Society for Science announces the 2024 STEM Action Grant Recipients. A total of $320,500 will be awarded to 66 impactful groups across 22 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. These grants will expand opportunities for historically underrepresented groups in STEM, including those who identify as a race or ethnicity underrepresented in STEM, women, people with diverse gender identities, individuals with disabilities, and students who are economically disadvantaged.

The Society is proud to work with all of our incredible Advocates for 2024-25! Learn more about who they are and what inspires them.

In 2023, Shanya Gill clinched the prestigious Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND (Aspiring Scientists Creating Exciting New Discoveries) Award at the Thermo Fisher Scientific Junior Innovators Challenge (Thermo Fisher JIC). Her achievement not only garnered attention within the scientific community and by the media, but also captured the interest of the U.S. Fire Administrator. Just last week, 12-year-old Shanya Gill, hailing from San Jose, California, along with her father, Binny Gill, received a special invitation to visit the U.S. Fire Administrator’s office (USFA), where they met with distinguished figures like Lori Moore-Merrell and other senior leaders. During the visit, they engaged in discussions about fire suppression, Shanya’s innovative work on fire safety, and had the opportunity to tour the National Emergency Training Center campus and memorials.

Shanya Gill, 12, from San Jose, California; won the $25,000 Thermo Fisher Scientific ASCEND (Aspiring Scientists Cultivating Exciting New Discoveries) Award, the top prize in the competition.