Education and Broadening Participation in Earth Sciences

The Education and Broadening Participation in Earth Sciences (EAR EBP) Program, managed by the Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) within the National Science Foundation (NSF), aims to expand access and participation in Earth science-related research and professional development. NSF, an independent federal agency, funds research and education in science and engineering, providing critical support to advance scientific knowledge and innovation in the United States. EAR EBP reflects NSF’s commitment to fostering inclusive participation in geosciences by engaging students, educators, and early-career scientists through structured funding opportunities. The EAR EBP Program encompasses multiple tracks that support broad engagement across educational and career stages. One key component is the Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Teachers (REU/RET), which provides funding to academic institutions to host summer research internships. These internships allow undergraduate students and schoolteachers to engage in active Earth sciences research, building foundational knowledge and promoting long-term interest in geoscience careers. Another core element is the EAR Postdoctoral Fellowship program, which offers two-year support to recent Ph.D. graduates for independent research and professional development in Earth sciences, aiming to establish the next generation of research leaders. Additionally, the program supports early-career faculty through co-funding of Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) awards. These awards are intended for pre-tenure faculty members who integrate high-quality research with strong educational programming and focus on broadening participation in geosciences. This strategic integration supports long-term capacity building in academic institutions and increases diversity in Earth sciences disciplines. EAR EBP also allows for unsolicited or “ad hoc” proposals. These proposals aim to encourage innovative approaches to recruitment and retention of underrepresented individuals in Earth sciences. However, submission of such proposals requires prior submission of a concept outline to a cognizant program officer. This preliminary step ensures program alignment and appropriateness of the proposed effort. Proposers are expected to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG), which governs all submissions. While the program status is currently archived, it historically maintained a strong focus on inclusivity, professional development, and the cultivation of a robust and diverse Earth sciences workforce. Contact information for inquiries includes Program Officer Aisha R. Morris, who can be reached via email at [email protected] or phone at (703) 292-7081. Proposals were evaluated in accordance with standard NSF merit review criteria, with emphasis on intellectual merit and broader impacts, including broadening participation. Applicants were required to submit proposals via NSF's official systems in accordance with deadlines specified in relevant solicitations. Although no recurring deadline was stated explicitly, past programs of this nature often followed annual or biennial cycles. The performance period for grants varies based on the specific program track, with postdoctoral fellowships explicitly described as two years. Additional guidance and updates were available through the NSF website, including updates on policies, proposal requirements, and system availability.