Discovery Research PreK-12

The Discovery Research PreK-12 (DRK-12) program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF), specifically through its Directorate for STEM Education. NSF is an independent federal agency established in 1950 to promote the progress of science and advance national health, prosperity, and welfare. The DRK-12 program focuses on advancing STEM education for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 by supporting innovative research, development, and applied studies that inform both theory and practice in STEM teaching and learning. The purpose of DRK-12 is to build knowledge about how to improve both student and teacher understanding of STEM content, practices, and skills. The program supports projects that foster collaborative partnerships among researchers, educators, and school leaders, and that produce evidence-based products such as curricula, tools, and models of collaboration. Two main strands of proposals are supported: Teaching and Learning. Proposals must identify the strand most relevant to their objectives, though the program recognizes that the strands often overlap. Research project types under each strand include exploratory studies, design and development, impact studies, implementation and improvement, measurement and assessment, and synthesis. Other supported project types include partnership development and workshops or conferences. In terms of funding scope, NSF anticipates awarding approximately $50 million in fiscal year 2024, with an estimated 50 to 60 awards expected. Funding levels vary depending on project type and scale. Level I projects may request up to $450,000 for three years, Level II up to $3 million for four years, and Level III up to $5 million for five years. Partnership Development projects are capped at $100,000 for one year, while synthesis proposals can request up to $600,000 over three years. Workshops or conferences are eligible for up to $200,000 for one year. Proposals must include clear justification for budget requests, and teacher participants should receive fair remuneration where relevant. The program does not allow voluntary cost-sharing. Eligibility is broad, reflecting NSF’s mandate to broaden participation in science and engineering. Eligible applicants include accredited institutions of higher education, nonprofits, school districts, independent school systems, and other organizations engaged in formal preK-12 STEM education. Unaffiliated individuals are not eligible to apply. There are no restrictions on the number of proposals an individual or organization may submit, and no limits on who may serve as principal investigator. Applications must be submitted electronically through either Research.gov or Grants.gov and must follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG). No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required. Proposals must include sections such as a project summary, a project description limited to 15 pages (8 pages for Partnership Development proposals), references cited, budgets and justifications, facilities and resources, biographical sketches, and supplementary documentation such as data management and mentoring plans. Mechanisms for external review and dissemination are required, and communication plans should include strategies for engaging a variety of audiences beyond traditional academic dissemination. The deadline for submission in 2023 is November 8, 2023. Beginning in 2024 and annually thereafter, proposals are due on the second Wednesday in November. This recurring cycle means the next expected deadline after November 2023 is November 13, 2024. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. local time of the submitting organization. Awards are issued as either standard or continuing grants. Standard NSF award conditions apply, and recipients are subject to annual and final reporting requirements through NSF’s Research.gov portal. Applicants and institutions can seek further guidance from program officers via email at DRLDRK12@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-8620. General inquiries about NSF programs can be directed to the NSF Information Center at (703) 292-5111. Additional resources, such as the Community for Advancing Discovery Research in Education (CADRE) and the Evidence Quality and Reach Hub, provide technical assistance and networking opportunities for current and prospective grantees.