Applications Being Accepted For New BNL Grants

Local nonprofits encouraged to apply for $5,000 grants to promote science, technology, engineering, and math

Local nonprofit community organizations in Suffolk County have until July 18 to apply for Brookhaven National Lab's new BreakThru Mini-Grant. Organizations that apply may receive up to $5,000 to fund any new or existing program designed to increase interest and strengthen skills in science, technology, engineering, and math among 10- to 15-year-old females, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos(as), and/or Native Americans.

BreakThru grants

BreakThru Mini Grants are funded by Brookhaven Science Associates, which manages Brookhaven Lab, and administered by the Laboratory's Community Relations Office.

These awards were created to bolster organizations that can inspire a new generation growing up in an increasingly scientific and technological world. A total of $25,000 in grants will be awarded in allotments of up to $5,000. "We want to support new and innovative initiatives that encourage these students to enjoy and be excited about the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math," said Jeanne D'Ascoli, manager of the Community Relations office at Brookhaven Lab. "During the next decade, it is expected that the U.S. demand for scientists and engineers will increase at four times the rate of all other occupations," she added. "It would be terrific if some of the students in programs benefiting from these grants went on to enter scientific or technical fields."

BreakThru Mini-Grant applications must be submitted by July 18 for programs operating between September 1, 2008, and August 31, 2009. Applicants are encouraged to apply online at www.bnl.gov/community/breakthru.

All BreakThru Mini-Grant winners will be notified in August 2008.

For detailed information on BreakThru Mini-Grants including eligibility, criteria, and more, go to www.bnl.gov/community/breakthru or contact Jeanne D'Ascoli (631) 344-2277 or dascoli@bnl.gov.

2008-651  |  INT/EXT  |  Newsroom