WGAP

Women and Girls in Astronomy Program (WGAP), 2026 Call for Proposals

08
Apr

$2,000 USD Mini-Grant for Women, Girls, and Underrepresented Genders in Astronomy

!!! CALL FOR PROPOSALS: WGAP 2026 COHORT SUBMISSION NOW OPEN!!!

The North American Regional Office of Astronomy for Development is proud to present the 2026 Women and Girls in Astronomy Program. 

The Women and Girls in Astronomy Program (WGAP)  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 the NA-ROAD’s five Strategic Goals , and take place in Canada, 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. The application is open from  April 13th  to May 31th, 2026. 

Proposals must be submitted through the Google Form and answer four key questions, specifying the following details regarding the proposed project: 

  • Clear vision and goals for the project 
  • Identify the target audience; e.g. girls in rural academic settings in the Caribbean, career transition and development for women in Mexico
  • Outline how the project plans to support the target audience and complete the project by December, 10, 2026
  • An organized budget, with projected expenses (printed materials, travels, stipends, food, others). 

Chosen projects will be awarded with $2,000 USD mini-grants and project leaders will join the WGAP network. This network is composed of industry and academic professionals from formal and informal settings who are willing to support women, girls and underrepresented genders in astronomy, while facilitating connections, professional development and career opportunities in the field.    

WGAP Network members are responsible for maintaining direct communication with the Women and Girls in Astronomy Coordinator. This communication includes providing project updates, attending milestone meetings, and connecting with WGAP network mentors for guidance. The project year will conclude with a presentation highlighting each funded project, in which each WGAP project lead will have the opportunity to present their outcomes and discuss their contributions to advancing women and girls in astronomy.

Everyone is welcome to apply for funding. Proposed projects should address barriers faced by women, girls, and underrepresented genders in astronomy and STEM, while promoting equity, access, and meaningful participation.

We are thankful to the Henry Luce Foundation for funding the NA-ROAD Women and Girls in Astronomy Program (WGAP). Be sure to share with your networks, colleagues, students, or any individual you believe would be a great fit for the WGAP mini-grant!    

Grant recipients will be notified in late June.

Questions? Email wgap@aui.edu  or dwysenyuy@aui.edu 

To learn about previous projects funded, please visit the WGAP 2023 and 2024 report, respectively: