Collaboratory to Advance Mathematics Education and Learning (CAMEL) for K-12

The Collaboratory to Advance Mathematics Education and Learning (CAMEL) for K-12 is a strategic initiative led by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) through its Directorate for Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences, with the Walton Family Foundation (WFF) as a philanthropic partner. This grant opportunity is structured to advance K-12 mathematics learning by fostering interdisciplinary research collaborations and leveraging emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and data science. The NSF, an independent federal agency focused on promoting the progress of science, supports CAMEL to bridge foundational scientific research and classroom practice. CAMEL operates through a two-phase structure. In Phase I, the program invites proposals to form CAMEL Collaborative Networks (CAMEL-CNs) composed of scientists, educators, and data scientists. The goal is to produce high-value, AI-ready datasets that address critical questions in K-12 mathematics learning and education. These datasets may be newly generated or result from innovative reuse of existing data. Each network is required to demonstrate interdisciplinary integration, a clear dataset development and sharing plan, and a commitment to collaborative, community-oriented research. All proposals for Phase I must be preceded by a mandatory Letter of Intent, due by January 9, 2026, with full proposals due by March 11, 2026. Phase II is accessible only to Phase I awardees and will establish a national "collaboratory" infrastructure, coordinated by a selected National Coordinator. This collaboratory will promote sustained collaboration among CAMEL-CNs and serve as a digital hub for data access, training, and research translation. The selected National Coordinator will oversee outcomes assessment, including the effectiveness and reach of the datasets, community-building efforts, and career development of participants involved in data science and education. NSF expects to make 6 to 7 awards for Phase I, with a total anticipated funding pool of up to $9 million for Fiscal Year 2026. Each award may be up to $1.5 million over three years. Voluntary cost-sharing is prohibited. Only institutions of higher education, non-profit organizations, and tribal nations are eligible to apply. Each PI or co-PI may only submit one proposal. WFF and its staff are prohibited from participating in any proposals, including in an unfunded capacity. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with the current NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Evaluation will be based on NSF’s standard merit review criteria: Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, with additional criteria relevant to interdisciplinary integration and dataset development. Applicants are required to submit a Collaboration and Management Plan describing how the research team will coordinate efforts across disciplines and sectors. The CAMEL initiative prioritizes research projects that can yield high-impact outcomes such as new technologies, improved student learning, workforce training, and development of data infrastructure. The initiative also emphasizes equitable access to research opportunities and the inclusion of diverse learners in data collection efforts. CAMEL’s long-term vision includes transforming mathematics education through scalable, evidence-based insights drawn from high-quality data, supported by a networked and collaborative research community.

Emphasize cross-sector collaboration, FAIR dataset design, and data utility for education impact.