Astronomy is for everyone. Your gift helps fund NRAO’s Diversity & Inclusion programs.

Training the next generation of scientists and engineers, and advancing equitable participation in science and engineering is a part of our mission statement - because we are committed to broadening participation in STEM.

Your gift supports historically excluded students in learning about astronomy, physics, engineering, technology, and computing, from undergrad to post doc! 

As a part of the Observatory’s long-standing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in astrophysics, we have been successfully running STEM education outreach programs that support a diverse group of peers throughout their entire STEM career.

Help us make cutting-edge science accessible to all. Your gift today supports tomorrow’s superstar scientists!

Where your gift goes

Your gift will support student participation in NRAO’S National Astronomy Consortium (NAC) and National & International Exchange Program (NINE).

What do NAC and NINE offer, exactly? In short: long-term mentoring, financial support, community, training, and active outreach. Read on for more details.

National Astronomy Consortium (NAC):

The goal of the National Astronomy Consortium (NAC) is to increase the number of BIPOC and LGBTQ students, often under-served by the traditional academic pipeline, in STEM and STEM careers by placing them in a cooperative, diverse internship program over the summer and beyond. 

Students are paired with world-class scientists, engineers, technicians, and other professionals from NRAO, Princeton University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Michigan State University, and cohorts are eligible for further NAC activities as alumni.

NAC offers access to research opportunities, financial support, mentorship, peer support, a poster presentation at American Astronomical Society, professional development, and long-term access to alumni benefits. Established 2013. 

National & International Exchange Program (NINE):

NINE works to build a pipeline of scientists from historically excluded communities. NINE provides intensive hands-on training for educators to form “hubs” at their home institutions where underrepresented individuals have access to radio astronomy-related resources and networks. Established 2016.

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Questions?

If you have questions about what your gift accomplishes or would like information about other ways to donate, including gifts of stock, gifts from donor advised funds, or estate gifts, please contact Heather Cochrane, Director of Advancement at giving@nrao.edu.

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The National Radio Astronomy Observatory is the requester of donations. The National Science Foundation (NSF) neither endorses nor requests donations from the public on behalf of NRAO. All donations made will go directly to programs conducted by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory.