Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education
About
Synopsis of Program: The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) hold much promise as sectors of the economy where we can expect to see continuous vigorous growth in the coming decades. STEM job creation is expected to outpace non-STEM job creation significantly, according to the Commerce Department, reflecting the importance of STEM knowledge to the US economy. The National Science Foundation (NSF) plays a leadership role in developing and implementing efforts to enhance and improve STEM education in the United States. Through the NSF Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) initiative, the agency continues to make a substantial commitment to the highest caliber undergraduate STEM education through a Foundation-wide framework of investments. The IUSE: EDU is a core NSF STEM education program that seeks to promote novel, creative, and transformative approaches to generating and using new knowledge about STEM teaching and learning to improve STEM education for undergraduate students. The program is open to application from all institutions of higher education and associated organizations. NSF places high value on educating students to be leaders and innovators in emerging and rapidly changing STEM fields as well as educating a scientifically literate public. In pursuit of this goal, IUSE: EDU supports projects that seek to bring recent advances in STEM knowledge into undergraduate education, that adapt, improve, and incorporate evidence-based pr.
The Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE): EDU grant program, administered by the National Science Foundation's Directorate for STEM Education, is designed for institutions of higher education and associated organizations seeking to transform undergraduate STEM education. This program funds innovative, evidence-based approaches to teaching and learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With STEM job creation expected to significantly outpace non-STEM positions according to the Commerce Department, this grant supports projects that bring cutting-edge STEM knowledge into undergraduate classrooms while preparing students to become leaders and innovators in rapidly evolving fields. Educational institutions should apply if they aim to develop novel curricula, improve teaching methodologies, adapt proven educational practices, or generate new knowledge about how students learn STEM subjects most effectively. The NSF recognizes that a scientifically literate public is essential to the nation's future, making this program critical for institutions committed to enhancing STEM education quality and accessibility. Funding ranges from $200,000 to $2,000,000, making it accessible to institutions of various sizes seeking meaningful educational transformation.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
July 15, 2026
Award Amount
$200K - $2M
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
$200K - $2M
Deadline
2026-07-15
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual (Next deadline: July 15, 2026)
Best For
Institutions of higher education, colleges, universities, and associated organizations committed to transforming undergraduate STEM education
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education?
The program is open to application from all institutions of higher education and associated organizations. For specific eligibility requirements and institutional classifications, applicants should consult the official NSF IUSE: EDU program solicitation on the National Science Foundation website.
How much funding does Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education provide?
Funding ranges from $200,000 to $2,000,000 per project. The specific amount awarded depends on the scope and nature of the proposed project. Applicants should review the current program solicitation for detailed budget guidelines.
How do I apply for Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education?
Applications are submitted through the NSF's online proposal submission system. Applicants must develop a research or education improvement proposal that demonstrates novel, creative, and transformative approaches to undergraduate STEM teaching and learning. Visit the official NSF website and the IUSE: EDU program page for current application procedures, deadlines, and required documentation.
What can Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Directorate for STEM Education funding be used for?
Funding supports projects that bring recent advances in STEM knowledge into undergraduate education, adapt and improve evidence-based practices, develop innovative curricula, conduct research on STEM teaching and learning effectiveness, and create transformative educational approaches. The program emphasizes generating and using new knowledge to improve how STEM subjects are taught and learned at the undergraduate level.
Last updated: July 5, 2026