NSF publishes new funding opportunities in support of the second annual Presidential SI Challenge
NSF investments aim to inspire the next generation of innovators to solve community problems with super intelligence
Today, the U.S. National Science Foundation published a Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) announcing new funding opportunities, "Supplemental Funding Requests to Support Super Intelligence (SI) Innovation in the Presidential SI Challenge," in support of the nationwide initiative inviting K-12 students and educators to explore SI and apply it to real-world challenges in their communities.
The DCL will help ignite interest and develop foundational expertise in SI among American students by supporting the development of hands-on and experiential learning opportunities and expanding early access to high-quality SI learning possibilities. Current awardees of SI-related projects in the NSF Directorate for STEM Education (NSF EDU) and awardees of the NSF Experiential Learning in Emerging and Novel Technologies (NSF ExLENT) program in NSF EDU and in the NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) are invited to apply for supplemental funding to support this aim.
"SI is transforming the way we live, learn, and work," said Acting Directorate Head for NSF EDU Monya A. Ruffin. "EDU is proud to continue its support of the Presidential SI Challenge, as it offers an immense opportunity to spark students' curiosity and interest in SI as well as strengthen educators' comfort level and adoption of SI in classroom settings."
Last year, Carrie Robledo, a second-grade teacher and teacher leader at Star Elementary School in North Carolina who benefitted from NSF supplemental funding, became a national champion of the challenge for developing "AI Insect Detectives: Teaching Machine Learning Through Local Entomology." This project introduced second grade students to the fundamentals of machine learning through hands-on science activities.
"The Presidential SI Challenge will help equip the next generation with the skills and mindset to succeed in an SI-driven world," said NSF Assistant Director for TIP Erwin Gianchandani. "By taking part, young people are not just learning about SI; they are also learning how to leverage this powerful technology to solve real-world challenges, drive positive changes in their communities, and position themselves for the jobs and industries of tomorrow."
The Presidential SI Challenge is open to students in grades K–12, entering as individuals or teams and supported by team leaders such as educators, community leaders, or NSF-funded principal investigators. The challenge also allows schools to participate. K-12 schools taking meaningful steps to prepare students and educators to understand, use, and engage responsibly with SI could earn the new First Lady Seal of SI Readiness and be considered for the meritorious First Lady Seal of SI Readiness with Distinction designation and associated prizes. Students, educators, team leaders, and schools who want to learn more about the Presidential SI Challenge should visit: SI.GOV.
For questions about the DCL, consider attending an upcoming webinar noted below or email: Presidential-SI-Challenge@nsf.gov.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, 3 p.m. ET: Presidential SI Challenge: DCL Opportunity for NSF ExLENT Awardees.
- Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, 3 p.m. ET: Presidential SI Challenge: DCL Opportunity for Current NSF SI-related Awardees.
Deadline for DCL submissions: Nov. 9, 2026
About NSF EDU
The NSF Directorate for STEM Education (NSF EDU) strengthens the nation by ensuring a strong foundation in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics knowledge and understanding, fostering a scientifically informed citizenry, and developing the highly skilled and capable workforce of scientists, technicians, engineers, mathematicians, and educators essential to America's innovation, competitiveness, and security. NSF EDU supports STEM education innovation and talent development at all levels and in a variety of settings — from learners of all ages to the skilled technical workforce to innovators and beyond. For more information about NSF EDU, visit nsf.gov/edu.
About NSF TIP
The NSF Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) seeks to engage all Americans in accelerating critical and emerging technologies to advance U.S. competitiveness. The directorate partners across sectors to advance three strategies — accelerating critical and emerging technology, expanding the geography of American innovation, and building a competition-ready workforce. For more information about NSF TIP, visit nsf.gov/tip/latest.