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

Proposals accepted anytime

No specified ceiling or floor; award size varies by project scope and budget justification.

Supports research and education projects that improve and expand the engineering workforce through formal and informal training, professional development, and workforce pathways.

--- ## Description The Professional Formation of Engineers (PFE) initiative, offered by the U.S. National Science Foundation, supports projects that integrate engineering research and education to enhance and broaden the nation’s engineering workforce. PFE encompasses the formal and informal processes and value systems by which individuals become engineers, aiming to foster an ethical, adaptable, and globally competitive engineering workforce. The program funds research and education initiatives across a wide range of contexts, including: - Formal classrooms, informal maker spaces, clubs, co-curricular activities, and workplaces - Cooperative education, internships, community-based experiences, and research labs - Mentor/mentee relationships, large-scale online learning, and professional development activities Projects may address pathways to and through the engineering profession, such as education, apprenticeships, credentialing, licensure, and transitions between academia and industry. Proposals should demonstrate expertise in both engineering and social sciences to understand and improve the system of professional formation. --- ## Due Dates - Proposals accepted anytime --- ## Funding Amount - No minimum or maximum award amount is specified. - Award size and duration are determined based on project scope and budget justification. - There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. --- ## Eligibility - Eligibility is unrestricted: open to all types of applicants, including but not limited to universities, colleges, nonprofit organizations, for-profit organizations, and government agencies. - Proposals must align with the program’s objectives and comply with NSF’s [Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg). --- ## Application Process - Proposals must be submitted in accordance with the current NSF PAPPG. - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis (anytime). - Submission is via [Grants.gov](https://apply07.grants.gov/apply/jsf/workspace/createWorkspace.faces?activityID=CreateWorkspace&cleanSession=1&oppId=361952) or NSF’s FastLane/Research.gov systems. - Applicants should ensure all requirements and documentation are complete and compliant with NSF policies. --- ## Additional Information - Projects should address both research and practical aspects of engineering education and workforce development. - The program encourages multidisciplinary approaches, especially those integrating social science perspectives. - Award terms and conditions are subject to the version of the PAPPG and federal regulations in effect at the time of award. - For recent changes to NSF research security and compliance policies, review the [Important Notice No. 149](https://www.nsf.gov/notices/important/important-notice-no-149-updates-nsf-research-security/in149). --- ## External Links - [Program Description & Details (NSF)](http://www.nsf.gov/funding/pgm_summ.jsp?pims_id=506521) - [Official Grants.gov Listing](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/361952) - [NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG)](https://www.nsf.gov/policies/pappg) - [Browse Recent Awards in PFE](https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/search-results?ProgEleCode=134000&BooleanElement=Any&BooleanRef=Any&ActiveAwards=true#results) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Organization | |------------------------|---------------------------------------|-----------------|------------------| | Alice L. Pawley | [eec-engineer@nsf.gov](mailto:eec-engineer@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8380 | ENG/EEC | | Matthew A. Verleger | [eec-engineer@nsf.gov](mailto:eec-engineer@nsf.gov) | (703) 292-8380 | ENG/EEC | | NSF Grants.gov Support | [grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov](mailto:grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov) | | NSF | | General NSF Info | [info@nsf.gov](mailto:info@nsf.gov) | 1-703-292-5111 | NSF |

Professional Formation of Engineers

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