NSF Innovation in Two-Year College STEM Education

RuralSTEM Catalyst:

Empowering Students and Communities Through Innovation and STEM

Sponsoring Agency:

• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• Funding: $462,927
• Grant Timeline: 10/1/25 – 9/30/28

The Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE) program, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), supports innovative projects that enhance the quality, effectiveness, and inclusiveness of undergraduate education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The initiative encourages colleges and universities to develop and implement evidence-based teaching practices, curriculum improvements, and institutional strategies that deepen student engagement, improve learning outcomes, and prepare a diverse, capable STEM workforce for the future.

IUSE grants are structured around two main tracks — Engaged Student Learning and Institutional and Community Transformation — with varying levels of funding to support activities ranging from pilot innovations to large-scale systemic change. Projects funded through IUSE also aim to broaden participation in STEM, foster faculty development, and generate new knowledge about effective undergraduate STEM education that can benefit institutions nationwide.

Project Objectives:

• Conduct an environmental scan of existing CCP partnerships with local high schools & articulation agreements with four-year institutions
• Develop & leverage comprehensive guided pathways in STEM programs that feature accessible information & various on-and-off ramps to meet students' unique needs.
• Establish a college STEM Club to support student success as measured by enrollment, retention and completion metrics

For more information:  Award Details - NSF Award Search