NSF ITEST: Innovative Technology Experiences
What This Grant Funds
The NSF Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program funds projects that prepare students for technology-rich careers. Funded activities include developing new STEM learning experiences, building teacher capacity, and expanding student exposure to computing, engineering, and technology. AI literacy, physical computing, and coding projects are strongly aligned to ITEST goals.
Who Is Eligible in Illinois
Illinois K-12 schools, school districts, nonprofits, higher education institutions, and informal science education organizations are eligible. ITEST emphasizes broadening participation in STEM — schools serving underrepresented populations and high-need communities are prioritized.
Funding Amounts
ITEST awards range from $500,000 to $1.5 million over 3-5 years, depending on project scope. Exploratory and capacity-building projects receive lower amounts while development and implementation projects receive more.
How Forward Education Products Qualify
ITEST specifically values technology-forward, hands-on learning experiences. Forward Education's micro:bit kits and MicroChat AI curriculum create the kind of authentic, technology-rich experiences ITEST seeks to fund. A proposal framing micro:bit-based AI literacy as a scalable intervention for underrepresented Illinois students aligns well with ITEST priorities.
How to Apply and Key Deadlines
Check nsf.gov for the current ITEST solicitation. Applications are submitted through Research.gov and require full project descriptions, evaluation plans, and PI qualifications. Partner with an Illinois university for a stronger application. Solicitations are issued periodically — check NSF for the current cycle.
Keep in Mind
ITEST is competitive and requires a research component. Schools should partner with a university researcher who can lead the evaluation and satisfy NSF's research rigor requirements. Build in 6 months of preparation time for a strong proposal.
