NSF CS for All: Research and RPPs
National Science Foundation grants supporting K-12 CS education implementation, research, and researcher-practitioner partnerships.
About This Grant
NSF's CS for All program funds research and implementation projects that expand high-quality computer science education in K-12 schools. New York schools are eligible and well-positioned, given the state's CS & Digital Fluency Standards and active CS4All ecosystem. The program supports researcher-practitioner partnerships (RPPs), curriculum development, teacher professional development, and CS education research at scale.
Awards range from $300,000 to $3,000,000 depending on the project scope. This is one of the largest federal funding sources specifically targeting K-12 computer science education, and New York's large district and research university ecosystem creates strong partnership opportunities for competitive proposals.
View NSF CS for All ProgramEligibility
- K-12 school districts and schools
- Colleges and universities partnering with K-12 districts
- Nonprofit CS education organizations
- Researcher-practitioner partnerships are a primary project type
Allowable Uses
- CS curriculum development and implementation
- Teacher professional development and CS certification
- Physical computing hardware and instructional materials
- CS education research and evaluation
- Program infrastructure and coordination
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — Physical computing tools for CS education research and implementation projects. Used in studies and curriculum designs across NSF-funded CS education programs.
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy curriculum for NSF projects exploring CS and AI integration. Supports the emerging focus on AI in K-12 CS education within NSF's CS for All program.
- Coding for Good Kit — Project-based CS curriculum with research documentation and learning outcomes. Useful for RPPs studying CS learning outcomes in diverse school settings.
- micro:bit Robotics Kit — Robotics and physical computing for CS curriculum implementation. Engages diverse student populations and supports NSF equity goals.
Keep in Mind
The RPP track specifically requires a genuine partnership between researchers (usually university faculty) and practitioners (teachers and school administrators). Build this relationship before writing the proposal.
NSF CS for All explicitly targets underrepresented students in CS. Applications that address equity gaps and describe clear inclusion strategies score better.
Most NSF CS for All solicitations require a letter of intent weeks before the full proposal deadline. Missing the LOI deadline disqualifies your application.
NSF expects rigorous evaluation of program outcomes. Budget for an external evaluator and describe your data collection methods in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for NSF CS for All grants?
K-12 districts, universities, and nonprofits can apply. Researcher-practitioner partnerships are a primary project type and often score highest.
How large are NSF CS for All awards?
Awards range from $300,000 to $3,000,000 depending on project type, scale, and duration.
Can NSF CS for All funds pay for hardware and curriculum?
Yes. Instructional materials, physical computing tools, and curriculum are allowable when tied to the project's CS education goals.
How do I apply?
Applications go through NSF's online system (research.gov or grants.gov). NSF issues periodic solicitations for CS for All. Check nsf.gov for current deadlines.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment documents, research references for our kits, and letters of support for NSF proposals. We can also help connect your project to CS education research networks.
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Explore more New York funding resources
View all New York AI & CS grants →Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — NY CS & Digital Fluency Standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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