NSF STEM K-12 (STEM K-12) | 25 545

NSF STEM K-12 (Funding Opportunity Number 25-545) - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1) What is the NSF STEM K-12 (STEM K-12) grant opportunity?

The NSF STEM K-12 (STEM K-12) opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number 25-545) is a discretionary, NSF-funded research grant administered by the U.S. National Science Foundation through its Directorate for STEM Education (EDU), specifically within the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL).

2) Which NSF unit administers this program?

This program is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) under the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU), within the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings (DRL).

3) What is the main purpose of the STEM K-12 program?

The program supports research that strengthens STEM teaching and learning. A central emphasis is on generating rigorous evidence and improving understanding of how people learn STEM across the human lifespan and across different learning environments.

4) Is the program limited strictly to K-12 schools?

Not necessarily. While the title highlights K-12, the description reflects a broader learning-sciences focus that can include both formal settings (such as classrooms and schools) and informal settings (such as museums, afterschool programs, and other community learning contexts), as long as the work advances knowledge about STEM education and learning.

5) What types of research does STEM K-12 support?

The opportunity supports fundamental, applied, and translational research in STEM education and learning.

6) What is meant by fundamental research under this program?

Fundamental research is aimed at building or refining theory and core understanding of STEM learning and teaching.

7) What is meant by applied research under this program?

Applied research is oriented toward solving practical educational problems while maintaining a strong research foundation.

8) What is meant by translational research under this program?

Translational research focuses on moving research insights into usable approaches, strategies, tools, or interventions that can operate in real educational contexts.

9) Is NSF primarily funding program delivery or research?

The central goal is to produce credible findings that advance the field and can inform future practice, policy, and continued research in STEM education, rather than simply running a program.

10) Who is eligible to apply for Funding Opportunity Number 25-545?

Eligibility is broad but limited to specific U.S.-based applicant types, including U.S.-based for-profit organizations (including small businesses), non-profit non-academic organizations, state and local government entities, Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) with a U.S. campus, and federally recognized Tribal Nations.

11) Are for-profit organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. U.S.-based for-profit organizations, including small businesses, may submit proposals if they have strong capabilities in scientific or engineering research or education and a clear innovation orientation.

12) Are non-profit organizations eligible to apply?

Yes. Non-profit, non-academic organizations located in the United States are eligible. Examples provided include independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar organizations that are directly connected to education or research activities.

13) Can state or local government entities apply?

Yes. State and local government entities are listed as eligible applicants.

14) Are colleges and universities eligible?

Yes. Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) are eligible, including two-year and four-year colleges and universities (including community colleges), provided they are accredited, have a campus located in the United States, and submit on behalf of their faculty members.

15) Are community colleges included as eligible IHEs?

Yes. The eligibility description explicitly includes two-year institutions, including community colleges.

16) What is the requirement regarding U.S. location for eligible applicants?

The opportunity describes eligibility as limited to specific U.S.-based applicant types. For IHEs, the institution must have a campus located in the United States.

17) Are federally recognized Tribal Nations eligible to apply?

Yes. Federally recognized Tribal Nations are explicitly eligible applicants.

18) How does the opportunity define "Tribal Nations" for eligibility purposes?

Tribal Nations are defined as American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities acknowledged by the Secretary of the Interior under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994.

19) Are international branch campuses of U.S. IHEs allowed to participate?

International involvement is not automatically disallowed, but a specific condition applies when a proposal includes funding that would flow to an international branch campus of a U.S. IHE.

20) What condition applies if a proposal includes funding for an international branch campus?

If funding would flow to an international branch campus (including through subawards or consultant arrangements), the proposer must clearly explain how work at that branch campus benefits the project and justify why those activities cannot be performed at the U.S.-based campus.

21) Does the international branch campus condition apply only to direct funding?

No. The condition applies if funding would flow to an international branch campus, including via subawards or consultant arrangements.

22) What category is this opportunity listed under?

From the source listing details provided, the opportunity is categorized under "Science and Technology and other Research and Development."

23) What type of funding instrument is used for this opportunity?

The listing indicates this opportunity uses the grant instrument.

24) What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA number 47.076.

25) Is there an award ceiling listed in the provided information?

No. The provided text states the listing does not provide an award ceiling.

26) Is the expected number of awards listed in the provided information?

No. The provided text states the listing does not provide an expected number of awards.

27) What closing date is shown in the source data?

The original closing date shown in the source data is 2076-10-07.

28) What is the opportunity record creation date?

The opportunity record creation date is 2025-08-22.

29) What kinds of learning environments can be included in proposed projects?

The description indicates projects may involve formal learning environments (such as classrooms and schools) and informal learning environments (such as museums, afterschool programs, and other community learning contexts), provided the work advances knowledge about STEM education and learning.

30) What outcomes does NSF emphasize for projects under this program?

Across fundamental, applied, and translational research, the emphasis is on producing rigorous, credible evidence and improved understanding of STEM teaching and learning, with findings that can inform future practice, policy, and continued research.