NSF CS for All: Research and RPPs
Eligibility
Institutions of higher education, school districts, and nonprofit organizations can apply, often as collaborative teams. Texas universities partnering with districts or Education Service Centers have been successful in previous cycles. Individual districts typically participate as partners rather than lead applicants.
- Lead applicants: Universities, colleges, and research organizations
- Partners: K-12 school districts, ESCs, and nonprofits
- Research-practice partnerships (RPPs) are a core program focus
- Applications through nsf.gov
Program Goals
NSF CS for All is the federal government's primary investment in K-12 computer science education. It funds research, curriculum development, teacher professional development, and research-practice partnerships that connect universities with school districts to expand CS access.
Texas universities and ESCs have been active participants in CS for All projects. The program prioritizes reaching students who have historically had less access to CS education, including rural students, girls, and students from underrepresented groups.
Application Timeline
NSF CS for All solicitations are issued annually. Check nsf.gov for the current solicitation number and deadline. Projects range from small exploratory grants ($300K) to large-scale implementation projects ($3M+). Allow 3-6 months for proposal development.
Grant Award Amount
Awards range from $300,000 to over $3 million depending on the project type. Small exploratory projects test new approaches at limited scale. Large implementation and research projects reach multiple districts over several years. Multi-year funding is common.
Allowable Purchases
CS for All funds support curriculum development, teacher PD, research activities, and materials used as the primary CS learning tools. Physical computing curriculum with research documentation is a strong fit.
Forward Education Tools That Qualify
-
micro:bit Classroom Kits
Research-friendly physical computing tools used in classrooms across North America. Well-documented with clear learning objectives - ideal as the curriculum platform in a CS for All RPP project. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
AI literacy curriculum that can serve as the intervention in a study examining CS and AI access for underrepresented students. Curriculum-included tools with clear learning outcomes. -
Forward Education Teacher Training
Professional development for CS teachers. A CS for All project could study the impact of structured PD on teacher confidence and student outcomes in physical computing.
Keep in Mind
CS for All RPPs require ongoing collaboration between university researchers and school practitioners. This is not a traditional grant - it is a long-term working relationship with shared responsibility for research and implementation.
Texas Education Service Centers have experience with NSF CS for All projects and can connect you with university partners. Your ESC is a good first call before approaching a university directly.
Search nsf.gov/awardsearch for 'CS for All' to read abstracts of previously funded projects. This gives you a clear picture of what NSF expects and helps you frame your proposal appropriately.
If you don't have a track record with NSF, start with a smaller exploratory or pilot project proposal before attempting a large-scale implementation grant. Build credibility with NSF first.
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 - TEKS and state 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
Download the Forward Education Grant Guide
Our grant guide helps educators find the right funding sources and build strong applications for STEM and coding programs.
Get the Grant Guide
