PSECCO releases its 2024 BAJEDI Micro-grant Solicitation!

Proposal Deadline: Deadline extended to November 7, 2024; formerly: October 31, 2024 

Review timeline: Grant applicants will be notified in mid-November  

The Polar Science Early Career Community Office (PSECCO)* is committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion, and working towards building a just and equitable environment in the polar sciences. To support this mission, PSECCO is excited to announce the 2024 cycle of PSECCO Belonging, Accessibility, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (BAJEDI) Micro-grants!  

Do you have an idea that will advance BAJEDI in the polar regions but need a little funding to bring that idea to fruition? PSECCO is soliciting applications from US-based individuals and organizations with plans that will lead to tangible impacts in these areas. PSECCO has $5000 to distribute in this 2024 BAJEDI Micro-grant cycle, and applicants may apply for up to $1000 of those funds. Awarded funds can cover all expenses (e.g., salary, travel, stipends, other costs) associated with carrying out the proposed idea; there are no limitations on allowable expenses. Awards should support the work of historically excluded scholars in the polar sciences, bring polar education to communities historically excluded from the polar sciences or it should advance the work of a person, program or group that is already doing that work. 

To apply, please fill out this application form.   

To be eligible for funding applicants must:  

• Be an early career scientist ranging anywhere from an undergraduate student to ten years or less since your last terminal degree or an organization whose activities are driven primarily by polar early career scientists 
• Do research/science related to polar regions 
• Propose an idea with tangible benefits for polar science within the United States (US) or US-affiliated territories 
• Be based in the US. PSECCO funding is only available to US-based individuals due to funding restrictions from the US National Science Foundation. This solicitation is open to both US and non-US persons, however, payments to non-US persons are subject to review by the CU International Tax Office and may include a tax withholding.
• Present a proposal that clearly outlines and justifies the idea and associated expenses, as well as the qualifications of the individual(s)/organization seeking to implement that idea. See rubric.  
• If funded, submit a 500-word report on the BAJEDI micro-grant effort, along with at least two photographs from carrying out the idea.  
• Serve on the 2025 BAJEDI Micro-grant selection committee in November 2025

PSECCO is committed to supporting and creating opportunities for those from backgrounds underrepresented in the sciences, people from groups historically excluded from the polar sciences are encouraged to apply.   

If you have any questions about PSECCO BAJEDI Microgrant solicitation, please email psecco@colorado.edu for more information. 

Interested in learning about the cool projects funded in 2023? Read about them here! 

*PSECCO is a community-building and support effort for early career scientists studying Arctic, Antarctic and high alpine regions with a focus on advancing accessibility, inclusion and diversity, funded by NSF and housed at the University of Colorado.