In January 2026, NASA announced the allocation of over $5 million to 29 institutions nationwide, aiming to enhance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education beyond traditional classroom settings. This initiative is part of NASA's TEAMS Engaging Affiliated Museums and Informal Institutions (TEAM II) program, designed to inspire future innovators by extending STEM learning opportunities through collaborations with libraries, after-school programs, and youth-serving organizations. ([nasa.gov](
Overview of the TEAM II Program
The TEAM II program is a strategic effort by NASA's Office of STEM Engagement to broaden the reach of STEM education. By partnering with informal educational institutions, NASA aims to create sustainable learning environments that foster curiosity and skill development in STEM fields. The program is structured into two main award categories: STEM Innovator Awards and Community Anchor Awards.
STEM Innovator Awards
The STEM Innovator Awards focus on institutions that can serve as regional hubs, building partnerships to advance innovative informal STEM education practices. In 2026, 18 institutions received nearly $4.5 million in cooperative agreements under this category. These institutions are tasked with delivering NASA STEM experiences to broad regional audiences, thereby enhancing the quality and accessibility of STEM education.
List of STEM Innovator Awardees
- Advanced Methods in Innovation, Inc., Youngstown, Ohio
- The American Museum of Natural History, New York
- Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Inc., Indiana
- Discovery Center of Springfield, Inc., Springfield, Missouri
- Discovery Place, Inc., Charlotte, North Carolina
- Fab Lab, El Paso, Texas
- Hawaii Science and Technology Museum, Hilo, Hawaii
- Liberty Science Center, Inc., Jersey City, New Jersey
- Montshire Museum of Science, Inc., Norwich, Vermont
- Mount Washington Observatory, North Conway, New Hampshire
- National Space Grant Foundation, Inc., San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Orlando Science Center, Inc., Florida
- The Regents of The University of California, Berkeley, California
- Space for Teachers, Inc., Kenosha, Wisconsin
- Space Science Institute, Boulder, Colorado
- Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas
- Universities Space Research Association, Washington
- University of Montana, Missoula, Montana
- NearSpace Education, Inc., Upland, Indiana
Community Anchor Awards
The Community Anchor Awards are intended for institutions that serve as local resources, introducing NASA content and opportunities to diverse audiences. In 2026, 11 institutions received over $547,000 in grants under this category. These awards aim to create new connections between communities and NASA, fostering a deeper engagement with STEM subjects.
List of Community Anchor Awardees
- Children’s Museum of Idaho, Inc., Meridian, Idaho
- Connecticut Science Center, Inc., Hartford, Connecticut
- The Da Vinci Discovery Center of Science and Technology, Inc., Allentown, Pennsylvania
- Exploration Place, Inc., Wichita, Kansas
- Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, Inc., Waltham, Massachusetts
- Hawaii Keiki Museum, Waikoloa, Hawaii
- Lykens Valley Children’s Museum, Elizabethville, Pennsylvania
- Memphis Museums, Inc., Tennessee
- National Space Science & Technology Institute, Colorado Springs, Colorado
- Sciencenter Discovery Museum, Ithaca, New York
- STEM Flights, Stephenson, Virginia
- Friends of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, Raleigh, North Carolina
Impact and Objectives
The primary objective of these awards is to inspire and prepare the next generation of explorers and innovators by providing them with engaging and accessible STEM learning experiences. By extending NASA's discoveries to students in various settings—such as libraries, after-school programs, and museums—the agency aims to build a powerful network of collaborators who can deliver resources and programming that transform outcomes for students. ([nasa.gov](
These initiatives are part of NASA's broader efforts to engage K-12 students nationwide in the agency's missions, people, and resources. Through programs like the Next Generation STEM project, NASA seeks to inspire the STEM workforce of tomorrow by bringing the excitement of space exploration to students, whether in the classroom, at home, in after-school programs, or in informal education settings. ([nasa.gov](
Conclusion
NASA's investment in these 29 institutions underscores the agency's commitment to fostering a diverse and skilled STEM workforce. By supporting both regional hubs and local resources, NASA is creating a comprehensive network that extends STEM education opportunities to a wide range of students across the nation. These efforts are crucial in preparing the next generation for the challenges and opportunities of space exploration and technological innovation.
Sources
- NASA — NASA Awards Help Inspire Future Innovators Through STEM Engagement — <