The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Division of Earth Sciences (EAR) within the Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), offers the Education and Broadening Participation Program (EAR EBP). This initiative is designed to foster engagement in Earth Sciences by providing research and educational opportunities that reach a wide and diverse audience. The program supports efforts to expand participation in Earth Sciences research and education through several key components.

The EAR EBP encompasses four major areas. The Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Teachers program funds academic institutions to offer summer research internships to undergraduate students and opportunities for teachers interested in Earth Sciences research. The second area is the EAR Postdoctoral Fellowships, which provide two-year support for highly qualified individuals within two years of completing their PhD to engage in independent research and professional development. The Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) program represents the third focus, supporting pre-tenure researchers aiming to integrate research with robust educational programs, especially those emphasizing broadening participation in geosciences.

Additionally, the EAR EBP supports unsolicited or “ad hoc” proposals aimed at recruiting and retaining talent in Earth Sciences. Submission of such proposals requires prior submission of a concept outline via email to a program officer to ensure appropriateness for the program. This preliminary step aligns with NSF’s Proposal and Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG) Chapter I.D.1.

Applications to this program are accepted on a rolling basis through two platforms: Research.gov and Grants.gov. Applicants using Research.gov must follow the NSF PAPPG, while those submitting through Grants.gov should adhere to the NSF Grants.gov Application Guide. Proposers must ensure their submissions comply with all requirements laid out in the relevant guidance for their submission date.

There is no specific deadline for full proposals; submissions are accepted at any time. However, the program was recently updated as of April 11, 2025, and future awards made on or after October 1, 2024, will adhere to new NSF award conditions in line with federal updates. The primary contact for the program is Aisha R. Morris from GEO/RISE, reachable via armorris@nsf.gov or at (703) 292-7081.