FY26 STEM Outreach Activities

The ND EPSCoR State Office’s mission is to support educational efforts across the state that result in increased STEM capacity and competitiveness and a stronger STEM pathway that produces our next generation workforce, educators, and researchers.

Thus, the ND EPSCoR State Office is accepting proposals to fund STEM outreach activities lead by institutions of higher education, STEM science museums, and/or technology parks located in North Dakota. Engagement of faculty and researchers is highly encouraged.

Program Description

Strengthening and broadening the STEM pathway is a core goal of ND EPSCoR. Proposals will be accepted that focus on activities that build stronger STEM education and STEM identity for youth in the state. Of particular interest are activities that engage students and result in an increased awareness and interest in STEM careers.

Proposals will be evaluated for fit with ND EPSCoR’s mission and the current North Dakota Science and Technology Plan.

A. Eligibility-limited submission

All institutions of higher education, STEM science museums, and technology parks located in North Dakota are eligible to apply. Only one application from an institution will be considered. If multiple applications are received from an eligible institution, the first application received will be considered and reviewed. All others will be returned without review.

B. Proposal Submission Deadline

Proposals must be submitted through the NDSU submission portal no later than 11:59 pm CST on December 19, 2025.

Submission of a proposal does not guarantee funding.

C. Funding Availability

$135,000 has been allocated to this program. Awards up to $15,000 will be made. It is anticipated that Notice of Awards will be issued by January 15, 2026. This program is supported by state funds.

Indirect cost recovery is not allowed.

D. Proposal Preparation Guidance

The proposal narrative should be no longer than five pages and must include: 1) introduction and justification for the activity (i.e., is it grounded in a best practice); 2) description of the activity; 3) description of partner organization(s) and their role(s); 4) target audience (i.e., grade level etc.); and 5) how the proposed activities fit within the mission and goals of ND EPSCoR and the current North Dakota Science and Technology Plan.

In addition to the narrative, the application must also include a short bio sketch (2 page) of each individual leading the proposed activity, a detailed budget on the ND EPSCoR RFP Budget form (budget form available in the NDSU Submission Portal) and a detailed budget justification.

E. Proposal Submission

Proposals must be submitted through the NDSU submission portal no later than 11:59 pm CST on December 19, 2025. A guide for accessing NDSU InfoReady can be obtained here.

Please check with your institutional research office (or equivalent) for specific internal approval process before submission. Only submit institutionally approved applications.

If you have questions, please contact Jim Doolittle at james.doolittle@ndsu.edu.

F. Award Requirements

All awards require: 1) acknowledgement of the ND EPSCoR State Office as the funder in any publications/presentations using the award acknowledgment guidelines published on the ND EPSCoR website, 2) presentation of the activity/results at the ND EPSCoR Annual State Conference (be sure to include travel for presentation(s) in the submitted budget) 3) a final report submitted to ND EPSCoR through the NDSU InfoReady portal within 30 days of the award end date, and 4) signed photo releases for any figures in the final report as these figures may be used in ND EPSCoR reports and promotional materials.