The National Science Foundation's Scholarships in STEM Network (S-STEM-Net) initiative aims to support the success of low-income domestic STEM students by establishing a network of S-STEM stakeholders and advancing the infrastructure for impactful research and collaboration. This program funds S-STEM Research Hubs to investigate barriers and successful interventions that promote the academic and professional success of this population. These hubs will serve as centers of collaboration, bringing together institutions, researchers, and practitioners to develop and share best practices for supporting low-income STEM students at undergraduate and graduate levels. The target audience includes higher education institutions, researchers, industry partners, and local, state, and federal agencies involved in STEM education and workforce development.

The purpose of the program is to foster a robust national ecosystem that improves access, inclusion, and adaptability for low-income STEM students. The hubs are tasked with identifying effective practices, analyzing diverse data streams, and disseminating actionable knowledge to institutions and stakeholders across the nation. Proposed research topics may focus on specific interventions, outcomes, or demographics relevant to the S-STEM community, including first-generation students, veterans, and students in rural areas or underserved disciplines.

The program anticipates awarding up to five grants, each with a maximum funding level of $3 million over five years, totaling $15 million. Eligible applicants include two- and four-year institutions of higher education accredited in the United States, as well as nonprofit, non-academic organizations such as museums and professional societies. Proposals should detail a clear research focus, demonstrate collaboration among multiple institutions, and include a comprehensive plan for evaluation and dissemination. Each hub must also allocate funds for an external evaluator and travel to S-STEM Principal Investigator meetings.

Applications must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Proposals should be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov by the deadlines of March 27, 2024, and August 14, 2025, with annual submission opportunities thereafter. Letters of intent and preliminary proposals are not required, but applicants must include letters of collaboration from partnering institutions.

Evaluation criteria emphasize intellectual merit and broader impacts, including the potential to advance knowledge, benefit society, and promote inclusion and diversity in STEM education. Proposals must outline goals, methodologies, and plans for assessing outcomes. The review process involves both internal NSF staff and external peer reviewers, with feedback provided to applicants following the decision.

Awardees are required to participate in biannual reverse site visits and submit annual and final project reports through Research.gov. These reports will document progress, challenges, and outcomes, contributing to the broader knowledge base for supporting low-income STEM students. For further details, applicants are encouraged to consult the full solicitation or contact NSF program officers.