In a significant push towards enhancing the practical skills and knowledge of K-14 educators in the fields of Engineering and Computer Science, the National Science Foundation has introduced the “Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science” program. Marked by its discretionary nature and categorized under Science, Technology, and other Research and Development, this initiative promises to bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application. With a total funding pool of $5,800,000, the program aims to facilitate authentic summer research experiences, fostering enduring collaborations between educational institutions, school districts, and industry leaders.
The RET program is not just an investment in the professional development of educators; it is a strategic move to invigorate the K-14 curriculum with cutting-edge insights from the fields of Engineering and Computer Science. By immersing educators in research environments, the program ensures that the next generation of students is not only well-versed in theoretical knowledge, but also adept in the practical application of these disciplines. This initiative is a testament to the NSF’s commitment to educational excellence and its belief in the power of experiential learning.
Opportunity ID: 350802
General Information
Document Type: Grants Notice
Funding Opportunity Number: 24-503
Funding Opportunity Title: Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science
Opportunity Category: Discretionary
Funding Instrument Type: Grant
Category of Funding Activity: Science and Technology and other Research and Development
Expected Number of Awards:
CFDA Number(s): 47.041 -- Engineering, 47.070 -- Computer and Information Science and Engineering
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
Version: Synopsis 1
Posted Date: Oct 31, 2023
Last Updated Date: Oct 31, 2023
Original Closing Date for Applications: Jan 29, 2024 for RET Site Proposals
Current Closing Date for Applications: Jan 29, 2024 for RET Site Proposals
Archive Date: Nov 12, 2027
Estimated Total Program Funding: $ 5,800,000
Award Ceiling:
Award Floor: $600,000
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification)
Additional Information on Eligibility:
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Who May Submit Proposals: Proposals may only be submitted by the following:
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RET Sites:
- Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs) - Two- and four-year IHEs (including community colleges) accredited in, and having a campus located in the US, acting on behalf of their faculty members. Special Instructions for International Branch Campuses of US IHEs: If the proposal includes funding to be provided to an international branch campus of a US institution of higher education (including through use of subawards and consultant arrangements), the proposer must explain the benefit(s) to the project of performance at the international branch campus and justify why the project activities cannot be performed at the US campus.Minority-Serving Institutions, community colleges, and institutions with strong programs serving persons with disabilities, are encouraged to apply.
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RET Supplements:
- RET Supplement to an existing award: Active ENG or CISE awardees.
- RET Supplemental funding request submitted as part of a proposal to ENG or CISE for a new or renewal grant or cooperative agreement: Eligibility requirements of the specific funding opportunity apply.
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RET Sites:
Who May Serve as PI: The principal investigator of a RET in Engineering and Computer Science Site proposal must have a full-time, tenured or tenure-track faculty appointment within a College/Department of Engineering or Engineering Technology or a College/Department of Computer and/or Information Science broadly defined [including e.g., Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Software Engineering, Networking Science, Informatics] within the submitting US IHE. The PI must be a full-time Engineering and/or Computer Science faculty member whose primary job responsibilities are research and teaching and not a faculty member who is involved in an administrative capacity such as a dean or outreach coordinator.
Additional Information
Agency Name: National Science Foundation
Description: The Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science program supports authentic summer research experiences for K-14 educators to foster long-term collaborations between universities, community colleges, school districts, and industry partners. With this solicitation, the Directorates for Engineering (ENG) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) focus on a reciprocal exchange of expertise between K-14 educators and research faculty and (when applicable) industry mentors. K-14 educators will enhance their scientific disciplinary knowledge in engineering or computer science and translate their research experiences into classroom activities and curricula to broaden their students’ awareness of and participation in computing and engineering pathways. At the same time, the hosting research faculty will deepen their understanding of classroom practices, current curricula, pedagogy, and K-14 educational environments.
Link to Additional Information: NSF Publication 24-503
Grantor Contact Information: If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
NSF grants.gov support
grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
If you have any problems linking to this funding announcement, please contact the email address above.