Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program
Grant: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program
Agency: National Science Foundation
Division: Directorate for Education and Human Resources; Division of Undergraduate Education
Deadline: December 3, 2013
Description: The Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP) offered through the National Science Foundation (NSF) seeks to increase the number of students receiving associate or baccalaureate degrees in established or emerging fields within science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). There are two types of proposals offered through this program depending on your focus. Those interested in implementing best practices leading to an increase in the number of students obtaining STEM degrees will be best suited to apply under Type 1 proposals. Those with more of an interest in researching the factors affecting degree attainment should apply under the Type 2 proposal. Both of these proposal types are discussed in greater detail below.
Type 1 Proposals
Type 1 proposals should include the development and implementation of best practices related to higher degree attainment in STEM. Examples of acceptable projects are those which focus on the quality of student learning including high caliber teaching, active learning strategies, web-based course strategies, distributed and collaborative digital teaching tools, and/or interactive course modules. The training of teacher assistants in utilizing these new tools also falls within the project scope. Additional activities may include implementing programs that extend the capacity of institutions to incorporate current advances in STEM into the undergraduate learning environment; programs that target traditionally underrepresented students; and programs which facilitate student exposer to potential careers. A more detailed list of potential activities accepted under this proposal type is found in the program notice.
In FY 2013, NSF encourages Type 1 proposals that are committed to producing significant improvements in first and second year retention rates in engineering or computer science. Projects that fall within this specific topic area will be placed in the special “Graduate 10K” funding track.
Type 2 Proposals
Type 2 proposals should focus heavily on research, with results that contribute to the knowledge base of scholarly research in education. Proposed projects should involve a variety of institutions of higher education, and address the unique challenges and opportunities posed by that group. The research completed should provide the education community with practical information to consider with respect to the impact of the factors being studied within the educational system. The results should enable the education community to guide better the future development of learning experiences, and to foster the retention and academic success of diverse students in STEM.
Please note for those interested in performing outreach to high school students, you may only do so when the recruiting of students is directed to the institution from which the proposal is being submitted. Additionally, the high school students targeted should be entering and progressing through undergraduate STEM majors within the five-year period of the proposed project.
Fit for Public Broadcasting: Stations are not eligible to take the lead here, but would make natural partners on Type 1 proposals. University licensees with established university relationships are encouraged to participate. Type 1 proposals call for the implementation of projects that improve the quality of student learning and mention the use of digital teaching tools, interactive course modules and web-based course strategies as potential activities. Furthermore, NSF emphasizes the need for effective dissemination of project processes and results to the broader community. Stations’ experience in education technology, and their ability to reach a large and diverse audience match nicely with this program’s goals.
Past projects have included curriculum development, faculty professional development and recruitment strategies. For example, in 2011 Edmonds Community College was awarded a estimated $900,000 continuing STEP grant to provide quality student services. The college collaborates with local high school and parent advisory committees to improve academic preparation for students and recruit underrepresented minority students, including women. A similar tactic is being followed on-campus, to recruit and retain underrepresented students in STEM. A thorough dissemination plan has been adopted, relaying the successes and lessons learned of the project to the larger education community. You can read more about the Edmonds Community College project, here. For information on other grantees, click here.
Eligibility: Type 1 proposals limit eligibility to United States accredited academic institutions offering either associate or baccalaureate degrees in STEM, or nonprofit organizations that have formed a consortia among eligible academic institutions. All Type 1 proposals fall within two award categories, based on the applicant type.
- Type 1A proposals must be submitted by an institution that has not previously been the lead institution on a STEP Type 1 award.
- Type 1B proposals must be submitted by an institution that has previously been the lead institution on a STEP Type 1 award. Here, the proposal should cover a new five-year implementation project that is not intended to continue efforts for which funding was previously provided.
Applicants may include a single institution, collaboration with business and industry partners, or collaboration among several institutions.
Type 2 proposals are open to any individual or organization eligible to submit proposals to NSF.
Anticipated Funding: Funding under this program is divided between proposal types. In Type 1 proposals, the level of funding for which institutions can apply is based on their enrollment size. Institutions enrolling 5,000 or fewer undergraduate students may request up to $500,000; those enrolling between 5,000 and 15,000 may request up to $1 million; and those enrolling more than 15,000 may request up to a total of $2 million. Consortia of institutions are eligible to request funding within these limits based on their total, combined undergraduate enrollment. NSF anticipates making between 15 and 20 standard and continuing STEP Type 1 grants, with a project period of five years.
Up to $1.5 million may be requested for all Type 2 proposals, regardless of the institution size. Approximately one to three Type 2 grants will be made for project periods of one to four years.
How to Apply: Proposals must be submitted via FastLane, the NSF online application system, or Grants.gov. Online submission requires registration, a process that usually takes three to five business days but can take as long as four weeks. Be sure to visit Grants.gov and begin registering well in advance of the deadline.
Resources:
Program notice
Program website
Past STEP Grantees
