STEP grants are competitively awarded through an open, international process roughly every 2 years. These grants support projects that actively involve communities in the scientific process, fostering collaboration between researchers and the public. STEP directly related to core interests of exploring other worlds, finding life, and defending Earth from dangerous asteroids. STEP aims to bridge the gap between scientists and the community, encouraging collaboration to address societal needs and challenges. The initiative also emphasizes education and outreach, enhancing science literacy and inspiring future generations to engage with STEM fields.