Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is soliciting applications for the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Fields program to fund projects that increase rural participation in postsecondary STEM education and food and agricultural sciences, with an application deadline of September 14, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The program requires dollar-for-dollar cost sharing from non-federal sources, though NIFA may waive this requirement under certain conditions.

Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations, colleges and universities, university research foundations, other research institutions and organizations, federal agencies, national laboratories, private organizations or corporations, and groups of two or more of these entities. Each eligible institution may submit no more than two applications with no more than one award per institution.

Approximately $1.905 million is available, with anticipated awards of 9 grants ranging from $25,000 to $200,000 each. Projects must run 24 to 36 months and target K-14 audiences (kindergarten through twelfth grade plus two years of postsecondary schooling, including vocational technical institutions and community or junior colleges).

Applicants must submit research, extension, or integrated research-extension projects addressing one or more of three focus areas: Student Experiential Learning (internships and hands-on opportunities with leadership development); Student Recruitment, Retention, and Mentoring (student financial assistance and agricultural literacy); or Curriculum Design and Materials Development (alternative courses and degree programs). All projects must include comprehensive evaluation plans, data management plans, and dissemination plans. Indirect costs are capped at 30 percent of total federal funds awarded.

NIFA evaluates applications through a two-part process: administrative compliance review followed by scientific peer review based on five criteria: potential for advancing education quality, proposed approach and cooperative linkages, institutional capability and capacity building, budget and cost-effectiveness, and key personnel qualifications.

The program operates under Assistance Listing 10.318. NIFA strongly encourages Project Directors to limit student stipends, tuition, and educational costs to citizens, nationals, or permanent residents of the United States.