NSF STEM K-12

The National Science Foundation (NSF), an independent federal agency created by the National Science Foundation Act of 1950, funds research and education in most fields of science and engineering. The agency supports approximately one-fourth of federal funding to academic institutions for basic research and provides financial support through grants and cooperative agreements to colleges, universities, school systems, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and other research institutions across the United States. The Directorate for STEM Education within NSF oversees initiatives that strengthen learning and research in both formal and informal educational settings. The NSF STEM K-12 (STEM K-12) program represents a consolidation of several prior solicitations, including Advancing Informal STEM Learning, Computer Science for All, Discovery Research PreK-12, and Translation and Diffusion, into a single funding opportunity to streamline efforts in advancing STEM teaching and learning across the country. The STEM K-12 program supports fundamental, applied, and translational research that advances understanding of STEM education and improves learning outcomes in both school-based and informal settings. The program encourages projects that build theory, generate new knowledge, and inform practices that can adapt to rapidly evolving technological landscapes, including artificial intelligence and data science. Proposals may address learning and instruction in any STEM discipline, and projects can focus on topics such as curriculum and assessment development, design-based research, use of AI to enhance teaching and learning, and innovations that foster equitable access to STEM education. Investigators are encouraged to pursue multidisciplinary collaborations and consider translational processes that ensure research findings inform practice and benefit broader audiences. The scope of funded projects varies. Research and development proposals may request between $350,000 and $750,000 for a duration of two to three years, while conference proposals may request between $25,000 and $99,000 for up to two years. The total anticipated funding for the program is $30 million, with approximately 40 awards expected. Most projects will fall within the range of $25,000 to $750,000, depending on project type and scope. The program does not allow voluntary cost sharing, and indirect cost limitations do not apply. All proposals must adhere to the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide or the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide, depending on the submission platform. Eligibility for this program is broad. Eligible applicants include accredited U.S.-based two- and four-year institutions of higher education, including community colleges; nonprofit, non-academic organizations such as museums, observatories, and professional societies; U.S.-based for-profit organizations including small businesses; state and local governments; and federally recognized tribal nations. There are no restrictions on who may serve as a principal investigator, and there are no limits on the number of proposals submitted per organization or individual. Projects that involve international branch campuses of U.S. institutions must demonstrate why the proposed work cannot be completed at a U.S.-based campus. Proposals may be submitted through either Research.gov or Grants.gov and must include a project summary, project description with broader impacts, data management and sharing plan, list of project personnel, and mentoring plans when applicable. Supplementary documents such as letters of collaboration are permitted, but letters of support without substantive commitments are not allowed. Projects involving human subjects must comply with Institutional Review Board requirements. Reviewers evaluate proposals using NSF’s two merit review criteria: intellectual merit and broader impacts, with additional consideration of the project’s feasibility, potential societal benefits, and resources available to carry out the work. Applications are accepted at any time under this solicitation, meaning there is no fixed deadline. Proposals are processed on a rolling basis, and applicants are encouraged to submit early to allow time for review and potential revisions. Awards are made as either standard grants or continuing grants, depending on the scope of the project. Contact information for general inquiries is available through NSF program staff at STEMK12@nsf.gov or by phone at (703) 292-8620. For technical support, applicants may contact Research.gov or Grants.gov help desks. The NSF anticipates continued investment in the program to ensure that the U.S. remains a leader in STEM education and innovation, with projects supporting both immediate educational needs and long-term workforce development.