NSF STEM K-12 Education Grants
Eligibility
Universities, research institutions, school districts, and nonprofits in partnership with educational entities. Most NSF K-12 programs require a university or research partner. Wisconsin universities (UW System) frequently partner with K-12 districts on NSF grants.
Program Goals
NSF funds research and development in K-12 STEM education — developing new curriculum, testing instructional approaches, training teachers, and expanding access to rigorous CS and STEM learning. Programs include Discovery Research K-12 (DRK-12), CS for All, Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST), and others.
Learn more at https://www.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/stem-k-12
Application
Submit through NSF's FastLane or Research.gov portals. Each program has a specific solicitation with eligibility, requirements, and deadlines. Review current solicitations at nsf.gov and work with a grants office or university partner for large NSF applications.
Cycle Notes
Multiple programs with different annual deadlines. CS for All solicitations typically open in fall. DRK-12 and ITEST have their own cycles. Monitor nsf.gov/funding for current solicitations.
Award Amount
Highly variable. Smaller NSF education grants may be $100,000–$500,000. Larger DRK-12 or ITEST grants can reach $3M–$5M+ over multi-year periods.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education products that qualify for this grant:
- Forward Education Learning Platform — Can serve as curriculum infrastructure in NSF-funded CS education research and implementation projects.
- Coding for Good Kit — Physical computing tools used in NSF CS education grants for student engagement and learning research.
- Climate Action Kit — Environmental STEM projects supported by NSF STEM education and environmental literacy initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a K-12 school district apply directly to NSF?
Rarely — most NSF education grants require a university or research institution as the lead applicant. Districts partner with UW System universities on Wisconsin proposals.
What is CS for All?
NSF's CS for All initiative funds projects that expand high-quality CS education to all K-12 students. Wisconsin districts have participated through UW partnerships.
How competitive are NSF education grants?
Highly competitive — typical acceptance rates are 10-20%. Strong proposals demonstrate research rigor, theory of change, and evaluation plans.
Where should a Wisconsin district start if interested in NSF funding?
Connect with a UW System university — UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, or a regional UW campus — that has an active education research group. They can lead the grant with your district as a partner.
Are there smaller NSF programs for individual teachers or schools?
NSF ITEST has funded smaller-scale projects. Some NSF supplemental programs are accessible to individual schools. Check nsf.gov for current opportunities.
Need Help With Your Grant Application?
Forward Education's grant support team helps Wisconsin schools navigate funding opportunities, write stronger applications, and select the right products for their programs.
Download the Wisconsin Grant Guide
Get the full list of Wisconsin K-12 STEM funding opportunities in one place — deadlines, award amounts, eligibility, and tips for first-time applicants.
