NSF STEM K-12
This grant funds research to improve and understand STEM education for all ages in both formal and informal learning environments.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Proposals accepted anytime
Funding Amounts: Total program funding up to $30,000,000 annually; typical awards range from $25,000–$750,000 for 1–3 years; conference proposals: $25,000–$99,000
Summary: Supports fundamental, applied, and translational research to advance STEM teaching and learning in formal and informal settings across the human lifespan.
Key Information: No cost sharing required; open to a wide range of U.S.-based organizations, including higher ed, nonprofits, governments, and industry.
Description
The NSF STEM K-12 program, administered by the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL) within the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU), funds research that advances knowledge and practice in STEM education. The program encourages innovative, multidisciplinary, and potentially transformative projects that address STEM teaching and learning across all ages and settings—formal (pre-K to 12 schools) and informal (museums, after-school programs, etc.).
The program supports projects ranging from fundamental research to translational efforts that move research findings into educational practice. Focus areas include, but are not limited to:
- Theoretical and empirical studies of STEM learning and teaching
- Design and development of new curricula, assessments, professional development, and educational technologies
- Research on learning processes, including cognitive, motivational, and social aspects
- Integration of emerging technologies (e.g., AI) in STEM education
- Collaboration across disciplines, sectors, and stakeholder groups
This opportunity replaces several previous NSF STEM education programs (AISL, CSforAll, DRK-12, TD) and is the primary NSF mechanism for research in K-12 and informal STEM education.
