Supporting Main Streets in the Path of the 2024 Eclipse
On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will pass through communities across the U.S., beginning in Texas and ending for U.S. communities in Maine. The In the Path of Totality grant program awarded fifteen (15) grants of $10,000 each to Main Street America (MSA) accredited and affiliate communities located within the path of totality – the areas set to experience the total eclipse.
Sweetwater, Tennessee © Main Street Sweetwater
Program Overview
This grant program, funded by the Simons Foundation, offers a unique opportunity for selected Main Street communities to create meaningful and memorable experiences for residents as they also host visitors for the total solar eclipse.
The program was intentionally designed for Main Street communities to actively engage residents in science as part of their community programming and offers an opportunity for selected communities to directly connect with others across the country in the path of totality which will all be experiencing the full eclipse and planning related events.
Meet the Grantees
Fifteen Main Street communities were selected to receive $10,000 grants to create science engagement activities for residents and host visitors from around the world as the moon casts its shadow over their communities. From the northern most point of the U.S. eclipse in Houlton, Maine to the southern most in Eagle Pass, Texas, these communities will host science engagement activities for residents and visitors alike for the 2024 eclipse.
San Antonio, Texas © Liz Shenk
Eclipse Planning Information & Resources
For more information on planning for the eclipse and launching science engagement initiatives in your community, please free resources below.
Supporting Partner
The Simons Foundation’s mission is to advance the frontiers of research in mathematics and the basic sciences. Since its founding in 1994 by Jim and Marilyn Simons, the foundation has been a champion of basic science through grant funding, support for research, and public engagement. They believe in asking big questions and providing sustained support to researchers working to unravel the mysteries of the universes. Through their work they make space for scientific discovery.