The UMass Amherst Polymer Science and Engineering Department invites high school students in Grades 10-12 to apply for selection into its ASPIRE program.  In this free program, running on 5 consecutive Saturday mornings, 9AM-noon, from January 6 through February 3, students get hands-on laboratory experience and study the synthesis, characterization, and engineering of polymers using the Conte Center’s facilities while they interact with graduate student mentors to learn about research and careers.  Applicants must be recommended by a high-school science teacher.  Apply online by December 1.  For further information, contact aspire@mail.pse.umass.edu.

Boston University offers Noyce Scholarships to individuals — either with a degree in physical science or those changing careers — to acquire a Master’s degree to enter the teaching profession. There is a full-time, 10-month option and part-time options for either 12 or 24 months. For more information, contact Professor Peter Garik (garik@bu.edu) or Research Fellow Mark D. Greenman (greenman@bu.edu).

Population Connection (formerly ZPG) is sponsoring World of 7 Billion, a video contest on the theme of the global challenges of population growth. Students in Grades 6-12 are invited to create a short video about human population growth that highlights one other global challenge (e.g., feeding 10 billion people, preventing pollution, advancing women and girls).  All videos must address how population growth impacts the issue and at least one idea for a sustainable solution.  Videos must be submitted by February 22.

The Massachusetts State Science & Engineering Fair offers mini-grants to middle and high schools to either start or expand science fairs. Grants are available for up to $1,000 for the first year, renewable up to $2,500 for a multi-year program, plus tuition scholarships of up to $3,500 for up to six STEM teachers to attend Curious Minds courses to help them bring science and engineering practices into their classrooms. Apply online. For more information, email cmi@scifair.com.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is accepting applications for grants for Clean Energy Activity Day programs for elementary and middle school students. These are for one-day events (Monday-Saturday) that include a hands-on learning opportunity for students at a school, clean-energy business, or organization. Up to ten grants will be made, for up to $8,000 per event for Grade K-4 or up to $10,000 per event for Grades 5-8. Applications are due at 4PM on December 8. For more information, see this webinar or email Tamika Jacques.

The AMP it up! Challenge invites students to research an advanced manufacturing innovation in Massachusetts and then present it in a 3-minute video to explain how it’s made, why it matters, and what it means to the student.  One middle school, one high school, and one community college in the state will each win $5,000 in unrestricted grant funding.  Manufacturers are encouraged to sign up now to support the challenge by talking with students and offering factory tours.  Schools should sign up to participate and may be represented by individual students, classes, groups, or clubs.  Students must submit their videos by February 28.  For more information, email Larissa Matzek at lmatzek@massdevelopment.com. Here are the winning videos from the 2016 and 2017 contests.