[U.S. National Science Foundation](https://www.nsf.gov/)

August 14, 2025 | Second Thursday in August, annually thereafter

Up to $3,000,000 per award (max 5 years); estimated total program funding $15,000,000; 1–5 awards expected.

Supports multi-institutional research hubs to advance knowledge, practices, and infrastructure for increasing success of low-income STEM students in the U.S.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity from the National Science Foundation (NSF) aims to establish a national network of S-STEM Research Hubs. These Hubs will collaborate to generate and share new knowledge, best practices, and effective strategies that support the academic and career success of domestic low-income students in STEM fields. The program is designed to build a robust, multi-sector ecosystem that addresses barriers faced by these students and fosters inclusion, adaptability, and access across higher education institutions and related organizations. Each Research Hub must organize groups of researchers to conduct and disseminate rigorous research on factors, structures, or interventions that support low-income undergraduate and graduate STEM students. Activities should include data collection and analysis, dissemination of effective practices, and mechanisms for broad stakeholder engagement. Proposals should demonstrate the necessity for a collaborative, inter-institutional approach and justify why a large-scale hub is required. --- ## Due Dates - Next deadline: August 14, 2025 - Recurring: Second Thursday in August, annually thereafter --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum award: $3,000,000 per S-STEM Research Hub (up to 5 years) - Estimated total program funding: $15,000,000 - Expected number of awards: 1–5 --- ## Eligibility - **Eligible applicants:** - U.S. non-profit, non-academic organizations directly associated with educational or research activities (e.g., independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies) - U.S. accredited two- and four-year Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs), including community colleges, acting on behalf of their faculty members - **Special instructions for international branch campuses:** Proposals involving international branches must justify project activities at those locations. - **PI/Co-PI limits:** An individual may serve as PI or Co-PI on only one proposal. - **Organizational limit:** Each organization may submit only one S-STEM-Hub proposal (as lead, subawardee, or collaborative member). --- ## Application Process - **Submission portals:** [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/) - **Letters of Intent:** Not required - **Preliminary proposals:** Not required - **Full proposals:** Must follow the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide ([PAPPG](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=pappg)) and the [NSF Grants.gov Application Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=grantsgovguide). - **Budget requirements:** Proposals must include funding for an external evaluator and travel for the leadership team to attend S-STEM PI meetings every other year. --- ## Additional Information - **Program focus:** Research Hubs must focus on supporting low-income domestic STEM students; proposals centered on other STEM topics (e.g., curriculum development) are not eligible. - **Required activities:** Research, data analysis, dissemination, stakeholder engagement, and external evaluation. - **Cost sharing:** Not required or permitted. - **Reporting:** Annual and final project reports required through Research.gov. - **Special award conditions:** Participation in S-STEM PI meetings and reverse site visits is required. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Solicitation 23-536 (Full details)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf23536) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/345091) - [Program Solicitation Overview](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/s-stem-net-scholarships-stem-network/nsf23-536/solicitation) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Purpose | Contact | |--------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | General program inquiries | [s-stem@nsf.gov](mailto:s-stem@nsf.gov) | | Technical support (Research.gov) | 1-800-673-6188, [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) | | Grants.gov support | 1-800-518-4726, [support@grants.gov](mailto:support@grants.gov) | | NSF grants.gov support (announcement access issues) | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | ---

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