Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Enriching Learning, Programs, and Student Experiences

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has issued a solicitation titled "Hispanic-Serving Institutions: Enriching Learning, Programs, and Student Experiences" (HSI:ELPSE), part of the broader NSF HSI Program. The NSF, an independent federal agency, supports science and engineering education and research through competitive grants. The HSI Program is a key initiative aimed at building institutional capacity at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs) and enhancing the quality of undergraduate STEM education for Hispanic and underrepresented students. The HSI:ELPSE solicitation specifically targets improvement of student outcomes and institutional practices within the unique context of HSIs. This funding opportunity includes two main tracks: Implementation and Evaluation Projects (IEP) and Educational Instrumentation (EI). The IEP track is available at two levels. Level 1 supports early-stage projects up to $500,000 over three years, suitable for exploring new strategies. Level 2 supports more mature projects up to $1,000,000 over five years and requires a detailed research plan and institutional support letters. The EI track, offering up to $200,000 for two years, aims to enhance undergraduate STEM education by funding necessary computing and laboratory equipment. Eligible applicants for EI must be either PUIs or institutions in EPSCoR jurisdictions. Eligible applicants must be accredited institutions designated as HSIs by the U.S. Department of Education and offer undergraduate STEM programs. EI track applicants must also meet specific PUI or EPSCoR criteria. Institutions may submit up to two EI and three IEP proposals per deadline. Individuals may be PI or co-PI on at most two proposals. IEP proposals must include components such as institutional data narratives, evaluation and mentoring plans, and use of intersectional frameworks to address student needs. Student mentoring and institutional sustainability are emphasized, especially for Level 2 projects. Applicants must submit proposals through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF’s PAPPG. No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required. Proposals must include sections on project rationale, broader impacts, evaluation plans, and management strategies. IEP proposals are limited to 15 pages, while EI proposals are limited to 6 pages. Budget limitations and prohibitions are clearly outlined, and all proposals must include specific supplementary documents like the HSI eligibility letter and, if applicable, IRB review confirmation. The next full proposal deadlines are June 4, 2024, and February 12, 2025. The program anticipates funding 23 to 33 projects, with a total available budget of $19 million. Projects are required to participate in biannual PI meetings and NSF-led program evaluations. All products developed must be shared under open-source or Creative Commons licenses. Annual reports detailing equipment use and student impact are required for EI awards. For assistance, applicants can contact Program Directors Sonja Montas-Hunter (smontash@nsf.gov), Michael J. Ferrara (mferrara@nsf.gov), Josephine Rodriguez (jrodrigu@nsf.gov), or Robert Talbot (rtalbot@nsf.gov). General inquiries may also be directed to the NSF Help Desk at 1-800-381-1532 or rgov@nsf.gov.