Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for STEM Education, administers the Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE: EDU) program to enhance the quality and effectiveness of STEM learning in higher education. This core program supports the development, implementation, and research of strategies that promote evidence-based and innovative approaches to STEM teaching and learning. The IUSE: EDU initiative reflects the NSF's commitment to preparing a robust STEM workforce and fostering a scientifically literate public by investing in institutional improvements, pedagogical innovation, and faculty development. The IUSE: EDU program is divided into two major tracks: Engaged Student Learning (ESL) and Institutional and Community Transformation (ICT). Each track is further segmented into levels reflecting the project's scope and funding: ESL Levels 1, 2, and 3, and ICT Capacity-Building, Levels 1 and 2. Projects may focus on early-stage exploratory studies, adaptation of existing evidence-based practices, or large-scale interventions. The program funds a wide range of initiatives including curricular innovations, professional development for faculty, studies on teaching effectiveness, and systemic reforms at departmental or institutional levels. Replication studies to test existing interventions in new settings or with different populations are also encouraged. Eligible applicants include all categories of U.S.-based institutions of higher education and associated organizations. Proposals are welcome from faculty members across disciplines, institutional administrators, and educational researchers. There is no cost-sharing requirement for this grant. Awards are made as standard or continuing grants, with estimated funding of approximately $61 million annually. The anticipated number of new awards per fiscal year is around 135, with project budgets ranging up to $2 million depending on the level. ESL Level 1 and ICT Capacity-Building awards are capped at $400,000 for three years, while higher-level projects may request more, up to $2 million over five years. Application submission is managed through either Research.gov or Grants.gov, adhering to the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). Letters of Intent and preliminary proposals are not required, but a supplementary document listing project participants is mandatory. Proposals must include a project data form, evaluation plan, dissemination strategy, and, if applicable, a research plan with relevant questions and methods. All materials must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. local time on the posted deadlines. Proposals are reviewed using the NSF’s merit review criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts. Projects are expected to be well-grounded in prior research or demonstrated practice, include clear goals and mechanisms for evaluating success, and contribute knowledge that can be transferred to other institutions or contexts. Dissemination of results and sustainability planning are required elements. The program especially encourages efforts that broaden participation in STEM, address diversity and inclusion, and form collaborations between institutions, community organizations, or industry. The program has two major deadlines each year: the third Wednesday of January and the third Wednesday of July. ESL Level 1 and ICT Capacity-Building proposals must be submitted in January, while ESL Level 2/3 and ICT Level 2 proposals are due in July. Notification of awards generally follows within six months. Annual and final project reports are required for multi-year grants. Applicants are also required to license educational materials under Creative Commons and release software under open-source licenses. For questions, applicants may contact the program via [email protected] or by calling (703) 292-8670.

Highlight strong evaluation methods and broaden participation strategies to align with NSF priorities.