The NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) is a grant opportunity provided by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This grant is currently in a forecasted status and is expected to open on October 1, 2025. The program falls under the Assistance Listing number 93.859 for Biomedical Research and Research Training and is intended for discretionary projects that align with NIH's strategic goals in health education and outreach.
The purpose of the SEPA program is to support innovative educational activities aimed at encouraging pre-college students, from pre-kindergarten through grade 12, to engage in further studies in the STEM fields, with a particular emphasis on biomedical and behavioral sciences. The program seeks to inspire early interest and long-term involvement in scientific careers by funding projects that are educational and accessible to young learners in both traditional and informal settings.
SEPA funding supports a range of initiatives including classroom-based projects for students and teachers, as well as informal science education activities conducted in settings such as libraries and after-school programs. Projects that emphasize the development of quantitative and computational skills are particularly encouraged, highlighting the NIH's commitment to equipping students with essential competencies for the future of biomedical science and research.
Eligible applicants for the SEPA program include a broad array of institutions such as public housing authorities, county governments, state governments, small businesses, for-profit entities (excluding small businesses), independent school districts, Native American tribal organizations and governments (both federally and non-federally recognized), as well as nonprofit and higher education institutions, both public and private. This inclusive eligibility ensures wide accessibility to organizations aiming to make an impact in STEM education.
The estimated application due date for the SEPA grant is July 7, 2026, with awards anticipated to be announced by April 1, 2027. Projects selected for funding are also expected to commence on April 1, 2027. No cost sharing or matching funds are required for this opportunity. Specific award amounts, including the total program funding, maximum, and minimum award levels, have not yet been disclosed.
Applicants or interested parties seeking more information or clarification can contact Jessica Faupel-Badger at the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. She can be reached by phone at 301-594-0000 or via email at badgerje@nih.gov.
