Undergraduate STEM Ambassador Program

Purpose

The Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) is seeking enthusiastic undergraduate students to apply for the STEM Ambassador Program for the 2026–2027 Academic Year. This program supports students who will serve as STEM Ambassadors, representing ISGC’s Academic and Informal Affiliate institutions across Iowa. Ambassadors will promote NASA’s mission and engage the public in STEM education through outreach and community engagement activities.

Ambassador Responsibilities

Ambassadors must serve from October through May as an ISGC STEM Ambassador. Each ambassador must participate in a minimum of two outreach events: one during the Fall semester and one during the Spring semester.* Additionally, ambassadors are expected to attend at least two ISGC trainings, workshops, or networking sessions. Participation is mandatory for check-in meetings, as outlined in the program schedule below. Eligibility for travel support to a NASA center is contingent upon meeting Ambassador responsibilities.

*Some ISGC events will be held on the Iowa State University Campus; however, the two outreach events may be held at participant’s home institution.

Selection

Up to 11 undergraduate students will be selected to serve as ISGC STEM Ambassadors. Selected applicants will need to provide an unofficial transcript upon graduation and agree to participate in a NASA longitudinal tracking process that surveys student progress and eventual employment outcome to help assess the effectiveness of our program and STEM retention efforts. Awardees will be required to attend the ISGC Spring Research Symposium in April 2027.

Eligibility

U. S. citizenship
All students of ISGC Core Institutions and Academic Affiliates are eligible to apply: Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC), Drake, Iowa, ISU, Loras College, Simpson College, Morningside University, and UNI.
Open to ALL MAJORS
Must be a current undergraduate student enrolled full-time at one of ISGC’s Core or Academic Affiliates
Interest in STEM education, outreach, and public engagement
Availability to participate in required training and events throughout the academic year
Ability to pass background check and completion of Youth Risk Management Training
Good academic standing (minimum 3.0/4.0 GPA)

Benefits

A $500 stipend
Group trip to NASA Center sponsored by ISGC. Equivalent of $1,500 (Travel Airfare/Ground Transportation to Center, Hotel, Center Entrance Fee)
Professional development in science communication and outreach (potential for Micro-credential ISU – Canvas Course 8-weeks, Fall semester)
Exclusive access to NASA internship resources and ISGC networking opportunities
Support from ISGC and its statewide partner institutions
Option for renewal

Program Schedule

October

Virtual

Orientation & Training

NASA Internship Information Session

November

Virtual

Check-in Meeting

Workforce Development Workshop

February

Virtual

Mid-Year Check-in

NASA Travel Planning Session

Preparing for SRS

April

In-Person

Closing Session

Presentation at ISGC Student Research Symposium

May

Virtual

Travel to a NASA Center (pending eligibility and availability)

Month	Required Activity
October (Virtual)	Orientation & Training; NASA Internship Information Session
November (Virtual)	Check-in Meeting; Workforce Development Workshop
February (Virtual)	Mid-Year Check-in; NASA Travel Planning Session; Preparing for SRS
April (In-Person)	Closing Session; Presentation at ISGC Student Research Symposium
May (In-Person)	Travel to a NASA Center (pending eligibility and availability)