Program Application

Applications for Polar STEAM

Polar STEAM recruits Educators, Researchers, and Artists & Writers annually. The selected Fellows will then collaborate as a cohort over the course of a year.

Educator applications for the 2027/28 season are open.

  • Applications close on July 15 at noon Pacific Time. Late applications will not be accepted.
  • Educator applications are currently being accepted for the following programs: 
    • Arctic field research, boreal summer 2027
    • Antarctic field research, austral summer 2027/28
    • Virtual collaborations, Arctic and Antarctic, 2027 
  • Educators in the following areas are welcome to apply:
    • Educators across all subject areas.
    • Informal educators who can incorporate polar science education into their work.
    • Faculty from community colleges and Primarily Undergraduate Serving Institutions (PUI).
    • 6-12 grade classroom educators.
    • Educators must be currently working with a defined group of learners to be eligible.
  • Virtual and field collaborations are available.
  • Before you apply, please read the FAQs.
  • Applicants are strongly encouraged to watch our Educator Program Overview.
  • Applications must be submitted through the application portal in InfoReady. Use the “Submit Application” link below. You will need to make an account.
  • Please reach out to polarsteam@oregonstate.edu with questions.
  • To stay connected and receive updates about future opportunities, join our email list and follow us on social media @polarsteamteam. 

Submit Application Here


Key information:

  • Polar STEAM is a partner in your broader impacts work and facilitates collaborations between educators, artists, & writers and polar researchers. Virtual and field collaborations are available.
  • We are currently recruiting researchers for the following polar seasons:
    • Arctic field research, boreal summer 2027
    • Antarctic field research, austral summer 2027/28
    • Virtual collaborations, Arctic and Antarctic, 2027
  • We are also interested in talking with researchers who are submitting NSF proposals for future work and are interested in collaborating with Polar STEAM.
  • Polar STEAM welcomes applications from NSF-funded polar researchers across a wide spectrum of research disciplines including social sciences.
  • Designate one researcher on the team as the primary point of contact with Polar STEAM. We work with PIs and other members of the research team, including graduate students.
  • Here is what you can expect from a Polar STEAM Collaboration:
    • No cost for you to participate – We cover educator travel, stipends, and gear.
    • Field support – Educators are expected to be fully engaged team members.
    • Community – Join a cohort of 15–20 polar researchers for networking and mentorship.
    • Broader impacts – We can offer guidance to report and build on your experience for future NSF proposals.
    • Visibility – We help share your research with new audiences through educator and artist collaborations.
  • Watch our 8 minute Researcher Information video
  • Read the FAQs for more information
  • Researchers can request a meeting with the team via Zoom or send questions by email to polarsteam@oregonstate.edu.
  • To stay connected and receive updates about future opportunities, join our email list and follow us on social media @polarsteamteam.

  • Only individuals can apply, and only individuals will be awarded fellowships.
  • Key information to know before you apply:
    • Applications will close July 1 at 11:59 pm Pacific Time.
    • Polar STEAM welcomes applications from working artists, writers, and creative practitioners in a variety of genres, from traditional to experimental.
    • This opportunity is available to U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and you must be at least 21 years old to apply
    • This application is for the 2027-28 Antarctic summer season, typically October through March, with a possible option for early season (August through September). Most deployments are 6-8 weeks in length.
    • Before you apply, please read the FAQs.
    • Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend or watch the recording of the informational webinar.
      • April 30th at 2pm Pacific Time.
    • Application questions can be previewed here.
    • For question about the application or submission process, please email joy.jensen@oregonstate.eduStaff are unable to comment on the merit of the creative proposal, but can provide assistance with the application process.
    • If you have program-specific questions, please email polarsteam@oregonstate.edu.
    • To stay connected and receive updates about future opportunities, join our email list and follow us on social media @polarsteamteam.

Submit Application Here

Polar STEAM views our differences with curiosity and seeks to broaden the reach of polar sciences.