Workplace Equity for Persons with Disabilities in STEM and STEM Education
This grant provides funding to support research and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility for individuals with disabilities in STEM fields and education.
The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for STEM Education and the Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM, administers the Workplace Equity for Persons with Disabilities in STEM and STEM Education grant. This program is part of NSF’s strategic plan to empower the “Missing Millions” by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in STEM workplaces and education environments. It supports fundamental, applied, and translational research aimed at addressing systemic barriers and improving inclusivity for persons with disabilities in STEM-related fields. The program seeks proposals that align with one or more of three central themes: identifying and addressing barriers to DEIA for individuals with disabilities; applying intersectional identity frameworks to understand and improve DEIA outcomes; and conducting solution-oriented research to translate inclusive practices into STEM workplaces and educational settings. Eligible proposals must incorporate authentic leadership and collaboration from researchers and experts with disabilities, articulate a clear research design based on sound theoretical frameworks, and include robust plans for evaluation and dissemination of findings. Funding under this opportunity supports multiple types of projects. Research proposals may request up to $1,500,000 for up to five years, while Synthesis projects may request up to $600,000 over three years. Conference, EAGER (Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research), and RAPID (Rapid Response Research) proposals are also welcomed, with specific guidance provided in NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) are available to support special equipment and assistance under any award made by NSF. Eligibility is open to U.S.-based institutions of higher education, non-profit non-academic organizations, for-profit organizations including small businesses, state and local governments, and federally recognized tribal governments. There are no limits on the number of proposals per organization or principal investigator. Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with PAPPG guidelines. Key components of the proposal include a 15-page project narrative, detailed budget with justification, and required documents such as a data management plan and, if applicable, a postdoctoral mentoring plan. The application deadline is September 19 annually, aligning with the third Tuesday in September each year. Although the solicitation is archived, it indicates recurring annual opportunities with standard or continuing awards expected. Funding is estimated at $5,000,000 with an anticipated 10 to 20 awards annually. Applications are evaluated using NSF’s standard merit review criteria—Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts—along with solicitation-specific criteria that emphasize authentic disability inclusion and robust dissemination strategies. Primary contacts for the program are Christopher Atchison (catchiso@nsf.gov, 703-292-2154) and Ronda J. Jenson (rjenson@nsf.gov, 703-292-5028). Additional information and technical support for proposal submissions are available through Research.gov and Grants.gov. The program supports a critical national objective: increasing representation and improving workplace and educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities in STEM, thereby fostering a more inclusive and innovative workforce.
Award Range
$100,000 - $1,500,000
Total Program Funding
$5,000,000
Number of Awards
20
Matching Requirement
No
Eligible Applicants
Additional Requirements
Proposals may only be submitted by the following: Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of U.S. IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a U.S. institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus, and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the U.S. campus. Non-profit, non-academic organizations: Independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies and similar organizations located in the U.S. that are directly associated with educational or research activities. For-profit organizations: U.S.-based commercial organizations, including small businesses, with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a passion for innovation. State and Local Governments: State educational offices or organizations and local school districts. Tribal Governments: The governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a, et seq.)
Geographic Eligibility
All
Application Opens
May 20, 2023
Application Closes
September 16, 2025
Grantor
National Science Foundation (U.S. National Science Foundation)
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