NSF ITEST: Innovative Technology Experiences
Large NSF grants for programs engaging Michigan K-12 students in technology-intensive experiences connected to STEM careers.
About This Grant
NSF's Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program funds research on how to engage K-12 students and teachers in science and technology careers. Awards range from $500,000 to $1.5 million and run 3-5 years.
ITEST projects must have a research component examining questions about student motivation, interest, and persistence in technology-related fields. Schools typically partner with universities.
Michigan schools near major research universities, including University of Michigan, Michigan State, and Wayne State, are well-positioned for ITEST funding.
View NSF ITEST: Innovative Technology ExperiencesEligibility
- K-12 schools, districts, or regional consortia
- Must partner with a university or research institution
- Programs must include a rigorous research/evaluation component
- Focus on technology-intensive educational experiences connected to careers
Allowable Uses
- Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
- CS and AI literacy curriculum
- Teacher professional development
- Research data collection, career exploration programming, and technology-intensive learning environments
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — Physical computing for CS education. Aligns to Michigan CS standards for computational thinking and programming at grades K-8.
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy curriculum for middle and high school. Addresses AI and data literacy components of Michigan CS standards.
- Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum with real-world connections. Strong alignment to Michigan standards.
- micro:bit Robotics Kit — Robotics and physical computing for grades 5-12. Supports CS standards across computational thinking and programming.
Keep in Mind
ITEST is a research grant. You cannot succeed without a university partner who can lead research and evaluation.
Build career exploration and industry connection into your program design.
ITEST awards are large because NSF expects programs to reach many students and produce nationally applicable findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ITEST a research grant or an implementation grant?
It is a research grant.
How long does a typical ITEST grant run?
Most projects run 3-5 years.
Can a nonprofit lead an ITEST proposal?
Yes, but with a university research partner.
What outcomes does NSF ITEST track?
Student interest in STEM careers, persistence, and motivation.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Michigan CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support. Contact us before you apply.
Related Michigan Grants
Explore more Michigan funding resources
View all Michigan 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 — Michigan CS 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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