Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): NSF Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering

What is the NSF RET in Engineering program?

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Engineering (ENG), offers the Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering program to connect educators directly with active engineering research. The core idea is to place K-12 teachers and community college faculty into engineering research settings so they can experience how engineering knowledge is created and how research teams work, then translate that experience into classroom-ready instructional materials.

What is the main goal of the program?

The program aims to strengthen engineering and technology learning in classrooms by giving educators firsthand experience in real engineering research environments. Participants are expected to convert their research experiences into lesson modules, labs, learning activities, or other instructional materials that bring authentic engineering practices to students.

Who participates in the RET in Engineering program?

The opportunity is designed for K-12 teachers and community college faculty to participate in engineering research settings. The program emphasizes educators who can bring research-informed engineering practices back to their classrooms.

What kinds of activities are participants expected to produce for classrooms?

Participants are expected to translate their research experiences into classroom-ready materials such as learning activities, lesson modules, laboratory exercises, or other instructional resources that reflect authentic engineering practices and research-based insights.

What does the program mean by "long-term collaborations"?

A major emphasis of the RET in Engineering program is building durable partnerships among K-12 STEM teachers, community college instructors, and university-based NSF-funded engineering researchers. The intent is for the impact to continue beyond a single summer or a single project cycle through ongoing collaboration and continued exchange between research and education settings.

How does the program support broadening participation in engineering?

The program prioritizes broadening participation and expanding access to high-quality engineering learning opportunities. Proposals are especially encouraged to partner with inner-city schools and other high-need schools and to support participation by groups historically underrepresented in engineering, including underrepresented minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.

What are NSF's expectations around recruitment and support for participants?

Projects are expected to be thoughtful about recruitment, mentoring, and support structures so that educators from diverse backgrounds and school contexts can participate meaningfully and successfully. The resulting classroom activities are also expected to be relevant and usable across varied educational environments.

What are the two main funding mechanisms available under this opportunity?

The RET in Engineering program offers two main paths for support: (1) RET supplements to existing or newly proposed NSF ENG research awards, and (2) RET Site awards, which are standalone proposals submitted by engineering units to run a structured program for multiple educators.

What is an RET supplement?

An RET supplement is an add-on request to an existing or newly proposed NSF ENG research award. It enables a funded (or newly submitted/renewed) engineering research project to include a teacher or community college faculty research experience as part of the broader research effort, leveraging the existing research infrastructure and personnel.

What is an RET Site award?

An RET Site award is a standalone proposal, typically submitted by an engineering department, school, or college, to run a structured research participation program for multiple educators. A Site generally organizes a cohort of K-12 teachers and/or community college faculty, matches them with labs or research groups, provides professional development and mentoring, and supports the development of classroom materials based on participants' research experiences.

Who is eligible to apply?

Eligibility is centered on U.S. academic institutions. Proposals may be submitted by accredited U.S. universities and colleges, including two-year and four-year institutions and community colleges.

Are there special eligibility requirements for RET Site proposals?

Yes. For RET Site proposals specifically, the principal investigator (PI) must hold a faculty appointment within a College or Department of Engineering or a College or Department of Engineering Technology at the submitting institution.

What types of institutions can submit proposals?

Accredited U.S. universities and colleges are eligible, including community colleges and other two-year and four-year institutions.

What NSF directorate administers this program?

The program is offered through the National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering (ENG).

How is this opportunity categorized in federal assistance listings?

The opportunity is listed as a discretionary grant program in the science and technology research and development category, and it is tied to CFDA number 47.041 (Engineering Grants).

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No cost sharing or matching requirement is stated for this opportunity.

What is the estimated total funding and expected number of awards?

The listing indicates an estimated total funding amount of $500,000 and an expectation of around five awards.

When are proposals due?

The timeline information states that the full proposal deadline is the third Monday in November each year. The record also includes historical dates such as an original closing date of November 16, 2009 and a current closing date listed as November 15, 2010.

Is the opportunity still open if the record is archived?

The provided information notes an archive date of December 13, 2010 and describes the particular announcement record as archived. However, the summary details still describe the structure and intent of the RET in Engineering mechanism as described in NSF Publication 07-557.

Where can applicants find the referenced program guidance?

The opportunity references NSF Publication 07-557 as an additional information source for the program.

Who should be contacted for access or linking issues related to the opportunity?

The information provides NSF Grants.gov support for access and linking issues at grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

What is the underlying approach or "theory of change" behind RET in Engineering?

The program is built around the idea that placing educators in meaningful roles within engineering research, then supporting them in converting that experience into strong classroom instruction, will improve engineering learning for students. It also aims to cultivate durable partnerships so engineering content and practices continue to flow between universities and the schools and colleges preparing the next generation of STEM learners.