Pathways into the Earth, Ocean, Polar and Atmospheric Geospace Sciences

The National Science Foundation's Pathways into the Earth, Ocean, Polar, and Atmospheric & Geospace Sciences (GEOPAths) program supports innovative projects to build and sustain pathways for diverse students to pursue geoscience education and careers. The program emphasizes engaging historically excluded groups, improving retention and recruitment strategies, and creating inclusive, career-relevant geoscience experiences. It seeks to establish Geoscience Learning Ecosystems (GLEs) that connect academic institutions, non-profits, and other organizations to provide authentic learning experiences that integrate geoscience research and societal applications. GEOPAths offers three funding tracks: Informal Networks (IN), Undergraduate Preparation (UP), and Graduate Opportunities (GO). Each track supports distinct objectives, such as informal geoscience education for pre-college students and teachers (IN), extracurricular training for undergraduate students (UP), and institutional collaborations to prepare students for research and geoscience careers (GO). Competitive proposals must demonstrate effective strategies for engagement, evidence-based design, and measurable outcomes. The NSF encourages the participation of underrepresented groups, including students from minority-serving institutions, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. The program expects to make up to 15 awards annually, with a total funding ceiling of $6 million per year. Awards will last up to 36 months, with funding distributed across the three tracks. Eligibility is limited to U.S.-based two- and four-year institutions, non-profits, and other organizations engaged in educational or research activities. Proposals must adhere to specific eligibility rules, including restrictions on certain high-research activity institutions as lead applicants for the Undergraduate Preparation track. Applications must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, with full proposals due by February 23, 2024, and on the fourth Friday in February in subsequent years. Required documentation includes project narratives, budgets, a plan for safe and inclusive environments for off-campus research, participant recruitment and mentoring plans, sustainability plans, and evaluation plans. Proposals must align with NSF guidelines and provide clear goals, methodologies, and plans for assessing success. Proposals will be reviewed based on intellectual merit, broader societal impacts, connection to geoscience careers, institutional commitment, and inclusion strategies. Projects are also evaluated for their plans to sustain activities and collaborations beyond the grant period. Grantees must submit annual and final project reports to NSF and participate in program evaluations, including Principal Investigator meetings. Further information, including specific track requirements and proposal guidelines, is available through NSF's website. Applicants are encouraged to contact program officers with questions and review relevant resources such as the NSF Proposal & Award Policies and Procedures Guide.