STEM, Education, Training

Apply to Internal Competition // Limit: 2 // Tickets Available: 1* (see limiting language section below for disciplinary eligibility restrictions)

R. Deil-Amen (Competitive Resubmission)

Limiting Language 
Please note, in accordance to the updated eligibility criteria, the University of Arizona is only eligible for tracks 2 and 3. Per S-STEM restrictions and current U of A S-STEM projects and proposals, applicants may not target STEM students in the following disciplines: Engineering, computer science, information science. Any other S-STEM eligible discipline may be included.

For a given S-STEM deadline, an institution may submit up to two proposals in which it will be directly involved in providing scholarships. Multiple proposals from an institution must not overlap with regard to S-STEM eligible disciplines. See Additional Eligibility Information below for more details (see IV. Eligibility Information).

Institutions with a current S-STEM award should wait at least until the end of the third year of execution of their current award before submitting a new Track 2 or Track 3 S-STEM proposal focused on students pursuing degrees in the same discipline(s).

Program Overview 
The main goal of the S-STEM program is to enable academically talented, low-income students to pursue successful careers in promising STEM fields. Ultimately, the S-STEM program seeks to increase the number of academically promising low-income students who graduate with an S-STEM eligible degree and contribute to the American innovation economy with their STEM knowledge. Recognizing that financial aid alone cannot increase retention and graduation in STEM, the program provides awards to institutions of higher education (IHEs) not only to fund scholarships, but also to adapt, implement, and study evidence-based curricular and co-curricular[a] activities that have been shown to be effective in supporting recruitment, retention, transfer (if appropriate), student success, academic/career pathways, and graduation in STEM.

To be eligible, scholars must be domestic low-income students with academic ability, talent, or potential and demonstrated unmet financial need who are enrolled in an associate, baccalaureate, or graduate degree program in an S-STEM eligible discipline. Proposers must provide an analysis that articulates the characteristics and academic needs of the population of students they are trying to serve. NSF is particularly interested in supporting the attainment of degrees in fields identified as critical needs for the Nation. It is up to the proposer to make a compelling case that such a field serves a critical need in the United States.

[a] an activity at a school or college pursued in addition to the normal course of study.

S-STEM Eligible Degree Programs

Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, Associate of Engineering, and Associate of Applied Science

Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Applied Science

Master of Arts, Master of Science, and Master of Engineering

Doctoral (Ph.D. or other comparable doctoral degree)

S-STEM Eligible Disciplines

Disciplinary fields in which research is funded by NSF, including technology fields associated with the S-STEM-eligible disciplines (e.g., biotechnology, chemical technology, engineering technology, information technology, etc.).

The following degrees and disciplines are excluded:

• Clinical degree programs, including medical degrees, nursing, veterinary medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and others not funded by NSF, are ineligible degrees.
• Programs for STEM teacher certification or licensure currently covered by the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship program (NOYCE) are ineligible for S-STEM funding.
• Business school programs that lead to Bachelor of Arts or Science in Business Administration degrees (BABA/BSBA/BBA) are not eligible for S-STEM funding.
• Masters and Doctoral degrees in Business Administration are also excluded.

Proposers are strongly encouraged to contact Program Officers before submitting a proposal if they have questions concerning degree or disciplinary eligibility.

The S-STEM program particularly encourages proposals from 2-year institutions, predominately undergraduate institutions, and urban, suburban, and rural public institutions.

Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0 

K. Sierra (Undergraduate Research; Competitive Resubmission)

Limiting Language
An organization may submit at most one S-STEM-Hub proposal (as a single institution, a subawardee, or a member of a collaborative research project).

Program Synopsis
Through this solicitation, NSF seeks to foster a network of S-STEM stakeholders and further develop the infrastructure needed to generate and disseminate new knowledge, successful practices and effective design principles arising from NSF S-STEM projects nationwide. The ultimate vision of the legislation governing the S-STEM parent program[1] (and of the current S-STEM-Net solicitation) is that all Americans, regardless of economic status, should be able to contribute to the American innovation economy if they so desire.

To support collaboration within the S-STEM network, NSF will fund several S-STEM Research Hubs (S-STEM-Hub). The S-STEM Network (S-STEM-Net) will collaborate to create synergies and sustain a robust national ecosystem consisting of multi-sector partners supporting domestic low-income STEM students in achieving their career goals, while also ensuring access, inclusion, and adaptability to changing learning needs. The Hubs will investigate evolving barriers to the success of this student population. It will also disseminate the context and circumstances by which interventions and practices that support graduation of domestic low-income students (both undergraduate and graduate) pursuing careers in STEM are successful.

