The OSA Foundation

Inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators

Technical innovation is often the driving force behind the advancements that improve our world. Future generations must embrace science and math if they are to improve upon today’s technology, and introduce exciting new concepts.

The future’s great scientists and leaders are among the young people of today and tomorrow. These students live and study around the world. Some have the resources and support needed to succeed, but many others do not.

The OSA Foundation believes that all students should have access to quality education resources. Everyone deserves a chance to explore scientific studies and careers.

The OSA Foundation is a charitable organization dedicated to supporting programs that:

Advance youth science education
Provide optics education and resources to underserved populations
Provide career and professional development resources
Support awards & honors that recognize technical and business excellence

Since its establishment in 2002, the Foundation has provided support to more than 150 programs. This work has a lasting impact, thanks to the generosity of our donors and the positive outcomes our funded programs have generated.

Funded activities include: student travel grants, special resources for university students studying optics, and classroom and extracurricular youth science education programs such as:

Teacher “Resource Packs” and lesson plans.
Outreach to low-income students – Through our collaboration with the Retired Scientists Engineers & Technicians organization.
Outreach to female students - Through collaborations with the National Coalition of Girls' Schools and the Girl Scouts of the USA
Youth science activity grants - Directed toward OSA Sections and Student Chapters as well as external non-profit organizations.
Translation of the “OPTICS for KIDS” Web site into Spanish.

Help make a difference

Donate today, and help the Foundation to sustain and expand this very important work. OSA’s national organization matches every dollar that is contributed, so your gift will have twice the impact! It’s easy to contribute online.

For more information, please contact our development staff at telephone: +1 202.416.1421 or email: foundation@osa.org. OSA recommends you contact a tax advisor for assistance with any form of giving.

Contributions to the OSA Foundation, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible as provided by law. All donors receive special recognition and acknowledgements, unless they request to be anonymous. All donations to the OSA Foundation are matched dollar-for-dollar by The Optical Society.