02 Apr Funding Alert! Grants for Undergraduate STEM Education
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Attention two-year institutions of higher education! NSF is now accepting proposals for its program, Advancing Innovation and Impact in Undergraduate STEM Education at Two-Year Institutions of Higher Education. This program aims to advance undergraduate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education through a variety of potential research-informed approaches, with the ultimate goal of building a more diverse STEM workforce. Proposed projects should build upon previous research in STEM education and result in field-tested outcomes and products. NSF accepts proposals for this program at any time; however, to be considered for funding in 2021, applicants must submit their proposals prior to May 28, 2021.
Who is eligible to apply?
There are no restrictions on the type of applicant entity that can apply for this program; however, the proposed work must focus on two-year institutions of higher education. NSF seeks projects with substantive public and private partnerships that work to advance STEM education.
What are the program details?
NSF encourages “bold, potentially transformative” projects that address STEM education challenges at two-year colleges, anticipate future functions of learning and teaching STEM disciplines, and/or approach inclusive and equitable STEM education practices at a systemic level. The agency is particularly interested in the following approaches:
- Improving student outcomes in foundational STEM courses;
- Broadening existing or creating new STEM curricula;
- Providing STEM students with experiential learning opportunities, such as research or internships;
- Increasing access to high-quality STEM education through new technologies;
- Re- or up-skilling incumbent workers for new STEM jobs;
- Building STEM career and seamless transfer pathways; and
- Developing novel mechanisms for talent identification and recruitment into STEM programs.
The agency does not state a minimum or maximum funding amount for this opportunity; rather, NSF simply notes that the proposal budget should be commensurate with the scope and scale of the project. Similarly, project periods may vary in length from short-term, exploratory work to longer-term, more comprehensive projects.
What makes a project a good fit?
NSF seeks projects with outcomes that include (but are not limited to) the following:
- Systemic improvements in STEM education;
- Promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and
- Mitigation of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on two-year colleges.
Furthermore, in addition to proposals focused on traditional STEM fields, NSF encourages submissions that encompass national priority STEM disciplines, such as quantum information science, artificial intelligence, robotics, process engineering, and cyber security.
What if I am ready to apply? To move your project forward, take the following action steps as soon as possible:
- Review the full program description for additional details, examples of previously funded proposals, and agency contacts for this opportunity.
- Mark your calendar to virtually attend an “office hours” Zoom meeting, when you can ask questions of the program directors on April 9 at 12pm ET or April 12 at 4pm ET.
- Check out the NSF funding page, where you can search for additional opportunities with the agency or browse their special programs.
- 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 2022 funding! Proposals for this program are accepted at any time throughout the year. 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 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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