U.S. National Science Foundation and Micron Foundation invest nearly $38M to provide American workers with opportunities to develop skills in AI, biotechnology and other STEM priority areas
These newest NSF awardees will create opportunities for all Americans to pursue experiential learning, gaining skills to participate in the critical and emerging technologies workforce
The U.S. National Science Foundation directorates for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) and STEM Education (NSF EDU), together with the Micron Foundation, announced an investment during the 2025 funding cycle of nearly $38 million to 46 educator-led teams to create hands-on learning opportunities for all Americans through the NSF Experiential Learning in Emerging and Novel Technologies (NSF ExLENT) program. Awardees will provide on-site experiential experiences and internship options for individuals interested in gaining experience in technology areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum and advanced manufacturing.
Through this initiative, NSF ExLENT awardees will connect cross-sector partners in critical and emerging technologies with nonprofit and educational entities, creating opportunities for students and workers to receive training and develop the skills they need to succeed in technology jobs, thereby growing the American workforce. Each awardee will receive up to $1 million for up to three years. These latest awards also include funding for projects that will engage K-12 students in learning about and developing AI skills.
"NSF is prioritizing American competitiveness in critical and emerging technologies through programs like NSF ExLENT that expand crucial opportunities for American students and workers everywhere to learn important skills and contribute to the American economy," said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for NSF TIP. "These workers will be prepared to contribute solutions to our nation's most pressing challenges and bolster U.S. capacity to accelerate innovation in these fields."
The NSF ExLENT program offers pathways for people with varying levels of experience in and exposure to science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In July 2024, NSF awarded nearly 40 U.S. nonprofits and institutions of higher education with awards across three tracks. In September 2023, NSF announced ExLENT program awards to 27 awardees in two tracks. With this announcement, total NSF investment in the ExLENT program nears $87 million.
"ExLENT exemplifies NSF's unwavering commitment to creating hands-on learning experiences and pathways that prepare Americans for the STEM workforce of tomorrow," said James L. Moore III, assistant director for NSF EDU. "We are aiming to connect learners at all levels with real-world experiences in critical emerging technologies, while building a robust, skilled workforce that will drive American innovation and ensure that every person has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from our nation's technological advancements."
The ExLENT program is already demonstrating success. Previous awardees have provided thousands of hours of paid classroom-based learning opportunities and paid work-based internships to American workers, including veterans, with participants succeeding in earning industry-approved certifications and securing well-paying, high-skill jobs across the nation.
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 primary focus areas — accelerating technology translation and development, fostering regional innovation and economic growth, and preparing the American workforce for better-quality, higher-wage jobs. For more information about NSF TIP, visit nsf.gov/tip/latest.
About NSF EDU
The NSF 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 programs support STEM education at all educational levels and in a variety of settings. For more information about EDU, visit nsf.gov/edu.