Sponsored by
NASA Lunar Science Institute
University of Arizona's Center for Astronomy Education
The Chandra Space Telescope EPO Program
The Planck Mission
NASA’s SOFIA Mission
Spitzer Science Center
Herschel Science Center
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UP TO $750 PER PERSON AVAILABLE FOR QUALIFIED MEETING PARTICIPANTS

Download scholarship application instructions in pdf format.

Who is Eligible for a Scholarship?

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we are able to offer a limited number of scholarships to 3 categories of attendees (who are U.S. citizens) in the following order of priority:

1. Instructors of astronomy in community colleges (who send certification that they are teaching astronomy currently and that they are not able to obtain travel funds from their own institutions). Part-time instructors are eligible to attend, as long as they have taught astronomy for more than 1 semester.

2. Instructors of introductory astronomy at 4-year liberal arts colleges and state universities that do not have significant programs in astronomical research (who send certification that they are teaching astronomy currently and that they are not able to obtain travel funds from their own institutions).

3. Graduate students or post-docs who are going into positions next year that require independent teaching introductory astronomy (who send certification that they are not able to obtain travel funds from their own institutions.)

Priority will be given to those who teach in institutions that have significant enrollments of underserved minorities. Please mention such enrollments in your application.

We expect more applications than we have funding, so please continue trying to find other funding even if you are applying for a scholarship. (For example, in past years, state NASA Space Grant offices have occasionally funded an instructor from their states to attend. Education supplements to research grants may also fund your attendance. Also, your own institution may have special funds set aside for staff development or retraining.)

We apologize, but high school teachers, planetarium educators, EPO staff, or graduate students still years away from earning their final degree, while very welcome at the meeting, are not eligible for scholarships.

Scholarships will be provided after the meeting as reimbursement for document expenses incurred. If there is a really serious hardship issue, please contact us at the e-mail below.

How Do I Apply for a Scholarship?

Applicants must be U.S. citizens and must submit three different items (each one takes only a few minutes):

1. An application form with basic information
(Print this form and fill it out; be sure you give us a realistic estimate of your expenses, since this will determine the size of your scholarship.)

Here are some expense guidelines to help you:

• Meeting registration will be $305 (if you register by June 30) and will include the Sunday evening reception, programs, conference services, and coffee breaks. Meals are on your own.

• Hotel rooms for the conference (including tax) will be about $120 per night. Rooms may be shared by two people to reduce expenses.

• Campus residence hall rooms and cafeteria meals will be approximately $365 for singles and $270 per person for double occupancy from Sunday night through Wednesday lunch. (This includes the banquet Tuesday night.) Note that residence halls are not air conditioned.

• The shuttle from Denver to Boulder costs about $30 each way. A car will not be required in Boulder for conference attendance.

• The conference banquet will cost around $48 and will take place on Tuesday night. For those staying in the residence halls, the banquet is included in your fee.

• We understand that our maximum scholarship ($750) will not cover all expenses, but we think it’s fair to ask recipients to cover some of the costs on their own, so more people can receive scholarships.

2. A one-page letter explaining how attending the meeting will benefit you, your institution, and your students. (No special form or letterhead is required.) Explain a bit about your teaching, the kinds of courses and students you have, what you hope to change or improve. Be sure you include your name and the institution(s) at which you teach. Mention the minority enrollment at your campus and classes if appropriate.

3. A form signed by a supervisor (department chair or dean) certifying that you teach astronomy and that your institution is not able to find other travel funding for you. [print this form, fill it out, and have your supervisor sign it]

While the deadline for scholarship application has now passed, there may be the possibility of additional funds from our generous meeting sponsors. You may submit a late application until June 30, 2010 and these will considered if funds become available. All three sheets must be sent together, by mail, to: Cosmos Scholarships Astronomical Society of the Pacific 390 Ashton Ave. San Francisco, CA 94112 Or they may be e-mailed as PDF files to: 2010meeting {at} astrosociety.org If you wish to submit your application materials by email, you must print out the forms, have them signed, then scan or convert the forms to digital files (PDF format) before emailing them to the address above.

How Will It Work After I Apply?

1. All regular applications had to be postmarked by April 15th, 2010 or sent as PDF files by the same deadline. Late applications can be postmarked or emailed by June 30, 2010.

2. Applications will be read by a special committee set up at the Astronomical Society of the Pacific. (The amount of money you request will play no role in the decision.)

3. All applicants will be notified by e-mail as soon as possible. Your award notification will include the maximum amount of money you can submit for reimbursement (all scholarships are capped at $750). Note that, sometimes, receiving a scholarship can help you get any additional funds you need from your own institution.

4. Keep good receipts for all approved expenses. This can include registration, air fare, shuttle buses, residence costs, on-campus meals, etc.

5. Promptly after the conference send a list of your approved expenses with original receipts to the ASP at the above address. All requests for reimbursement must reach us by September 8, 2010. Be sure to include your name and full mailing address. You will receive a reimbursement for the amount you actually spent up to the limit in your award letter.

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Any questions? Please direct them to: 2010meeting {at} astrosociety.org