25 Jun Funding Alert! Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program Grants

National Science Foundation

Attention institutions of higher education! The National Science Foundation (NSF) is now accepting proposals to its Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program (Noyce). Noyce provides funding to recruit, prepare, and retain elementary and secondary teachers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as to research the retention and effectiveness of such teachers in school districts with high needs. Proposals for this program are due August 31, 2021.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligible applicants are two- and four-year institutions of higher education (IHEs), including community colleges, accredited in and having a campus located in the United States. Also eligible are nonprofit organizations such as research institutions or research museums that offer a teacher education or residency program. Professional societies or similar organizations that work directly with educational or research activities may be eligible for Track 4 proposals (see below).

In addition, Tracks 1-3 (described below) require partnerships with at least one high-need local education agency (LEA) and a public school, one nonprofit organization that will provide expertise or support, and one institution of higher education that offers a program of study in a STEM discipline.

What are the program details?

Noyce applicants may pursue one of four types of projects:

• Track 1: Teacher Scholarships and Stipends (S&S) – awards of up to $1.2 million for a maximum five-year project period, intended to recruit and prepare STEM teachers for high-need LEAs. Funding supports scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing eligible majors or stipends for STEM professionals who will become K-12 teachers.
• Track 2: NSF Teaching Fellowships – awards of up to $3 million for a maximum six-year project period, intended to support IHEs in developing and implementing high-quality, evidence-based STEM education programs for STEM professionals. Funding supports fellowships and salary supplements for Teaching Fellows (TFs) completing a master’s degree program and then becoming a K-12 STEM teacher.
• Track 3: NSF Master Teaching Fellowships – awards of up to $3 million for a maximum six-year project period. Like Track 2, this track supports the development of evidence-based, exemplary STEM education programs and awarding fellowships and salary supplements to eligible teachers. However, the focus for Track 3 is Master Teaching Fellows (MTFs), defined as K-12 STEM teachers who have already received teacher certification or licensure, possess a master’s or bachelor’s degree in education or a STEM discipline, and participate in a program for developing teacher leaders.
• Track 4: Noyce Research – awards of up to $1 million for a maximum five-year project period, intended to support exploratory studies and scholarly research projects that address the effectiveness and retention of STEM teachers in high-need LEAs.
• Capacity Building Awards – awards of up to $75,000 for a one-year project period. These awards allow IHEs to gather data (such as through focus groups and surveys), develop partnerships, build infrastructure, and/or complete other activities in anticipation of a future Noyce program proposal in Tracks 1-4.

The contains a complete list of allowable activities and track requirements on pages 4-10.

Proposals to Tracks 2 and 3 requesting less than $1.5 million must provide cost sharing of at least 30% of the total budget amount, and those requesting $1.5 million or more must provide cost sharing of at least 50% of the total budget amount. Tracks 1 and 4 and capacity-building projects do not require cost sharing. The funder expects to award 55-70 total grants across all tracks.

What makes a project a good fit?

The Noyce program seeks projects that implement and improve upon evidence-based practices and contribute to broader institutional advancement in STEM education. The funder also aims to support projects that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education through the recruitment, preparation, and retention of STEM teachers from diverse talent pools, including those identifying as Black, African American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Hispanic, Native Hawaiian, and/or Native Pacific Islander, as well as persons with disabilities. 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:

• Review the full program solicitation for additional details, requirements, and allowable project activities for each program track.
• View NSF’s Noyce program page for examples of previously funded proposals, archived informational webinars, FAQs, a map of previous Noyce awards, and more 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://sam.gov/content/status-tracker

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 next 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 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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