Women and Girls in Astronomy Program

The Women and Girls in Astronomy Program is administered by the North American Regional Office of Astronomy for Development, an organization dedicated to using astronomy as a tool for social and economic development across North America and associated regions. Supported by funding from the Henry Luce Foundation, the program focuses specifically on addressing inequities in participation and representation within astronomy and broader STEM fields. The initiative is part of a broader strategic framework that aligns funded activities with five organizational strategic goals, emphasizing inclusion, education, and community impact. The primary purpose of the program is to fund small-scale projects that promote, support, and uplift women, girls, and underrepresented genders in astronomy. The program explicitly encourages innovative approaches, allowing applicants to explore astronomy through scientific, social, cultural, technical, or artistic perspectives. By doing so, the program seeks to reduce barriers to entry and participation in astronomy while fostering meaningful engagement and long-term interest in STEM disciplines among target populations. Funding is provided in the form of mini-grants of 2000 USD awarded to selected project leaders. Approximately ten projects are expected to be funded in the 2026 cohort. Funds may be used for a variety of project-related expenses including printed materials, travel, stipends, food, and other necessary costs associated with implementing the proposed activities. While specific restrictions are not explicitly stated, applicants are required to submit a detailed and organized budget outlining projected expenses, indicating that funding must directly support project implementation. Eligibility for the program is broad and inclusive, with the funder explicitly stating that everyone is welcome to apply. However, proposed projects must meet key criteria: they must take place within eligible geographic regions including Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Greenland, and they must address barriers faced by women, girls, and underrepresented genders in astronomy and STEM. Projects must also align with at least one of the NA-ROAD strategic goals and demonstrate a clear plan to promote equity, access, and meaningful participation. The application process is conducted through an online Google Form and requires applicants to respond to four core prompts. These include articulating a clear vision and goals for the project, identifying and describing the target audience, outlining the implementation plan and timeline through December 10, 2026, and providing a detailed budget. There are no pre-application requirements such as letters of intent. Applications are accepted within a defined submission window and must be completed in full to be considered. The program timeline for the 2026 cycle opens on April 13, 2026, and closes on May 31, 2026, at 11:59 PM local time. Selected applicants are expected to be notified in late June. Funded projects must be completed by December 10, 2026, and participants are required to submit a final report by the end of the year. Throughout the project period, grantees must maintain active communication with program coordinators, provide updates, attend milestone meetings, and engage with mentors within the WGAP network. In addition to funding, selected participants gain access to the WGAP network, which includes professionals from academic and industry backgrounds. This network provides mentorship, professional development opportunities, and connections that can support career advancement. The program concludes with a presentation event where project leaders share outcomes and contributions. For inquiries, applicants may contact the program via email at wgap@aui.edu or dwysenyuy@aui.edu.

Ensure strong alignment with NA-ROAD strategic goals and clearly demonstrate impact on women and underrepresented groups in astronomy; provide a clear and realistic budget and timeline