NSF INCLUDES Initiative for Inclusive STEM Education In 2016, the National Science Foundation (NSF) introduced “Big Ideas,” which are important future directions in science and engineering. These ideas offer new opportunities to put the country ahead of the global science and technology agenda. These projects combine different disciplines to produce cutting-edge research. When you submit a proposal for this call, it will first be sent to the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) / Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM (EES), but will then be managed by expert program directors from across NSF’s disciplines to ensure the best possible outcomes.
The INCLUDES Initiative is a national, comprehensive effort to strengthen America’s leadership in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The initiative emphasizes ensuring that all individuals have equal opportunity and inclusion in STEM fields, as outlined in NSF’s Fiscal Year 2022-2026 Strategic Plan. The goal of the initiative is to bring together all institutions in the STEM field to drive positive and inclusive change so that the STEM workforce is truly representative of the nation’s population. Specifically, the INCLUDES Initiative aims to develop a system that strengthens institutions working together to drive change at scale and engage more people in STEM. If the goals of the initiative are met, it will create a new generation of scientists, experts, and leaders who will ensure America’s future and long-term economic growth.
Through this announcement, NSF is providing funding for five types of projects that connect to and contribute to the National Network:
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🚀 Design and Development Launch Pilots
(Symbolizing innovation, start, and progress)
🤝 Collaborative Change Consortia
(Representing partnership and teamwork)
🌐 Alliances
(Indicating global or strategic connections)
🔗 Network Connectors
(Symbolizing links and connectivity)
📅 Conferences
(Representing scheduled gatherings or events)
| 🔖 Category | 📄 Details |
|---|---|
| 🧩 Initiative Name | NSF INCLUDES (Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science) |
| 🏛️ Launched By | National Science Foundation (NSF) |
| 🎯 Main Goal | Inclusive participation in STEM and systemic change |
| ⚙️ Focus Areas | Equity, diversity, and inclusion in STEM |
| 💼 Funding Project Types | 1. Design and Development Launch Pilots 2. Collaborative Change Consortia 3. Alliances 4. Network Connectors 5. Conferences |
| ✅ Eligible Applicants | – For-profit organizations – Non-profits – IHEs (Colleges/Universities) – State/local governments – Tribal Nations |
| 🧱 Key Design Elements | 1. Shared vision 2. Partnerships 3. Goals and metrics 4. Leadership and communication 5. Expansion, sustainability, and scale |
| 📘 Strategic Plan Reference | NSF Strategic Plan FY 2022–2026 |
| 📧 Contact Email | grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov |
| 📑 Reference Document | NSF Publication 22-622 |
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The INCLUDES National Network is a broad collaborative network of institutions, organizations, and individuals working together to promote greater participation in STEM fields. The network serves as an experimental platform where collaborative change models are designed, implemented, studied, refined, and then scaled up. This network consists of the following individuals and organizations: (further details will likely be given in the next paragraph).
💡 INCLUDES Funded Projects
(Highlighting innovation and spotlighting funded initiatives)
🏛️ Other NSF Funded Projects
(Representing institutional or governmental research support)
🏛️ Subcommittee on Federal Coordination in STEM Education (FC-STEM) Agencies
Federal bodies coordinating efforts in STEM education.
🎓 Scholars Engaged in Broadening Participation Research and Evaluation
Researchers focused on equity, access, and inclusion in STEM.
🌍 Organizations Supporting Inclusive STEM Workforce Development
Groups working to nurture talent from all sectors of society.
All INCLUDES funded projects must operationalize five design elements of collaborative infrastructure – (1) shared vision, (2) partnerships, (3) goals and metrics, (4) leadership and communication, and (5) expansion, sustainability, and scale- to create systemic change that broadens participation in STEM.
Eligibility NSF INCLUDES Initiative for Inclusive STEM Education
Eligible applicants NSF INCLUDES Initiative for Inclusive STEM Education
Miscellaneous NSF INCLUDES Initiative for Inclusive STEM Education
Other
Additional information
Who can submit proposals:
The following institutions and organizations can submit proposals to NSF:
For-profit organizations:
Commercial organizations, including small businesses, established in the United States that specialize in scientific or engineering research or education and are interested in innovation.
Non-profit, non-academic organizations:
NSF INCLUDES Initiative for Inclusive STEM Education Institutions such as independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, etc., that are located in the United States and directly engaged in educational or research activities.
State and local governments
Institutions of Higher Education (IHEs):
Two-year or four-year colleges or universities (including community colleges) located in the United States and that are accredited, and are applying on behalf of their faculty members.
Special Instructions for Foreign Branches of U.S. Universities:
If the proposal is funding an international branch of a U.S. university (whether through a subaward or consultant), the applicant must explain what the benefits of working at the branch are, and why these activities cannot be conducted on a U.S. campus.
Tribal Nations:
NSF INCLUDES Initiative for Inclusive STEM Education American Indian or Alaska Native tribes, bands, nations, pueblos, villages, or communities that have been formally recognized by the federal government under the 1994 Act.
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Grantor contact information
Grantor contact information
Description
📧 NSF Grants.gov Support
Email: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
If you have any problems linking to this funding announcement, please contact the email address above.
grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
Documents
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Link to additional information
What is the purpose of the NSF INCLUDES Initiative for Inclusive STEM Education?
The NSF INCLUDES Initiative for Inclusive STEM Education aims to improve access and success for underrepresented groups in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by promoting equity, collaboration, and systemic change across institutions.
How do NSF STEM Education Grants support broadening participation in STEM fields?
NSF STEM Education Grants provide funding for programs that focus on broadening participation in STEM, especially for students from historically marginalized communities, by offering research opportunities, mentorship, and educational resources.
What does inclusive STEM workforce development mean and why is it important?
Inclusive STEM workforce development refers to creating pathways for diverse individuals to enter and succeed in STEM careers. It is important because it fosters innovation and ensures all communities benefit from scientific progress.
How can institutions contribute to collaborative change in STEM fields?
Institutions can drive collaborative change in STEM fields by forming partnerships, sharing best practices, and engaging stakeholders across sectors to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in STEM education and careers.
Who can apply for NSF INCLUDES or related STEM funding programs?
Universities, community colleges, K-12 schools, nonprofits, and other organizations committed to inclusive STEM education and broadening participation in STEM are eligible to apply for NSF STEM Education Grants under initiatives like NSF INCLUDES.