STEM + Computing Partnerships | 17 535

Opportunity Information: Apply for 17 535

The National Science Foundation (NSF) grant opportunity titled STEM + Computing Partnerships (STEMC), Funding Opportunity Number 17-535, supports projects that strengthen how computing and computational thinking are taught and used across the full pre-K-12 spectrum. The core idea behind the program is that computing is no longer a niche skill; it is now woven into how modern STEM fields operate. Because of that shift, STEMC is designed to help students build the skills, habits of mind, and confidence needed to learn and work in a world where computation is a normal part of solving problems, doing experiments, analyzing data, and designing systems.

STEMC focuses on integrating computational thinking and computing activities into STEM teaching and learning from early childhood through high school, creating a coherent developmental pathway rather than isolated experiences. Projects may approach this in two main ways: (1) integrating computing into STEM instruction, so that students learn to use computational tools and ways of thinking while they are learning science, math, engineering, or technology concepts; and/or (2) integrating STEM content into pre-K-12 computer science education, so that computer science learning is grounded in authentic STEM applications and contexts. In practice, this could include curriculum and instructional design, classroom learning experiences, and partnership-based approaches that help schools and educators connect computing with real STEM practices.

The opportunity is offered as a discretionary grant under NSF’s Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity area, with CFDA numbers 47.070 and 47.076. Eligibility is listed as unrestricted, meaning a wide range of applicant types may apply, subject to any additional eligibility details that may be provided in the full solicitation text. The program emphasizes partnerships, reflecting the expectation that effective pre-K-12 computing integration often requires coordination among multiple stakeholders, such as educators, school systems, researchers, and organizations that can support professional learning, materials development, or implementation at scale.

For this specific posting, the opportunity was created on December 30, 2016, with an original closing date of March 29, 2017. NSF anticipated making about 35 awards, with an award ceiling of up to $2,500,000 per award. Overall, STEMC aims to expand and deepen students’ exposure to computing concepts and computational thinking in age-appropriate ways, ensuring that by the time students reach later grades, they have a strong foundation for advanced STEM learning and for future academic and career pathways that increasingly rely on computation.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "STEM + Computing Partnerships" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.070, 47.076.
• This funding opportunity was created on Dec 30, 2016.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 29, 2017. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,500,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 35 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Unrestricted (i.e., open to any type of entity above), subject to any clarification in text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility.

Apply for 17 535

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