MUREP Precollege Summer Institute (MUREP PSI) | NNC22ZHA002N

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - NASA MUREP Precollege Summer Institute (MUREP PSI)

What is the MUREP Precollege Summer Institute (MUREP PSI) grant opportunity?

The MUREP Precollege Summer Institute (MUREP PSI) is a NASA education grant opportunity intended to strengthen the pipeline of historically underserved and underrepresented high school students into STEM fields. It supports summer institute experiences designed to help students build STEM skills, knowledge, and confidence and to prepare them for college-level STEM degree programs and future STEM careers.

What is the main goal of MUREP PSI?

The program aims to increase both participation and retention in STEM for historically underserved and underrepresented high school students. In practice, that means projects should not only spark interest in STEM, but also help students persist by developing their academic and personal tools, strengthening their STEM identities, and increasing their readiness for postsecondary STEM pathways.

Who is the program intended to serve?

Based on the description provided, the program is focused on historically underserved and underrepresented high school students, with the goal of supporting their entry into and persistence in STEM educational and career pathways.

What kinds of student outcomes does NASA expect projects to support?

The opportunity emphasizes helping students develop STEM identities, skills, and knowledge. It also highlights supports that help students see themselves as future STEM professionals, build confidence, and develop tools needed to succeed in college-level STEM programs.

What does NASA mean by focusing on both participation and retention?

Participation refers to getting students involved and engaged in STEM. Retention refers to helping students persist over time by providing structured supports, confidence-building experiences, and development of academic and personal tools that contribute to long-term success in STEM.

What kind of summer programming is expected?

Applicants are expected to propose innovative summer learning experiences that go beyond standard classroom instruction. Competitive projects typically emphasize hands-on and engaging STEM activities, along with structured supports that contribute to student persistence and STEM identity development.

Does the opportunity favor any particular instructional approach?

Yes. A central expectation is that the summer institute experience be intentionally designed using strategies supported by evidence and proven practice, rather than relying on purely inspirational, ad hoc, or loosely structured programming.

Are partnerships required or encouraged?

Partnerships and collaborations are strongly valued. Successful proposals are expected to form partnerships or collaborations with NASA Centers and facilities and also with local STEM industries, government agencies, or other relevant organizations.

Why are collaborations with NASA Centers and facilities important in this program?

The program places strong value on real-world exposure and mentorship. Collaborations with NASA Centers and facilities are intended to create authentic opportunities for students to interact with STEM professionals, understand STEM career pathways, and connect learning to practical, career-relevant contexts.

What role do local STEM industries, government agencies, or other organizations play?

These partners are meant to support real-world exposure, mentorship, and career-connected learning experiences. They can help students meet and learn from STEM professionals and see how STEM learning translates into real careers and workplace settings.

Is the program primarily about inspirational STEM experiences?

No. The opportunity explicitly emphasizes evidence-based and proven strategies and expects projects to go beyond purely inspirational approaches. It prioritizes intentionally designed experiences that build skills, knowledge, and identity, supported by structured programming and mentorship.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is listed broadly as "Others," with additional clarification expected in the official eligibility details. This suggests the opportunity may be open to a range of organizations involved in STEM education (such as educational institutions, nonprofits, or other entities), depending on the specific requirements in the full announcement.

What agency is offering this funding opportunity?

The funding opportunity is offered by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

What type of funding is this?

This is a discretionary grant opportunity.

What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The CFDA number listed for this opportunity is 43.008.

What is the funding opportunity number?

The funding opportunity number is NNC22ZHA002N.

When was this opportunity posted?

The opportunity was posted on November 16, 2021.

What was the original application closing date?

The original application closing date was January 18, 2022.

How many awards did NASA anticipate making?

NASA anticipated making around 10 awards.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling listed is $65,000 per award.

What types of activities tend to make a project competitive under MUREP PSI?

Based on the information provided, competitive projects typically include hands-on, engaging STEM activities; structured supports aimed at persistence and confidence; intentional design that builds STEM identity; evidence-based strategies; and partnerships that provide real-world exposure and mentorship through NASA and local STEM organizations.

Does the opportunity emphasize career pathways and professional mentorship?

Yes. The opportunity places strong value on real-world exposure and mentorship, with expectations that students will have authentic opportunities to interact with STEM professionals and learn about STEM career pathways.