Education and Workforce Development Seed Funding
Education and Workforce Development Seed Funding supports Iowa science and curriculum teams in creating high school materials that connect biomanufacturing research to education and career pathways.
Funder: Iowa NSF EPSCoR
Due Dates: Rolling until funding is awarded (Round 3 proposals) | July 31, 2027 (Project completion) | August 27, 2027 (Final report)
Funding Amounts: Up to $50,000 per project; all work must finish by July 31, 2027
Summary: Supports classroom-ready high school curricula using Iowa biomanufacturing research to build awareness and career connections.
Key Information: Teams must include Iowa biomanufacturing scientists and curriculum development specialists, with an eligible institutional lead.
Description
The Iowa NSF EPSCoR Chemurgy 2.0 Education and Workforce Development Seed Program supports pilot education and outreach initiatives that build interest and persistence in biomanufacturing education and careers. Round 3 focuses on curriculum supplements for grades 9–12, addressing gaps in awareness of biomanufacturing, training opportunities, and career pathways in Iowa.
Projects must translate examples and data from Iowa scientists into classroom-ready materials aligned with Iowa Science standards. The program draws on Social Cognitive Career Theory research to strengthen and diversify participation, especially among rural populations. Priority goes to projects connecting students directly with Chemurgy 2.0 science and biomanufacturing careers. Its technical focus areas are plastics for additive manufacturing, fibers for flexible and rigid materials, and proteins for diagnostics and therapeutics.
