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

Proposals accepted anytime

Approx. $6,000,000 total annually; up to 15 awards each year; projects up to 36 months

Supports innovative projects to broaden participation and develop pathways into geoscience fields through STEM learning ecosystems, targeting students from diverse backgrounds.

--- ## Description The Directorate for Geosciences (GEO) at the U.S. National Science Foundation invites proposals for projects that increase the number and diversity of students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in geoscience fields—including Earth, ocean, polar, atmospheric, and geospace sciences. The program emphasizes the creation and testing of new approaches that engage students in authentic, career-relevant geoscience experiences, especially those from historically excluded groups or non-geoscience degree programs. This opportunity features three funding tracks: - **Informal Networks (IN):** Supports geoscience learning and experiences in informal settings for teachers, pre-college (e.g., upper-level high school), and early undergraduate students. - **Undergraduate Preparation (UP):** Focuses on extra-curricular experiences and training for pre-college and undergraduate students, emphasizing service learning and workplace skill-building. - **Graduate Opportunities (GO):** Aims to improve research and career pathways into geosciences for undergraduate and graduate students, with a focus on institutional collaborations and workforce preparation. Projects are expected to utilize evidence-based strategies, build geoscience learning ecosystems, and contribute to broadening participation in the geosciences. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: **$6,000,000 per year** - Up to **15 awards annually** (approximately 5 per track) - Awards are typically up to **36 months** in duration --- ## Eligibility - **Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs):** Two- and four-year accredited institutions (including community colleges) in the U.S., acting on behalf of their faculty. - **Non-profit, non-academic organizations:** U.S.-based independent museums, observatories, research labs, professional societies, and similar organizations directly associated with educational or research activities. ### Additional Notes - International branch campuses of U.S. IHEs may be included if justified. - There are restrictions on the number of proposals per organization and per PI/co-PI within a 12-month period. - Participants directly supported by NSF funds must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or permanent residents. --- ## Application Process - **Submission:** Proposals can be submitted via [Research.gov](https://www.research.gov/) or [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/). - **No deadline:** Proposals are accepted on a rolling basis. - **Preparation:** Follow the [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) and the specific requirements of the solicitation. - **Required Documents:** Project description, research safety plan (if applicable), participant plan, sustainability plan, evaluation plan, and budget justification. - **Track Indication:** Proposal titles must indicate the relevant track (e.g., "GP-IN:", "GP-UP:", or "GP-GO:"). - **Review Criteria:** Intellectual merit, broader impacts, institutional commitment, connection to geoscience education research, workforce relevance, participant engagement, evaluation, and sustainability. --- ## Additional Information - **Cost sharing:** Not required or allowed. - **PI Meetings:** Budget should include funds for PI meetings (may be virtual or in-person). - **Reporting:** Annual and final reports required as per NSF standard procedures. - **Program priorities:** Strongly encourages projects that engage students from underrepresented groups in STEM and geosciences. --- ## External Links - [NSF Program Page](https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/geopaths-pathways-earth-ocean-polar-atmospheric-geospace-sciences/505169) - [NSF Publication 22-555 (Solicitation)](http://www.nsf.gov/publications/pub_summ.jsp?ods_key=nsf22555) - [Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/359359) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg/24-1) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Role | Email | Phone | |--------------------------|------------------------------|-----------------| | Program Contacts | [geopaths@nsf.gov](mailto:geopaths@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8500 | | Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | | Research.gov Help Desk | [rgov@nsf.gov](mailto:rgov@nsf.gov) | 1-800-673-6188 | | NSF Information Center | | (703) 292-5111 | For program-specific questions, use the geopaths@nsf.gov address. ---

Pathways into the Earth, Ocean, Polar and Atmospheric & Geospace Sciences

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