RFP open for NATURE Sunday Academy STEM Modules

ND EPSCoR is soliciting proposals from faculty interested in creating interactive, activity-based STEM modules for the NATURE Sunday Academy.

Nurturing American Tribal Undergraduate Research and Education (NATURE) Sunday Academy is a long-standing STEM outreach program that provides half-day, hands-on STEM learning experiences for middle and high school students on Tribal College campuses throughout North Dakota. Sunday Academy lessons emphasize active learning, problem solving, and exploration, with activities developed in collaboration with Tribal College faculty and community partners. The program is designed to help students build interest in STEM fields and confidence in their ability to succeed in them.

Selected faculty will participate in a summer development workshop held on the North Dakota State University campus from June 9–11, 2026. During this workshop, faculty will collaborate with Tribal College faculty, NATURE Coordinators, K–12 teachers, and cultural elders from participating tribal communities to strengthen lesson design and implementation. These collaborations will help faculty connect STEM concepts to local knowledge systems, community priorities, and place-based examples, resulting in learning modules that are both technically rigorous and locally relevant. The workshop provides structured guidance, time for lesson refinement, and opportunities for dialogue that support meaningful integration of community perspectives into STEM activities.

During the academic year, participating faculty will travel to Tribal College campuses on four Sundays between September and March (specific dates to be determined) to deliver their modules. Faculty will work directly with middle and high school students in a supportive, inquiry-driven environment that emphasizes hands-on exploration and discussion. Prior experience working with Tribal Colleges or informal STEM education programs is not required; the NATURE Sunday Academy provides logistical coordination, curriculum support, and on-site assistance throughout the program.

Faculty selected to develop and deliver NATURE Sunday Academy modules will receive a $2,000 stipend to support lesson development, workshop participation, and module delivery. Additional funding of up to $800 is available for lesson materials, and up to $1,500 is available for travel reimbursement to Tribal College campuses. ND EPSCoR staff coordinate scheduling, travel logistics, and on-site support to reduce

administrative demands on participating faculty.

Faculty from the following institutions are eligible to develop STEM modules: Cankdeska Cikana Community College, Dickinson State University, Mayville State University, Minot State University, North Dakota State University, Nueta Hidatsa Community College, Sitting Bull College, Turtle Mountain College, United Tribes Technical College, University of North Dakota, and Valley City State University. Collaborative proposals involving faculty from multiple institutions are welcome.

Please submit proposals through the NDSU submission portal by 5:00 pm CDT, March 17th, 2026. Awards are contingent upon the availability of funding. Notifications will begin on April 1, 2026, and will continue until all module openings are filled.

Download the full RFP at the link below. Questions regarding proposal submission should be directed to Britt Heidinger, the ND EPSCoR NATURE Sunday Academy Coordinator.