New Solicitation!

In September, the National Science Foundation (NSF) announced the new NSF STEM K–12 program and solicitation. With this new funding opportunity comes the archival of longstanding NSF programs including DRK–12, AISL, CSforAll, as well as others. There have also been changes to ECR:Core, which will now only accept DUE and DGE focused applications.

The solicitation encourages applicants who planned to apply to the archived or modified programs to submit proposals to NSF STEM K–12 instead. Full proposals to this solicitation are accepted at any time. Most awards (~40) supported by the program will range between $25,000 and $750,000, with a typical duration of one to three years. The program is expected to be capped at ~30 million dollars.

Regularly check the NSF STEM K-12 webpage and CADRE social media for information about additional webinars and office hours to be announced. Email STEMK12@nsf.gov with questions.

Informational Webinar

NSF held a general overview webinar about FY26 STEM education research funding opportunities on September 4. View the webinar recording (Passcode: KK..xiT7), presentation slides, and Q&A (synthesis by DRK-12 resource network CADRE) for details.

Other New Funding Opportunities

NSF also announced two new funding opportunities through Dear Colleague Letters, aligned with the recent executive order to advance K–12 artificial intelligence education:

• The Expanding AI Career and Skilled Technical Workforce Opportunities in Support of High School Students DCL seeks to strengthen the U.S. AI workforce and advance education and innovation pipelines by increasing early access to high-quality, AI learning opportunities for America's high school students. 
• The Expanding K–12 Resources for AI Education DCL seeks to build upon NSF's extensive investments in fundamental research, technology transition and education related to the science and application of AI. Existing awardees with K–12 AI or computer science education experience are and invited to submit supplemental funding proposals to refine, scale, and/or implement established K–12 AI-related activities.

Additional Resources

Find proposal development resources in CADRE's NSF Proposal Toolkit. If you are preparing an NSF proposal for the first time, you may find tips in the Proposal Development Timeline developed for DRK-12 proposal submissions, and a video podcast on common proposal problems: Uncovering the Hidden Curriculum of DRK-12: Post Panel Pop-off.

Have a proposal idea? Submit a one-page concept paper to STEMK12@nsf.gov for feedback.

Not ready to submit but want to learn about the process? Serve as an NSF proposal reviewer. Contact STEMK12@nsf.gov for more information.