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Discovery Research PreK-12

U.S. National Science Foundation

open
Rolling / OpenLast verified: 2026-07-05

About This Grant

The Discovery Research PreK-12 program (DRK-12) seeks to significantly enhance the learning and teaching of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and computer science (STEM) by preK-12 students and teachers, through research and development of STEM education innovations and approaches. Projects in the DRK-12 program build on fundamental research in STEM education and prior research and development efforts that provide theoretical and empirical justification for proposed projects. Projects should result in research-informed and field-tested outcomes and products that inform teaching and learning. Teachers and students who participate in DRK-12 studies are expected to enhance their understanding and use of STEM content, practices and skills. The DRK-12 program invites proposals that address immediate challenges that are facing preK-12 STEM education as well as those that anticipate radically different structures and functions of preK-12 teaching and learning. The DRK-12 program has three major research and development strands: (1) Assessment; (2) Learning; and (3) Teaching. The program recognizes the synergy among the three strands and that there is some overlap and interdependence among them. However, proposals should identify a clear focus of the proposed research efforts (i.e., assessment, learning, or teaching) consistent with the proposal s main objectives and research questions. The program supportssix types of projects: (1) Exploratory, (2) Design and Development, (3) Impact, (4) Implementation and Improvement, (5) Syntheses, and (6) Conferences. Allsix types of projects apply to each of the three DRK-12 program strands.

Grant Summary

Discovery Research PreK-12 is a U.S. National Science Foundation grant providing $450K to $5M for nonprofit, small business, university. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.

Focus Areas

sciencetechnology

Eligibility

nonprofitsmall businessuniversitymunicipalitytribal governmenthealthcare orgschool district

How to Apply

Funding Range

$450K$5M

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Complexity
Medium
  1. 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Discovery Research PreK-12 from U.S. National Science Foundation, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
  2. 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
  3. 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
  4. 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to U.S. National Science Foundation before the deadline.
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Discovery Research PreK-12: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Discovery Research PreK-12?

Discovery Research PreK-12 is offered by U.S. National Science Foundation and is generally open to nonprofit, small business, university, municipality, tribal government, healthcare org, school district. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.

How much funding does the Discovery Research PreK-12 provide?

Discovery Research PreK-12 provides between $450K and $5M per award from U.S. National Science Foundation. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.

When is the Discovery Research PreK-12 deadline?

Discovery Research PreK-12 accepts applications on a rolling or ongoing basis, so there is no single fixed deadline. Confirm current timing with the funder, U.S. National Science Foundation, before you apply, and submit as early as possible because rolling programs can close once funds are committed.

How do you apply for the Discovery Research PreK-12?

To apply for Discovery Research PreK-12, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from U.S. National Science Foundation.

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