21 May Funding Alert! Grants for Improving Undergraduate STEM Education

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Attention educators, researchers, institutions of higher education, and associated organizations! NSF is now accepting proposals to its Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Education & Human Resources (IUSE: EHR) Program. As part of NSF’s broader IUSE education initiative, this program promotes better understanding of novel, creative, and transformative approaches to fully engaging all undergraduate students in STEM education. IUSE: EHR accomplishes this through engaged student learning (development, testing, and the use of innovative teaching/curricular practices) and institutional and community transformation (implementing and sustaining effective STEM education). Proposals to this program are due July 21, 2021.

Who is eligible to apply?

Applicant eligibility is unrestricted for this program; however, NSF especially encourages applicant organizations to work with women, minorities, and persons with disabilities for participation in the development and implementation of IUSE: EHR programs. Note that an individual may only serve as Principal Investigator (PI) or co-PI on a maximum of three IUSE: EHR programs per year.

What are the program details?

IUSE: EHR applicants should support the development of exemplary undergraduate STEM education and add to the body of knowledge surrounding undergraduate STEM learning and teaching by focusing on any level, including student, faculty, institution, or community. Potential topics of interest could include (but are not limited to) developing and disseminating instruments to measure student outcomes, increasing the diversity of the STEM education workforce, adopting evidence-based practices in STEM instruction, or providing faculty professional development in evidence-based practices. Applicants may pursue one of two tracks:

• Track 1: Engaged Student Learning – design, development, and research projects that involve the creation or implementation of tools or resources that increase student engagement and learning in STEM. This track offers three levels of funding based on the scale and scope of the project and project team, with maximum award amounts of $300,000 (Level 1), $600,000 (Level 2), or $2 million (Level 3) for 3- to 5-year project periods.
• Track 2: Institutional and Community Transformation – innovative projects that apply evidence-based practices to STEM education improvement, with the intent to realize systems change at the departmental, institutional, multi-institutional, or community level. Track 2 offers three levels of funding, including a capacity-building level that allows institutions to work with stakeholders and potential partners to identify a project of interest. This track has maximum award amounts of $150,000 (capacity-building), $300,000 (Level 1), and $3 million (Level 2) for 3- to 5-year project periods.

For more detail on each of these tracks and the funding levels within them, see the full program solicitation, pages 5-7. NSF expects to make a total of 105 awards across all project levels, for an anticipated total funding amount of $63,000,000.

What makes a project a good fit?

The IUSE: EHR program seeks projects that implement and improve upon evidence-based practices and contribute to broader institutional advancement in STEM. The funder also aims to support projects that promote diversity among STEM students and instructors. In addition, NSF evaluates all proposals using two National Science Board-approved merit review criteria:

• Intellectual merit: the potential to advance knowledge; and
• Broader impacts: the potential to benefit society and support the achievement of specific societal outcomes.

Applicants should fully address both criteria in their proposals.

What if I am ready to apply? To move your project forward, take the following action steps as soon as possible:

• Read the full program solicitation for additional details and allowable project activities.
• Review the list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding IUSE: EHR.
• Visit the IUSE website for access to previous program webinars, examples of previously funded projects, proposal preparation toolkits, and other resources.
• Make sure your System for Award Management (SAM) registration is active and be sure you have agov profile. You can check your SAM status here: https://www.sam.gov/SAM/pages/public/searchRecords/search.jsf.

What if I need help with this application?

Contact Assel Grant Services (AGS) today! Our team can help with all aspects of preparing the application and managing the grant if you are awarded. If you would like to discuss this possibility, please contact AGS as soon as possible. Rosie Brennan, Community Engagement Specialist, will be happy to talk with you about this opportunity and provide you a quote for grant services.

What if I am not ready to apply this year?

Start preparing for the next deadline, which is January 19, 2022. NSF also has a variety of other programs and funding opportunities available that might be a good fit. The office’s website has ample resources, webinars, and descriptions of available or upcoming opportunities.

How do I learn more about federal grant opportunities?

AGS is excited to offer a new Federal Grants Training Series coming in 2021! The series is designed to support nonprofit professionals before and during their first federal grant. AGS also offers several on demand webinars on a variety of topics to support the full grant cycle. Check out our website to learn more and sign up for our training newsletter.

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