Fostering Civic Engagement Through Science and Community
Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program, now in its seventh year, is an initiative which fosters STEMM graduate student-led public engagement projects across the United States. The program provides small grants to graduate students and post-docs in STEMM fields to develop and execute a range of activities to dialogue with public officials, community leaders, and community members. During the program, grantees also develop skills related to communication, program management and public policy.
Last summer, with support from the Sloan Foundation, Research!America awarded five civic engagement microgrants to early-career scientists chosen from a competitive pool of 36 applicants. These projects, led chiefly by individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, were designed to strengthen connections between local communities and scientists while encouraging broader participation in STEMM. By providing resources to emerging leaders, the program empowered students to create projects that both educated and inspired their communities.
Each micrograntee brought a unique perspective to their civic engagement projects:
Howard University – Interfaith Dialogues to Build Science Perspectives: This project organized forums for community members from Christian faith-based groups in Washington, D.C., fostering discussions around research hesitancy and the importance of diversity in clinical trials. The event led to improved understanding of and willingness to participate in research among attendees, highlighting the importance of community collaboration in science.
University of Maryland Eastern Shore – Groundswell UMES Podcast: Graduate students created a five-episode podcast series highlighting the impacts of climate change on the African American community in Somerset County, MD. They hosted roundtable discussions and in-person events, effectively using media to increase awareness and engagement around local environmental and health issues.
Drexel University – Science is for All!: At the East Falls Farmers market in Philadelphia, Drexel’s biomedical graduate students engaged the public through hands-on science activities and discussions on health topics. Their interactive events, coupled with a Science Coffee Hour, helped demystify science and encouraged open conversations on addiction, vaccines, and healthy living.
UC Irvine – Deeply Rooted Podcast: The U C Irvine team explored health inequities in Orange County through interviews with local health organization leaders, aiming to expose medical students to community challenges. The podcast, used as part of student orientation, encouraged reflections and fostered a deeper connection between future health care providers and the community they serve.
University of Puerto Rico – Science Inclusive: This project leveraged social media and podcasting in Spanish to make scientific knowledge more accessible for native Spanish speakers. Focusing on topics like viruses and vaccines, “Science Inclusive” aims to bridge science accessibility gaps and engage young Hispanics in meaningful scientific discussion.
These projects show the powerful impact of elevating diverse voices in science through community-centered initiatives that enhance public understanding and spark interest in science. By supporting underrepresented perspectives, we can lay a foundation for a more inclusive and engaged scientific community.
More than 100 applications were received this fall for some 20 spots in our 2024-2025 class, supported by HHMI. Grantees will be announced shortly. Learn more about the Research!America’s Civic Engagement Microgrant Program. Questions? Email [email protected].