Space Experiential Learning Center (SELC) | ND NOFO 24 104

Opportunity Information: Apply for ND NOFO 24 104

The Space Experiential Learning Center (SELC) grant opportunity is a discretionary funding announcement from the U.S. Department of State, Public Diplomacy Section in New Delhi (U.S. Mission to India). It seeks proposals to run and deliver programming at a new Space Experiential Learning Center that will be housed at American Center New Delhi (ACND). The core purpose is public diplomacy: using space science and immersive learning experiences as a platform to build knowledge, skills, and engagement around space exploration, astronomy, and related space science and technology topics, while strengthening educational and people-to-people connections.

ACND plans to provide the physical infrastructure for the SELC, and the selected grantee will be responsible for operating the program and demonstrating the learning experiences at the Center. The concept emphasizes modern, hands-on, and immersive approaches, using state-of-the-art space equipment and interactive experiences rather than purely lecture-based instruction. The programming is designed as a roughly year-long cycle that trains a total of 60 participants, organized into four cohorts of 15 learners each. Participants are expected to come from varied backgrounds, suggesting an emphasis on broad access and inclusion rather than limiting the program to a single type of student or professional profile.

Program delivery is expected to blend structured classroom sessions at ACND with field visits to reinforce learning through real-world exposure. The classroom component focuses on foundational and applied themes such as space exploration and astronomy, while the field visits are meant to deepen participants understanding of space science and technology through observation, site-based learning, or engagement with relevant institutions and practical environments. Overall, the SELC is positioned as both an educational training pipeline and a public-facing demonstration space that showcases engaging space-related learning experiences.

The opportunity is listed under Funding Opportunity Number ND NOFO 24 104 and CFDA 19.040, with activity areas spanning science and technology and other research and development as well as employment, labor, and training. The award ceiling is USD 100,000, and the program anticipates making one award. Proposals were due by June 3, 2024, based on the original closing date provided.

Eligibility is broad and includes not-for-profit organizations, civil society and non-governmental organizations, think tanks, public and private educational institutions, public international organizations, and governmental institutions, as well as for-profit organizations (with the noted caveat regarding the use of non-PD money only). Applicants must be legally recognized and able to comply with both U.S. and Indian technical and legal requirements. The full details and any additional requirements are referenced as being available in the complete announcement under the related documents section.

• The U.S. Mission to India in the employment, labor and training, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Space Experiential Learning Center (SELC)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 19.040.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2024-04-02.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2024-06-03. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for ND NOFO 24 104

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