Higher Education Program
The Sloan Foundation’s Higher Education Program funds collaborative projects to remove systemic barriers and advance diversity and inclusion in STEM graduate education across a range of scientific fields.
Funder: Sloan Foundation
Due Dates: June 1, 2026: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) submission deadline
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000 per award; project durations typically up to 3 years
Summary: Supports institutional partnerships and initiatives to expand fair access and opportunity in STEM graduate education, focusing on removing systemic barriers and increasing diversity.
Key Information: LOIs are required; only U.S. higher education institutions and organizations are eligible as primary applicants.
Description
The Sloan Foundation’s Higher Education Program aims to expand fair access and opportunity in STEM higher education by supporting projects that address systemic barriers to STEM graduate education. The program is especially interested in initiatives that foster partnerships between undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly those serving high numbers of Pell Grant recipients, and efforts that promote diversity and inclusion in the STEM professoriate. Funding is available for projects in fields such as astronomy, biology, computer science, chemistry, data science, earth sciences, economics, engineering, marine science, mathematics, physics, and statistics. The program supports both new and established collaborations that demonstrate a strong institutional commitment to removing significant barriers and advancing inclusive, evidence-informed practices.
