EDU Programs

The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for STEM Education (NSF EDU) works to develop a well-informed citizenry and a capable workforce of scientists, technicians, engineers, mathematicians and educators. NSF EDU's programs support STEM education at all educational levels and in a variety of settings.

This page lists funding opportunities for STEM education. You can also visit the Funding at NSF page to learn more about opportunities aimed at students and researchers based on career stage and information about preparing and submitting a proposal. Visit the Funding Search page to explore all NSF funding opportunities.

Proposals are evaluated through the merit review process outlined in the Proposal Award Policies and Procedures Guide.

Program

Advanced Technological Education (ATE)

Supports partnerships between two-year institutions of higher education, other academic institutions, industry and other entities to improve the education of technicians in science and engineering.

Posted June 21, 2024

Program

Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST)

CREST Center awards provide support to enhance the research capabilities of Minority-serving institutions (MSIs) through the establishment of centers that effectively integrate education and research. CREST Center awards promote the development of new…

Posted May 24, 2023

Program

EDU Core Research (ECR:Core)

Supports research on STEM education in one or more of three research areas: STEM learning and learning environments, broadening participation in STEM, and STEM workforce development.

Posted May 26, 2021

Program

Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT)

Supports hands-on learning opportunities for learners from nontraditional backgrounds, equipping them with skills for emerging technology fields and fostering workforce development through cross-sector partnerships.

Posted November 18, 2024

Program

Historically Black Colleges and Universities - Undergraduate Program (HBCU-UP)

Strengthens STEM undergraduate education and research at Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Posted February 27, 2023

Program

Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education (IUSE: EDU)

Next Required Due Date: January 20, 2027

Supports projects to improve STEM teaching and learning for undergraduate students, including studying what works and for whom and how to transform institutions to adopt successful practices in STEM education.

Posted October 19, 2022

Program

Innovations in Graduate Education Program

Supports research on innovative approaches to improve STEM graduate education and the effectiveness of interventions and policies.

Posted January 22, 2024

Program

Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)

Supports applied research and development focused on increasing preK-12 students' interest in careers in information and communication technology and STEM through technology-based learning experiences.

Posted April 12, 2022

Program

IUSE/Professional Formation of Engineers: Revolutionizing Engineering Departments (IUSE/PFE: RED)

Next Required Due Date: April 13, 2027

Supports fundamental changes to the training of undergraduate engineering students that equip them with the technical and professional skills needed to solve complex societal problems.

Posted April 4, 2024

Program

IUSE: Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education (ITYC)

Next Required Due Date: December 9, 2026

Invests in projects at two-year colleges that contribute to student success in STEM-based foundational courses and academic pathways for both majors and non-majors.

Posted May 5, 2023

Program

NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship Program (EGFP)

Supports institutions in EPSCoR jurisdictions by providing funding for graduate fellowships for new or continuing students who received the distinction of NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) Honorable Mention within the last three years.

Posted July 3, 2024

Program

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP)

Next Required Due Date: October 19, 2026

Supports outstanding graduate students in NSF-supported science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines who are pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees at accredited, nonprofit U.S. institutions of higher education.

Posted August 25, 2026

Program

NSF Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Program (S-STEM)

Next Required Due Date: March 2, 2027

Supports institutions of higher education to fund scholarships for academically talented low-income STEM majors and to study and implement a program of activities that support their recruitment, retention and graduation.

Posted December 2, 2024

Program

Research on Innovative Technologies for Enhanced Learning (RITEL)

Supports early-stage research in emerging technologies such as AI, robotics and immersive or augmenting technologies for teaching and learning that respond to pressing needs in real-world educational environments.

Posted September 26, 2023

Program

Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program

Supports talented science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) undergraduate majors and professionals to become effective K-12 STEM teachers.

Posted May 8, 2023

Program

Security, Privacy, and Trust in Cyberspace (SaTC 2.0)

Next Required Due Date: January 25, 2027

Supports interdisciplinary research and education to develop a secure, resilient and trustworthy global cyber ecosystem by addressing vulnerabilities, improving trust in cyber systems and cultivating a well-trained cybersecurity workforce.

Posted December 5, 2024

Program

U.S. National Science Foundation Research Traineeship Program

Supports interdisciplinary, evidence-based traineeships that advance ways for graduate students in research-based master's and doctoral degree programs to pursue a range of STEM careers.

Posted August 16, 2024

More funding opportunities for the EDU community

Dear colleague letters

Dear colleague letters (DCLs) announce certain funding opportunities and provide guidance related to existing opportunities. The following list includes some that may be of interest to the EDU community. 