NSF STEM K-12 — Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST)
Eligibility
U.S. universities, colleges, research institutions, school districts, nonprofits, and other eligible organizations in Indiana are eligible. NSF ITEST projects (NSF 25-545) must focus on engaging K-12 students and teachers in authentic STEM and computing experiences. Indiana universities partnering with K-12 school districts are strong candidates. Organizations must have the administrative capacity to manage federal grant funds.
Program Goals
NSF's Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program funds research and development projects that build K-12 student and teacher capacity in STEM and computing — including AI, data science, and computer science. Indiana universities, research institutions, and nonprofits partnering with K-12 school districts can apply. Exploratory projects award $25,000-$300,000; Strategies projects award $300,000-$750,000. NSF ITEST is one of the largest federal funding sources for K-12 CS and STEM innovation in the United States.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
NSF ITEST proposals are submitted through Research.gov. Proposals can be submitted anytime, but NSF reviews them by target dates — check the current NSF 25-545 solicitation for target dates. Indiana universities and institutions should begin the proposal process 3-6 months before their target submission date. NSF requires institutional sign-off — work with your sponsored research office early.
Cycle Notes
NSF ITEST (NSF 25-545) is a rolling solicitation. Indiana organizations can submit proposals at any time, but should plan for a 3-6 month preparation window. NSF reviews proposals after target dates and issues awards on a rolling basis. Monitor nsf.gov/itest for solicitation updates and any upcoming deadline changes.
Grant Award Amount
NSF ITEST Exploratory projects award $25,000-$300,000. Strategies projects award $300,000-$750,000. Award amounts depend on project scope, research plan, and NSF panel scores. Multi-year projects are common. Contact your sponsored research office for indirect cost rates applicable to Indiana institutions.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy curriculum for NSF ITEST-funded Indiana K-12 STEM and computing programs
- micro:bit Starter Kit — physical computing for NSF-funded Indiana student technology experiences
- Coding for Good Kit — project-based CS curriculum for NSF ITEST Indiana university-school partnerships
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for NSF ITEST grants in Indiana?
Indiana universities, colleges, research institutions, school districts, nonprofits, and other eligible organizations are eligible. NSF ITEST projects must engage K-12 students and teachers in authentic STEM and computing experiences.
How much funding is available through NSF ITEST?
Exploratory projects award $25,000-$300,000. Strategies projects award $300,000-$750,000. Award amounts depend on project scope and NSF panel scores.
When should Indiana organizations submit NSF ITEST proposals?
NSF ITEST accepts proposals on a rolling basis. Plan a 3-6 month preparation window. Check the current NSF 25-545 solicitation at nsf.gov for target review dates.
Can NSF ITEST funds be used for STEM and coding tools?
Yes. NSF ITEST funds authentic STEM and computing experiences for students and teachers, including curriculum, tools, and professional development. Document the research or evaluation component — NSF requires evidence of learning impact.
How can Forward Education help Indiana institutions with NSF ITEST proposals?
Forward Education provides curriculum alignment documents, learning outcome data, and letters of collaboration for Indiana institutions developing NSF ITEST proposals. Contact us to discuss partnership opportunities.
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 — Indiana 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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