NSF ITEST: Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers
Eligibility
Higher education institutions, school districts, nonprofits, and industry partners can apply, typically as collaborative teams. Texas universities have participated in past ITEST projects. Districts partner to provide student and teacher participants.
- Lead applicants: Universities and research institutions
- Partners: School districts, nonprofits, and industry organizations
- Projects must include a research component examining student and teacher outcomes
- Applications submitted through nsf.gov
Program Goals
NSF ITEST funds projects giving students and teachers hands-on experience with technology, preparing them for STEM careers and exposing them to the kinds of work they will encounter in the workforce. Robotics, physical computing, AI, and data science projects are common fits.
ITEST values experiential learning - students do, not just watch. The program also emphasizes diversity and inclusion, with priority given to projects that reach underrepresented students in STEM.
Application Timeline
ITEST solicitations are issued annually. Check nsf.gov for the current solicitation number and deadline. Proposals require 3-6 months of development. Connect with a Texas university education research center early to build your partnership team.
Grant Award Amount
ITEST awards typically range from $500,000 to $1.5 million over three years. Projects must include a rigorous research component examining the impact on student STEM career interest and teacher practice. Larger awards require more comprehensive evaluation designs.
Allowable Purchases
ITEST funds support curriculum development, research activities, teacher professional development, student stipends, and materials used in the technology experiences. Tools used as the core learning platform in the project qualify as direct costs.
Forward Education Tools That Qualify
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micro:bit Classroom Kits
Hands-on physical computing tools ideal as the core technology platform in an ITEST project. Well-documented and used across North America, supporting research reproducibility. -
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit
AI literacy curriculum that gives students direct experience with artificial intelligence - exactly the kind of technology experience ITEST funds. Strong fit for projects studying AI literacy outcomes. -
Coding for Climate Kit
Project-based technology curriculum connecting coding to real-world applications. Ideal for an ITEST project studying interdisciplinary STEM engagement.
Keep in Mind
NSF ITEST almost always requires a higher education institution as the lead or co-principal investigator. Contact a Texas university education research center before developing your proposal.
NSF evaluates proposals on the quality of the research plan, not just the program. Include a strong research question, appropriate evaluation instruments, and a clear plan for data analysis.
ITEST gives priority to projects reaching underrepresented students in STEM. If your project serves rural, low-income, or minority students, make that central to your proposal narrative.
ITEST wants students to experience real STEM careers. Include industry partners, workplace visits, or career awareness activities alongside the hands-on technology work.
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.
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