Applications for the 2020-21 Cohort are now closed.
Increasing the Equity and Inclusiveness of STEM Experiences
We are looking for Illinois and Indiana schools committed to taking steps to encourage women, Black and Latina/o youth, low-income, or otherwise traditionally underrepresented populations to stick with and excel in math, science, and engineering. Announcing Year 2 of the NSF-funded Catalyzing Inclusive STEM Experience All Year Round (CISTEME365) grant initiative of the University of Illinois’ Grainger College of Engineering in partnership with the National Alliance for Partnerships in Equity.
Seeking Middle and High School Partners:

- Form an Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, & Access (IDEA) Team (includes counselor, teacher, and at least one other)
- Stipends up to $1,200 for participating team members
- Receive year-round virtual professional development beginning July 20, 2020, and continuing through the school year
- Network and Collaborate with other CISTEME365 schools
- Establish a new STEM Club or enhance a current club (receive electrical engineering curriculum, supplies, and training, as well as additional flex funding for STEM club implementation)
- Create and implement an Action Research for Equity Plan (AREP) to broaden STEM participation
- Gain exclusive access to scholarships for University of Illinois STEM summer camps for your students

There’s work and commitment involved from participating schools, but beyond the year of CISTEME365, participation includes a growing relationship with the Grainger College of Engineering. As other grants come along or opportunities for cutting edge STEM connections with schools, we aim to remain connected and in communication. We are committed to broadening participation in STEM, and we believe that establishing this network is just a first step of developing ongoing partnerships.
2020-21 Cohort timeline
- March 4, 2020: 2020-21 Cohort application opens
- May 13, 2020: Project Overview and FAQ webinar
- June 15, 2020: Application closes
- June 19, 2020: Cohorts announced
- July 20 – 30, 2020: IDEA Team Virtual Summer Institute
- 5 days of PD spread across 2 weeks: 7/20, 7/22, 7/24, 7/28, and 7/30
- September 2020 – May 2021: Monthly IDEA Team Inservice (Wednesdays)
- 6 full-days (9/2, 9/30, 11/4, 12/2, 1/20, and 3/3)
- 2 after school sessions in April and May 2021
Learn more about the project
- CISTEME 365 Project Overview Webinar
- CISTEME 365 Project Overview PPT presentation (PDF)
- Questions? Contact the CISTEME365 Team