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Discovery Research K-12

U.S. National Science Foundation

open
Rolling / OpenLast verified: 2026-07-05

About This Grant

The Discovery Research K-12 (DR K-12) program seeks to enable significant advances in preK-12 student and teacher learning of the STEM disciplines through development, study, and implementation of resources, models, and technologies for use by students, teachers, and policymakers. Projects funded under this solicitation begin with a research question or a hypothesis about how to improve preK-12 STEM learning and teaching. Projects create or adapt and study innovative resources, models, or technologies and determine how and why implementation affects STEM learning.DR K-12 invites proposals that meet a variety of educational needs, from those that address immediate and pressing challenges facing preK-12 STEM education to those that anticipate opportunities for the future. DR K-12 especially encourages proposals that challenge existing assumptions about learning and teaching within or across STEM fields, envision needs of learners in 10-15 years, and consider new and innovative ways to educate students and teachers. Project goals, designs, and working strategies should be informed by prior research and practical experience drawn from all relevant disciplines, while focusing on concepts and skills that are central to STEM education. The DR K-12 program is primarily concerned with improving education of students and teachers in formal settings. As appropriate, the program encourages projects also to draw from knowledge and practice of learning in informal settings. While many projects supported under this solicitation will focus on exploratory development and testing of innovative ideas for some specific facet of STEM education, all proposals must explain how the work can lead ultimately to successful adoption of findings or products in the K-12 enterprise on a national scale.The DR K-12 program accepts proposals for exploratory projects, full research and development projects, and synthesis projects, as well as for conferences and workshops related to the mission of the program.

Grant Summary

Discovery Research K-12 is a U.S. National Science Foundation grant providing funding that varies by award 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

Up to $0K

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Complexity
Medium
  1. 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Discovery Research K-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 K-12: Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for the Discovery Research K-12?

Discovery Research K-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 K-12 provide?

Discovery Research K-12 provides an amount that varies by award 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 K-12 deadline?

Discovery Research K-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 K-12?

To apply for Discovery Research K-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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