Undergraudate STEM Ambassador Program
Deadline: September 26, 2025 by 4:00 p.m.
Purpose
The Iowa Space Grant Consortium (ISGC) is seeking enthusiastic undergraduate students to apply for the STEM Ambassador Program for the 2025–2026 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 2 outreach events: one during the Fall 2025 semester and one during the Spring 2026 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.
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 2026 (date TBD).
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, 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 2026)
- Exclusive access to NASA internship resources and ISGC networking opportunities
- Support from ISGC and its statewide partner institutions
- Option for renewal
Program Schedule
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) |
To Apply
As part of the application, you will be asked to upload your most recent unofficial transcript (unprotected and unsecured PDF)
A mentor must submit a recommendation letter. Forward this request to your mentor by email with the following URL for online submission:
https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/b305a55ae32342fd840f5b624b4e379a
Announcement Date
Preliminary announcement date for awards is October 10, 2025, contingent upon availability of NASA funding.
This online announcement is available on the ISGC website.
Questions should be addressed to the ISGC administrative team:
- Director, Dr. Sara Nelson, sdnelson@iastate.edu
- Assistant Director for Education and Outreach, Rachel Shannon, rshannon@iastate.edu
- Program Specialist II, Hailey Waller, hewaller@iastate.edu