National STEM Education Distributed Learning (NSDL)

Description

This program aims to establish a national network of learning environments and resources for science, technology,engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education at all levels. The program has four tracks: Pathways projects are expected to provide stewardship for the content and services needed by major communities of learners. Targeted research will focus primarily on educational impact. Services projects are expected to develop services that support users and resource collection providers that enhance the impact, efficiency, and value of the NSDL network. Projects that explore specific topics that have immediate applicability to collections, services, and other aspects of the development of the NSDL network, which were submitted as Targeted Research under previous solicitations, should now be submitted as small grants to the Services section of the program. The existing NSDL Resource Center will provide collaboration assistance across all projects; undertake strategic partnership development on behalf of projects particularly with respect to non-academic entities; coordinate and, in some cases, perform thematic research and evaluation studies related to the program; synthesize findings across the portfolio; and disseminate findings of the accomplishments of the NSDL program. In FY2009, the program will accept proposals for large grants in 1) the Pathways track, 2) Pathways - II, 3) specific sub-tracks of Services,and 4) Targeted Research . In all tracks, the program will also accept proposals for small grants that extend or enhance results from existing services, collections, or targeted research activity so as to enlarge the user audience for the NSDL network or improve capabilities for the user. 

There are four tracks to this funding mechanism.  For more information on each track, click more information below.

Eligible Entities

No limitations

Available Funds

NSF anticipates that approximately $10.75 million will be available in FY2009 for awards made through this solicitation. The program expects to make approximately 24-37 awards, depending on the availability of funds and the quality of proposals received. The anticipated distribution of awards is as follows:

• Pathways: 1 to 3 new awards, up to $2,550,000 each;
• Pathways - II: 3 to 5 new awards, up to $725,000 each;Services: 6 to 8 new awards, up to $600,000 each;
• Small grants: 10 to 15 new awards, up to $150,000 each.
• Targeted Research (Educational impact): 4 to 6 new awards, up to $500,000 each.

Awards in the Pathways track may have a duration of up to 36 months and will be made as continuing grants. Awards in the Pathways - II track may have a duration of up to 24 months and will be made as either standard or continuing grants. Awards in the Services track may have a duration of up to 36 months and will be made either as standard or continuing grants. Awards in the Small grants track may have a duration of up to 24 months and will be made as standard grants. Awards in the Targeted research(Educational impact) track may have a duration of 36 months and will be made either as standard or continuing grants. The estimated program budget, number of awards, and average award size and duration are subject to the availability of funds.

Cost Sharing

Not required

Facilities and Administrative Costs

No limitations

Key Dates

(due by 5 p.m. proposer's local time):
April 15, 2009

More Info + Submissions

Agency: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Expires: April 15, 2009

Submissions for this opportunity are not handled by RI STAC or RI EPSCoR. Please follow the link below for more information on the opportunity and how to submit a response.

›› More Info  or  Submit a Response