learning are leaders in their communities, partnering with community organizations and regional networks to increase STEM engagement through NASA’s Universe of Learning network. Through this co-creation and inclusion of broader perspectives, the network aims to achieve impactful astrophysics programming that is innovative, inclusive, accessible, and relevant to broader audiences. To learn more about the projects our awardees have created, click on their institution names below to check out their program model in the Universe of Learning Resource Catalog.

Our current awardees are:

  • Children’s Creativity Museum, San Francisco, California
  • Children’s Museum Tucson, Arizona
  • ¡Explora!, Albuquerque, New Mexico
  • Museum of Science, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Muskogee STEAM Center, Muskogee, Oklahoma
  • Orlando Science Center, Florida
  • Pensacola MESS Hall, Florida
  • Rochester Museum & Science Center, New York
  • Science Central, Fort Wayne, Indiana
  • Sciencenter, Ithaca, New York
  • South Dakota Discovery Center, Pierre
  • The Discovery – Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum, Reno
Our past awardees include: 

Other Resources and Opportunities

The National Informal STEM Education Network (NISE Net) brings people together to engage in STEM, understand our world, and build a better future for everyone by generating, developing, implementing, and collaborating on projects that strengthen and advance informal STEM learning in communities across the United States. NISE Net offers professional learning resources as well as free educational materials, many of which are relevant to astrophysics learning, such as:

NASA’s Museum & Informal Education Alliance (MIE Alliance) is an active community of practice that provides informal educators with access to NASA resources. The MIE Alliance serves professional educators at informal, out-of-school time organizations via uniquely targeted resources. Members gain access to high resolution and 360 degree planetarium/dome video content, NASA STEM engagement and education products, images, visualizations, videos, NASA artifacts and other materials. Professional development webinars allow members to directly engage with NASA experts. Members also receive advanced news alerts and notice of NASA mission events and can promote their organizations’ NASA-related events. Register today for personalized service and access to unique activities and events.

IF/THEN® is part of Lyda Hill Philanthropies’ commitment to fund game-changing advancements in science and nature. IF/THEN® seeks to further advance women in STEM by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. When girls have approachable role models (women in STEM who see their work as rewarding, relevant, and enjoyable), their impression of what it means to be a STEM professional can change dramatically and they are more likely to pursue STEM courses and careers. The IF/THEN® Collection is a digital asset library of women STEM innovators, for educational and other noncommercial use. Explore their assets of featured women in fields ranging from NASA scientists to aviation engineers and astrophysicists.

ASTC, in partnership with the National Girls Collaborative Project and through the support of IF/THEN®, invites organizations and individuals to join the IF/THEN® Champions Network, a community of ASTC science centers, museums, and allied members, and individuals committed to advancing gender equity via the IF/THEN® Collection. It’s free to join for all US-based ASTC science centers, museums, and allied members, and individuals! Benefits include exclusive access to funding opportunities and resources designed to foster meaningful change. Members will provide each other with peer support, champion the goals of IF/THEN® , and act as a resource for the broader informal learning community.

Learn More and Join the IF/THEN® Champions Network
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