About the NSF Informal Science Education Program
The National Science Foundation's Informal Science Education (ISE) program is part of the Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings within the agency's Education & Human Resources Directorate. The ISE program invests in projects that develop and implement informal learning experiences designed to increase interest, engagement, and understanding of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) by individuals of all ages and backgrounds, as well as projects that advance knowledge and practice of informal science education. Projects may target either public audiences or professionals whose work directly affects informal STEM learning. ISE projects are expected to demonstrate strategic impact, innovation, and collaboration. Gathered here are links to information about the ISE program useful to those applying for and carrying out ISE-funded work.
- Informal Science Education Program—An overview of the ISE program and links to abstracts of recent ISE awards.
- Current ISE Solicitation—Background and guidelines for submitting proposals to the ISE program.
- Framework for Evaluating Impacts of Informal Science Education Projects (PDF)—Originating from a March 12–13, 2007 workshop about informal science education evaluation, this book offers background about NSF's evolving reporting requirements and advice from evaluators working in the field about how to gather evidence about impacts of projects supported by the ISE program.
- NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide—Included here are the general NSF Grant Proposal Guide (Part I) and the Award and Administration Guide (Part II), which includes documents used to guide, manage, and monitor the award and administration of NSF grants and cooperative agreements .
- NSF Merit Review Process—Read this for a better understanding of the NSF merit review process.
- Prospective New Awardee Guide—This guide will help your organization prepare documents required by NSF to conduct administrative and financial reviews of your organization.
Upcoming ISE due dates:
- Letter of Intent: March 20, 2008
- Full Proposal: June 19, 2008
- Letter of Intent: September 18, 2008
- Full Proposal: December 18, 2008
NSF Regional Grants Conference: This two-day conference is intended especially for new faculty, researchers, and administrators who want to gain insight into current issues at NSF, including funding, new policies and procedures, and administrative issues.
- Providence, Rhode Island - April 7-8, 2008
- Omaha, Nebraska - October 20-21, 2008