Veterans Research Supplement (VRS) Program
The NSF Veterans Research Supplement funds veterans to participate in hands-on STEM research and skill development as part of active NSF-funded projects.
Funder: U.S. National Science Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (no deadline for supplemental funding requests)
Funding Amounts: Typically supports 1–2 veterans per supplement; funding and duration depend on participant type and are based on REU/RET or graduate stipend guidelines; renewable for up to 3 years for graduate students.
Summary: Provides supplemental funding to active NSF awards to support veterans (students, teachers, or faculty) in STEM research activities.
Key Information: Only available as a supplement to eligible, active NSF awards; not a standalone grant.
Description
The Veterans Research Supplement (VRS) Program offers supplemental funding to existing NSF awards across several directorates, enabling veterans—including undergraduate or graduate STEM students, K-12 teachers, and community college faculty—to participate in research. The program aims to broaden participation of veterans in STEM research and support their transition from military service into academic or industry STEM careers. VRS supplements provide hands-on research experiences, skill development, and mentorship for veterans, leveraging the infrastructure of ongoing NSF-funded projects.
