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STEP (NSF) Grant Opportunity FAQs

What was the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Talent Expansion Program (STEP)?

STEP was a National Science Foundation (NSF) discretionary grant opportunity designed to increase the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who complete associate or bachelor degrees in STEM fields. It supported efforts across established STEM disciplines and emerging areas, with an emphasis on measurable improvements in degree completion (not recruitment alone).

What was the main goal of STEP?

The central goal was to grow STEM degree attainment by using concrete, scalable strategies that demonstrably increase completion rates. STEP encouraged projects that address points where students often leave the STEM pipeline, such as challenging introductory courses, inadequate academic preparation, and transition barriers between two-year and four-year institutions.

What kinds of student pipeline challenges did STEP aim to address?

STEP highlighted common loss points including introductory coursework, academic preparation gaps, and transitions between community colleges and universities. The program placed particular attention on improving transfer and articulation pathways to support students moving from associate-level study toward STEM bachelor degrees.

What were the two main project types supported by STEP?

STEP supported two types of projects: Type 1 (implementation-focused projects at academic institutions) and Type 2 (educational research projects focused on understanding and improving STEM degree attainment).

What were Type 1 STEP proposals?

Type 1 proposals were intended for full implementation at academic institutions. Applicants were expected to put proven or strongly justified interventions into practice at scale rather than focusing only on planning or small pilots. Type 1 projects could be submitted by a single eligible institution or as a collaboration (including multi-institution consortia and partnerships with business and industry).

Did STEP emphasize transfer and articulation between institutions?

Yes. A notable emphasis in STEP, especially under Type 1, was improving student transition pathways, including transfer and articulation between community colleges and universities. The rationale was that smoother transfer routes can increase the number of students who ultimately complete a STEM bachelor degree.

What were Type 2 STEP proposals?

Type 2 proposals supported educational research aimed at understanding and improving STEM associate or bachelor degree attainment. These projects were structured as research studies intended to generate evidence about what works, for whom, and under what conditions, rather than serving as institution-wide implementation efforts.

Who was eligible to apply for Type 1 STEP funding?

Type 1 proposals could be submitted by U.S.-accredited academic institutions with campuses in the United States or its territories that offer associate or bachelor degrees in STEM. Type 1 eligibility also included consortia of such institutions, or nonprofit organizations that have established consortia among them.

Could an associate degree-granting institution apply for Type 1 even if it did not award STEM associate degrees?

Yes. The solicitation allowed certain associate degree-granting institutions to participate even if they did not award STEM associate degrees, as long as they had a demonstrated record of articulation to STEM bachelor programs. This reflected NSF interest in strengthening transfer pipelines.

Who was eligible to apply for Type 2 STEP funding?

Type 2 proposals were open more broadly to any individual or organization eligible to submit proposals to NSF. This typically includes U.S. universities, colleges, nonprofit organizations, and other eligible entities under NSF rules.

Was STEP a grant or a contract?

STEP was a grant opportunity (not a contract) administered within NSF's Education and Human Resources domain.

What CFDA number was associated with STEP?

The opportunity was listed under CFDA 47.076.

How was the opportunity categorized?

STEP was categorized under science and technology research and development.

How much funding was anticipated under STEP?

The opportunity anticipated approximately 20 awards with an estimated total funding level of $30,000,000.

Was cost sharing or matching required?

No. The solicitation indicated there was no cost sharing or matching requirement.

When was STEP originally posted?

The original posting date was June 17, 2011.

What were the full proposal deadlines for STEP?

The full proposal deadlines listed were September 27, 2011; September 25, 2012; and September 26, 2013.

Is STEP currently accepting proposals?

No. The record indicates the opportunity is archived and is no longer accepting proposals. It was archived on November 6, 2014.

Where were applicants directed for the official solicitation details?

NSF referenced Publication 11-550 for full details.

Who should applicants contact for help accessing the opportunity through Grants.gov?

Applicants needing access help were directed to NSF's Grants.gov support email: grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov.

What populations did STEP aim to increase degree completion for?

STEP specifically focused on increasing the number of U.S. citizens and permanent residents who complete associate or bachelor degrees in STEM fields.