The NSF Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education (IUSE: EDU) program seeks to enhance the quality and effectiveness of undergraduate STEM education in the U.S. It supports projects that integrate innovative teaching practices, expand access to evidence-based methodologies, and develop a scientifically literate public while promoting institutional transformation and fostering diversity. The program offers two main tracks: Engaged Student Learning, which focuses on classroom-level innovations, and Institutional and Community Transformation, which promotes systemic change at the departmental, institutional, or community levels. Projects are expected to demonstrate strong rationales, build on proven educational practices, and contribute to the knowledge base on effective STEM education.

The purpose of IUSE: EDU is to advance undergraduate STEM education to prepare a diverse workforce and informed citizenry. The program encourages the adoption of evidence-based teaching methods, development of innovative curricula, and implementation of educational reforms. Special emphasis is placed on projects that improve the participation of underrepresented groups, foster collaboration among institutions, and address emerging needs like data science education and faculty professional development. The program aligns with NSF’s broader goals of promoting transformative scientific education and innovation.

Funding for IUSE: EDU is structured to support projects of varying scopes and scales. Approximately $61 million is available annually, with funding levels ranging from $200,000 for capacity-building projects to $2 million for large-scale efforts. Projects may address diverse themes, including the development of teaching practices, metrics for student outcomes, institutional change, and STEM workforce preparation. Grants are awarded as standard or continuing grants, with an estimated 135 awards issued yearly across multiple project types, including conferences and workshops.

Eligibility for this program is open to institutions of higher education and associated organizations, as defined by NSF guidelines. Principal Investigators (PIs) may lead up to three proposals per year, and proposals must comply with NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. There are no specific cost-sharing requirements, but projects should ensure broad applicability and dissemination. Proposals involving multi-institution collaborations or investigators new to NSF funding are especially encouraged.

Applications require a full proposal, including a project description grounded in research literature, evaluation and dissemination plans, and a list of participants. Proposals are submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, with deadlines on the third Wednesday of January and July annually. All projects must include mechanisms for assessing progress, sustainability plans, and adherence to NSF’s intellectual property and open-access policies.

Proposals are evaluated based on NSF’s merit review criteria of Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts, which assess a project’s potential to advance STEM education and benefit society. Reviewers consider the project’s innovation, rationale, team qualifications, and resources. Strong projects align with NSF’s strategic priorities, address systemic challenges in STEM education, and demonstrate the potential for sustainable, scalable impact.

For further guidance, applicants are encouraged to contact program officers or refer to the program’s website. Webinars and other resources are also available to help proposers understand the program’s expectations and submission requirements. Notifications of award decisions are typically made within six months of the proposal deadline, and reporting requirements include annual and final reports submitted through Research.gov.