The U.S. National Science Foundation is accepting proposals under NSF 25-545, NSF STEM K-12, a national research program supporting fundamental, applied, and translational research that advances STEM teaching and learning across formal and informal settings.
Deadline
Proposals are accepted anytime. Full proposals are due by 5:00 PM in the submitting organization’s local time on the chosen submission date.
Funding
NSF anticipates approximately $30 million in program funding and approximately 40 awards. Most awards are anticipated to range from $25,000 to $750,000, with a typical duration of one to three years. Voluntary committed cost sharing is prohibited.
Program Scope
The program supports research that advances understanding and practice in STEM teaching and learning, including formal pre-K through grade 12 education and informal learning environments. The solicitation also invites research on how artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies can be used to study and enhance STEM teaching and learning. Projects should be framed as responsive education research rather than ordinary equipment deployment, product sales, or routine program operations.
Eligibility
Under the current NSF 25-545 solicitation, proposals may be submitted by accredited U.S. two-year and four-year institutions of higher education, including community colleges; eligible U.S. nonprofit non-academic organizations directly associated with educational or research activities; U.S.-based for-profit organizations, including small businesses, with strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a commitment to innovation; state and local governments; and federally recognized Tribal Nations. There are no restrictions or limits on who may serve as PI, no organizational proposal limit, and no PI or co-PI proposal limit.
Submission
Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required. Full proposals may be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov and must follow NSF 25-545 and the applicable NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide.
Atlas Fit and Applicant Path
This is a high-value national school and STEM education research opportunity. Dr. Miltie has structural organizational eligibility only through the for-profit applicant class, but a direct application should advance only if current scientific or engineering research or education capability, a genuinely responsive STEM education research project, qualified personnel, and all required federal registrations and proposal elements are independently substantiated. Otherwise, route through eligible academic, nonprofit, governmental, or Tribal partners. No ordinary product-sales or equipment-deployment proposal should be treated as responsive.