The Association of Science and Technology Center (ASTC) has announced the results of the election for its Board of Directors for a term that will begin at the conclusion of the ASTC 2024 Annual Conference on October 1. The Board provides direction to the association representing organizations committed to public engagement with science, including a […]
ASTC elects Ashley Larose to Board of Directors, reelects three Read More »
The U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) inviting supplemental funding requests to engage the public in STEM programming and activities that showcase existing NSF-funded exhibits, films, maker experiences, and other public science communication efforts. This opportunity is limited to current awardees of Advancing Informal STEM Learning (AISL) and Innovative
NSF supplemental funding requests for AISL and ITEST awardees Read More »
The U.S. National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) has announced $37.5 million in funding for 240 projects across the country—including two at ASTC-member organizations. Overall, NEH made awards in several areas including digital humanities, research centers on artificial intelligence, institutes for higher education faculty and K-12 educators, preservation assistance, sustaining cultural heritage collections, and more.
NEH supports projects at two ASTC members Read More »
The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the recipients of its Museums for America program for fiscal year 2024. Twenty-seven ASTC members are among 115 museums who will share $23.3 million in funding. Museums for America is IMLS’ largest grant funding opportunity for museums and supports a wide range of projects,
IMLS awards Museums for America grants to 27 ASTC members Read More »
The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the recipients of its Museums Empowered program for fiscal year 2024. Six ASTC members are among 18 museums who will share $3.3 million in funding. Museums Empowered: Professional Development Opportunities for Museum Staff helps support institutions in engaging staff, leadership, and volunteers in training
IMLS Museums Empowered supports six ASTC members Read More »
The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the recipients of its Inspire! Grants for Small Museums program for fiscal year 2024. Eight ASTC members are among 78 small museums who will share $3.3 million in funding. The Inspire! program was updated this year to offer two funding options: applications requesting $5,000–$25,000
IMLS awards ASTC members with Inspire! Grants for Small Museums Read More »
Last night, two ASTC members were among the ten organizations receiving the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor for museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. The honorees were announced in May, but the formal presentation was held on July 30 at the Renwick Gallery of
ASTC members receive National Medal for Museum and Library Service Read More »
The U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has announced the recipients of its 21st Century Museum Professionals Program (21MP) for fiscal year 2024. Eight institutions—including two ASTC members—have been selected from 48 eligible applicants and will share $2 million in funding. The 21MP program was relaunched this year after a 12-year hiatus, motivated
IMLS awards ASTC members in 21st Century Museum Professionals Program Read More »
As part of our ongoing efforts to champion public engagement with science and to build greater support for science engagement activities and institutions, ASTC is submitting testimony to the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, underscoring the importance of robust support in fiscal year 2025 for federal programs and agencies that support science centers
ASTC submits appropriations testimony to U.S. Congress Read More »
Once again, there are a number of ASTC-member institutions named as finalists for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Awarded by the U.S. Institute of Museum of Library Services (IMLS), the National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. Each
Five ASTC members named finalists for 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service Read More »
Once again, ASTC members were well-represented in the USA TODAY 10Best Reader’s Choice awards in several categories (see bold, below), including a clean sweep in the Best Science Museum category. Twenty nominees in each category were chosen by a panel of experts, including a combination of editors from USA TODAY, editors from 10Best.com, and other
ASTC members sweep USA TODAY 10Best list again Read More »
The Gulf Research Program (GRP) of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine has issued has launched a funding opportunity for empowering K–8 youth through place-based learning. This program seeks to increase the scientific and environmental literacy and problem-solving skills of children and youth in the Gulf of Mexico region by supporting the
Funding opportunity: National Academies Gulf Research Program Read More »
ASTC was shocked and saddened to learn about the death of Brad Larson just a few days after his 62nd birthday. A longtime member of our community, Brad was the Founder of StoryHabitat (the successor to Brad Larson Media). ASTC was pleased to be partnering with StoryHabitat on the collection of stories for ASTC’s 50th
In Memoriam: Brad Larson Read More »
If you looked carefully at business cards you received from ASTC staff at conference, you may have noticed a new mailing address. That’s right: the ASTC office is moving to a new space in Washington, D.C. This move Is more than just a new place to get our mail, but an opportunity for the association
The ASTC office is moving Read More »
Following from a meeting last month where it formally approved the letter, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (OSTP) has now released a letter to President Biden recommending action to increase public engagement and community collaboration through the process of policy development and implementation. Noting that while Americans generally have confidence that
PCAST releases letter on advancing public engagement with the sciences Read More »
ASTC emphasized the importance of public engagement with science in comments to the National Science Foundation (NSF) as it develops a roadmap for its new Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (TIP) Directorate. The comments were submitted in response to a Request for Information issued by the agency. ASTC encouraged NSF to focus on technology areas that
ASTC champions public engagement with science to new NSF directorate Read More »
The President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) has signed off on a letter that it will send to the Biden-Harris Administration calling for advancing public engagement with the sciences. Although the letter hasn’t been formally shared yet, members of the PCAST working group summarized its contents during a public meeting of PCAST
PCAST approves letter on advancing public engagement with the sciences Read More »
The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI) in Corona, New York, has been selected by the National Science Board (NSB) as one of two recipients of its Science and Society Award, which honors individuals and groups that have made substantial contributions in the arts, media, education, or training programs to increase public understanding and appreciation
As part of our ongoing efforts to champion public engagement with science and to build greater support for science engagement activities and institutions, ASTC submitted testimony to the House Appropriations Committee calling for increased funding at a range of federal agencies. ASTC was joined on our testimony by other national museum organizations including the American
ASTC asks Congress for increased support for science engagement Read More »
Six ASTC-member institutions are among the 15 museums named as finalists for the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Services. Awarded by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. Fifteen libraries
Six ASTC members named finalists for National Medal for Museum and Library Service Read More »