The target audience for this dissemination effort is the community of higher education institutions, faculty, scholars, researchers and evaluators, local and regional organizations, industry, and other nonprofit, federal, state, and local agencies concerned with the success of domestic low-income STEM students in the United States.

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language: 
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant. Please note: Applicant organizations are defined by their legal name, and EIN number as stated on their completed SF-424 and additional supporting documentation outlined in the PSI document.

Executive Summary
Priority Region: 30 countries of strategic importance
The Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program strengthens national security by engaging emerging young leaders from the United States and from countries of strategic importance. YES is a merit-based, academic-year program consisting of two exchange cohorts: YES and YES Abroad. YES brings approximately 450 high school participants to the United States each year from approximately 30 countries of strategic importance. Participants live with volunteer Americans host families in all 50 states, study in U.S. high schools, engage in community service activities, and learn leadership skills for an academic year. YES Abroad sends approximately 60 American high school participants abroad each year to select YES countries for a similar program.

The FY 2025 Kennedy-Lugar YES Program: Overseas Components cooperative agreement, which is the subject of this NOFO, will fund the recruitment, selection, orientation, travel, liaison activities with natural parents, and alumni support for international and U.S. participants. This award will also fund the placement and support of U.S. participants abroad. Participant placement and support for the international participants in the United States will be conducted under separate awards. The exchanges for both cohorts will take place during the 2026-27 academic year.

The YES and YES Abroad programs strengthen U.S. national security by developing the next generation of leaders from the United States and 30 countries of strategic importance in all world regions. The YES inbound program exposes participants to American culture and values and cultivates their lifelong affinity for the United States. YES Abroad develops the cultural, linguistic, and leadership skills of American youth, making them more competitive in the workforce. YES boosts the U.S. economy because the bulk of the program funding is spent in American host communities, most often in small towns and rural areas, across all 50 states.

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Description
The Office of Alumni Affairs (ECA/P/A) of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for the administration of the FY 2025 U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program. U.S. public and private non-profit organizations that meet the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) may submit proposals to conduct programs in support of expanding professional development opportunities for U.S. citizen alumni of U.S. government-sponsored people-to-people exchange programs, to include organizing and implementing career development seminars, a small grants program, and an alumni regional ambassadors fellowship program. The U.S. Exchange Alumni Network and Capacity Building Program champions the Administration’s America First foreign policy. Please see the full announcement for contact information and additional details. Note that this opportunity cannot be submitted through MyGrants and may only be submitted through Grants.gov.

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

Executive Summary
The Office of Global Educational Programs of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for the FY 2025 Community College Initiative (CCI) Program. ECA is seeking proposal submissions for one cooperative agreement to design, implement, and oversee the CCI Program.

The program advances America’s security and prosperity by equipping foreign students, many from regions vulnerable to radicalization or illegal immigration, with technical skills in critical industries. With improved technical, professional, and entrepreneurial skills, the participants return home to contribute to economic growth and stability in countries of strategic importance to the United States. 

U.S. public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 USC 501(c)(3) that represent consortia or other combinations of accredited U.S. community colleges may submit only one proposal to cooperate with the Bureau under this competition. Only one proposal will be considered by ECA from each applicant organization. In cases where more than one submission from an applicant appears in grants.gov, ECA will only consider the submission made closest in time to the NOFO deadline; that submission would constitute the one and only proposal ECA would review from that applicant.

No Applicants // Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 1

Limiting Language
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

For Fiscal Year 2025, American Spaces Morocco aims to continue delivering impactful programs that promote American excellence and encourage the best and brightest young Moroccans, ages 18 to 30, to increase their engagement with America. The programming will focus on four key areas: English language learning, creative economies, digital transformation, and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math). The English Language Learning initiative will provide immersive, skill-building opportunities that enhance language proficiency while fostering cultural exchange and greater appreciation of American values. Creative economy programming will build connections between American and Moroccan artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators, with the goal of increasing interest in U.S. expertise, services, and educational opportunities within creative industries. Digital transformation programs will offer participants—including individuals and small businesses—the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world, with an emphasis on the influence and benefits of American technology. STEAM initiatives will promote hands-on learning and inspire Moroccan youth to explore academic and professional paths in STEAM-related fields, while also encouraging them to consider higher education in the United States. Programs will be held primarily in person at American Spaces, with virtual components used to extend reach or serve as the main method of delivery when necessary. The initiative seeks proposals that prioritize the needs of young participants while minimizing administrative and equipment costs. A successful proposal will include a detailed monthly calendar of activities spanning at least eight months and address one or more of the core focus areas. Programming may be implemented at one or both American Spaces locations as well as with local partner organizations dedicated to amplifying American culture. Preference will be given to proposals that are innovative, cost-effective, and clearly designed to maximize impact on
participants, aligning closely with American Spaces’ mission to foster mutual understanding and provide educational and professional development opportunities through cultural exchange.

Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0

A. Limmer (Center for Middle Eastern Studies)

Eligibility
Applicants are only allowed to submit one proposal per organization. If more than one proposal is submitted from an organization, all proposals from that institution will be considered ineligible for funding.

Description
U.S. Embassy Muscat’s Public Affairs Section invites proposals for programs that strengthen cultural, educational, professional, and scientific ties between the United States and Oman through programming that highlights shared values, strengthens people-to-people ties and institutional linkages, and promotes bilateral cooperation. Competitive proposals should focus on at least one of the grant priority areas outlined below. Proposals that do not address one of the grant priority areas outlined below will not be considered for funding. All proposed programs must include an American cultural element or connection with American expert(s), organization(s), or institutions in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policies, values, and perspectives.

Grant Priority Areas: 

• Cultural and Artistic Exchange: Programs that highlight shared cultural heritage, support artistic collaboration, or promote mutual appreciation through music, art, literature, or other creative expressions. These initiatives may also include efforts to preserve and revitalize cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible.
• English Language and Education: Initiatives to enhance American English language skills, improve teaching methodologies, and foster collaboration between educational institutions in the U.S. and Oman.
• Entrepreneurship and Economic Development: Programs that encourage innovation, support small business development, promote workforce readiness, and enhance trade relations with the United States.
• STEM and Innovation: Projects that promote science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, foster innovation, and facilitate joint research and technological collaboration with the United States or American companies. 

Limit: 2 // Tickets Available: 0
C. Sommerfeld (STEM Learning Center)
R. Gutierrez (Center for Recruitment and Retention of Mathematics Teachers)

The submission of this funding program is coordinated by RSD with the assistance of the University of Arizona Foundation. For more information, please contact Cyndi Laughren.
 

The APS Foundation supports programs that enhance academic achievement in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Since 1981, the Foundation has invested more than $44 million in projects throughout Arizona that help prepare students to compete in a 21st century economy.

A workforce proficient in STEM skills is critical to attracting and retaining high-quality businesses and industries to the state. The APS Foundation targets projects that help educators increase content knowledge in STEM subjects as well as the ability to transfer this knowledge effectively to students.

Program Information: 

• Organizations must be registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity in good financial and public standing.
• Programs should demonstrate their ability to improve educational outcomes, increase access and/or offer an innovative approach to learning.
• Programs that support teacher professional development is APS Foundation’s primary focus.
• Programs that impact students, supporting them in achievements in STEM, are the next priority.
• Pilot projects may be funded, and those awards are generally in the $10,000 = $30,000.
• Programs requesting substantial funding (≥$75,000) should demonstrate proof of concept, detailed budget, and have a detailed execution plan.
• Strong measurements for proof of success are essential, especially for higher dollar asks. (At minimum, a pre, during, and post survey or variation of measurement will be required)
• Criteria used for evaluation include sustainability, ability to leverage other funding (not required).
• Programs that serve underserved/under resourced students are well-received.
• All grantees will have specific reporting requirements and must submit a final evaluation before they can be considered for additional funding.

Proposal Tips: 

• Proposals should be written in lay language.
• Multi-year funding is not available.
• New interest in board for AI components in proposals (not required)
• Higher asks will be scrutinized at a higher level. Please ensure you have a solid description, strong success measurements, and have an established program/project for best chance of being successful.
• Seed funding applicants should consider the following questions: What will be measured for the ethicality of the program? What is guiding the assumption for need/success of your proposed project/proposal?  
   

Limit: 1 // Tickets Available: 0

E. Gornish and S. Spikes (School of Natural Resources and the Enivornment, Cooperative Extension)

At The Stocker Foundation, we're all about helping students from prekindergarten through eighth grade become curious lifelong learners. Our grantmaking supports 21st century reading literacy and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) activities that encourage kindergarten readiness, grade-level reading proficiency, creative thinking, and problem-solving skills. We believe that when all students have access to quality education, they develop a passion for learning, which paves the way for future opportunities.

In 2024, The Stocker Foundation’s Board of Trustees approved 199 grants totaling over $2 million to communities served. Our funding supports:

• The development of foundational reading and writing skills so that students can read at or above grade level by third grade
• Cross-disciplinary, project-based STEAM learning that connects subjects through hands-on experiences

We also set aside a small portion of our funding to help remove obstacles that might keep students from academic success.

The Stocker Foundation conducts one grant cycle annually. We welcome applications from organizations who share our passion for transforming educational opportunities for students who need them most.

Deadlines:
Stage 1 (eligibility check) - September 30, 2025
Stage 2 (application) - November 30, 2025