NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
About
The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The overarching goal of this NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program is to support educational activities that increase understanding of biomedical research among pre-college (pre-kindergarten to grade12) individuals, and to encourage awareness of and continued interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
The NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) is a federal grant program designed to support educational initiatives that enhance understanding of biomedical research among pre-college students (pre-kindergarten through grade 12). This program is ideal for educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and research centers committed to inspiring the next generation of scientists and STEM professionals. The SEPA program funds innovative educational activities that not only increase student comprehension of biomedical research concepts but also cultivate awareness of and sustained interest in STEM careers. Applicants should focus on creating engaging, evidence-based educational experiences that reach diverse student populations and demonstrate potential for long-term impact on student interest in science careers. The program explicitly excludes clinical trial activities, so applications should emphasize educational outreach, curriculum development, teacher professional development, and student engagement strategies. Organizations seeking to make a meaningful difference in science education at the pre-college level should consider this opportunity to secure federal funding for their educational missions and contribute to building a stronger, more diverse STEM workforce.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
May 25, 2029
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Funding Range
Varies by funding cycle
Deadline
2029-05-25
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Annual
Best For
Educational institutions, nonprofits, and research centers focused on pre-college STEM education and biomedical research awareness
Eligibility
Refer to Section III. Eligibility Information in the NOFO for additional information on eligibility.Foreign Organizations/International Collaborations:Non-domestic (non-U.S.) Entities (Foreign Organizations) are not eligible to apply.Non-domestic (non-U.S.) components of U.S. Organizations are not eligible to apply.Foreign components, as defined in the NIH Grants Policy Statement, are not allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Eligible applicants include U.S.-based organizations, educational institutions, and nonprofits focused on pre-college science education. Foreign organizations and non-domestic entities are not eligible. Foreign components are not allowed in applications. Clinical trial-based activities are excluded from this program. For comprehensive eligibility requirements, consult Section III of the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) on the official NIH website.
How much funding does NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) provide?
Specific funding amounts vary by funding cycle. Applicants should consult the current Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and the official NIH website for the most current funding ranges and budget limitations for the specific cycle to which they plan to apply.
How do I apply for NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)?
Applications are submitted through Grants.gov and the NIH electronic submission system. Applicants should review the current NOFO carefully for submission requirements, formatting guidelines, and specific application components required. The next deadline is May 25, 2029. Visit the official NIH website and the specific program page for detailed instructions, submission portals, and technical assistance resources.
What can NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed) funding be used for?
Funding supports educational activities that increase pre-college students' understanding of biomedical research and encourage interest in STEM careers. Eligible activities may include curriculum development, teacher professional development, student engagement programs, educational outreach, and initiatives designed to build awareness of biomedical research careers. Clinical trial activities are not permitted. For detailed guidance on allowable uses, review the program description and NOFO on the NIH website.
Last updated: July 5, 2026