The FY25 Department of Navy (DON) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education and Workforce Program is a funding opportunity announced by the Office of Naval Research (ONR) under the Funding Opportunity Number N0001425SF003. This program aims to support STEM education initiatives that are critical to the Department of the Navy, focusing on increasing engagement in naval-relevant STEM fields and strengthening the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ technological superiority. The ONR seeks to fund programs that establish, build, and maintain educational pathways for U.S. citizens in STEM fields, particularly those directly relevant to naval science and technology needs.

The grant will fund projects that develop learners’ STEM knowledge and skills, attract students to STEM careers, provide research opportunities for college and graduate students, improve the quality of STEM educators, and enhance institutional capacity in STEM fields. The program will not fund general research unless its primary purpose is educational and it does not generate intellectual property. The ONR encourages projects at various educational levels, including secondary education, post-secondary institutions, informal science communities, and the current naval STEM workforce. Projects should align with naval workforce needs and demonstrate sustainability beyond the award period.

The total anticipated funding includes eight awards, each valued at approximately $200,000 per year for a maximum of three years, totaling up to $600,000 per award. Cost-sharing is not required, but voluntary contributions may be considered. The program requires the submission of white papers, which will be used to determine whether applicants will be invited to submit full proposals. White papers must be submitted via FedConnect no later than April 11, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. If selected, full proposals must be submitted through Grants.gov by August 29, 2025, at 5:00 PM Eastern Time. Notifications of award selection are expected by December 12, 2025, with funding starting around February 1, 2026.

Eligible applicants include academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and for-profit industry organizations. Foreign entities, Federally Funded Research & Development Centers (FFRDCs), and Department of Defense (DoD) labs are not eligible to apply directly but may collaborate with eligible applicants. Proposals should demonstrate strong alignment with naval STEM workforce needs, scientific and technical merit, and the capacity for program sustainability. The evaluation process will also assess potential risks associated with foreign talent recruitment and intellectual property security.

The submission process requires registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) and a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). White papers must follow strict formatting requirements, including a 4-page limit (excluding cover page and references), single spacing, and Times New Roman 12-point font. Proposals should include details about the technical approach, naval relevance, potential partnerships, management strategy, and evaluation metrics. The review process will consider alignment with the DON mission, technical merit, and sustainability.

For inquiries, applicants should contact Dr. Michael Simpson (Director of Education and Workforce, ONR Code 311) at usn.pentagon.cnr-arlington-va.mbx.don-stem-grants@us.navy.mil. Questions regarding grants submission should be directed to Sarah Jaeschke (Grants Officer, ONR Code 253) at sarah.m.jaeschke.civ@us.navy.mil. Applicants are encouraged to attend pre-application webinars by contacting ONR for registration details.