NA-ROAD Women and Girls in Astronomy Program 2026 (Up to $2,000 in Funding) – Apply Now

Application Deadline: May 31, 2026

About the Program

NA-ROAD is currently accepting applications for its Women and Girls in Astronomy Program (WGAP) 2026. The program is looking to fund ten projects that use astronomy as a tool for development promoting, supporting, and uplifting women, girls, and sub-represented genders in the field. Qualifying projects must align with at least one of NA-ROAD’s five Strategic Goals and take place in Canada, the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, or Greenland. Projects are encouraged to approach astronomy from a unique lens, including, but not limited to, scientific, social, technical, cultural, and artistic perspectives. NA-ROAD is a regional node within the International Astronomical Union’s (IAU) Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD). The organization works to leverage astronomy as a tool for positive social and economic impact, particularly in underserved communities. Through programs like WGAP, NA-ROAD aims to address systemic barriers that have historically excluded women, girls, and underrepresented genders from full participation in astronomy and STEM fields.

Grant Benefits

• Award Amount: $2,000 USD mini-grants for each chosen project
• Number of Projects: Up to ten projects will be funded
• Additional Benefit: Project leaders will join the WGAP network, connecting with other changemakers using astronomy for development

Eligibility Requirements

Open to: Everyone is welcome to apply for funding. There are no restrictions based on nationality, professional status, or institutional affiliation.

Eligible Locations: Projects must take place in one of the following countries or territories:

• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bahamas
• Barbados
• Canada
• Cuba
• Dominica
• Dominican Republic
• Greenland
• Grenada
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• Mexico
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Trinidad and Tobago
• United States

Project Alignment: Proposed projects should address barriers faced by women, girls, and underrepresented genders in astronomy and STEM, while promoting equity, access, and meaningful participation. Projects must also align with at least one of NA-ROAD’s five Strategic Goals (detailed on the NA-ROAD website).

Why This Program Matters

Women, girls, and underrepresented genders remain significantly underrepresented in astronomy and STEM fields globally. Barriers include lack of role models, limited access to mentors and networks, cultural norms that discourage girls from pursuing science, and systemic biases within educational and professional institutions.

The NA-ROAD Women and Girls in Astronomy Program addresses these barriers by:

• Funding grassroots projects that reach girls and women where they are
• Supporting diverse approaches – from scientific research to artistic expression
• Removing financial barriers through accessible mini-grants ($2,000)
• Building a network of project leaders who share strategies and resources
• Centering equity and inclusion as core values

For educators, community organizers, scientists, artists, and advocates working to make astronomy more inclusive, this program offers funding, recognition, and connection to a regional network of changemakers.

What the Program Looks For

The Women and Girls in Astronomy Program seeks projects that:

• Use astronomy as a tool for development and social change
• Promote, support, and uplift women, girls, and underrepresented genders in the field
• Address barriers to participation in astronomy and STEM
• Approach astronomy from unique perspectives (scientific, social, technical, cultural, or artistic)
• Take place in eligible locations
• Align with NA-ROAD’s strategic goals

Examples of Possible Projects:

• Workshops or camps introducing girls to astronomy
• Mentorship programs pairing women astronomers with young learners
• Community stargazing events in underserved areas
• Art exhibitions inspired by astronomical themes
• Research projects on barriers to women’s participation in astronomy
• Development of educational resources in multiple languages
• Outreach programs connecting Indigenous knowledge with astronomy

How to Apply

Click on the link to the application website to apply.

Application Link: Click here to apply

For More Information: Visit the Official NA-ROAD Women and Girls in Astronomy ProgramPage