Objectives
The NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY program brings together researchers, educators, technologists, and parents or guardians to co-design tools and strategies that address real-world challenges identified by K-12 students, families, and educators. The program invests in the development of innovative, technology-based solutions that improve K-12 STEM learning and workforce development to create scalable, evidence-based innovations that enhance learning outcomes and prepare students for future careers in a globally competitive STEM workforce. Projects that explore AI as both a subject of learning and a tool for instruction are strongly encouraged.
FINDERS FOUNDRY is structured as a two-phase competition with different foci:
- Planning Phase:
- Supporting early-stage collaboration among teams focused on one of the challenge tracks on the NSF FINDERS FOUNDRY Dashboard and co-design a related process to develop an educational solution
- Development Phase:
- Building and refining prototypes based on continuous input from K-12 learners, parents/guardians, and educators
- Must have received a Planning Phase award
- Receipt of Planning Phase award does not guarantee a Development Phase award
Proposals for both phases must articulate how a “specific and reachable” group of K-12 students will be involved in the project and throughout the development process and cannot “favor or exclude any group” of students.
NSF is holding an informational webinar about the program on Tuesday, April 8 at 4pm. Review a recording of the webinar here.
Funding Information
Planning Phase: $50,000 for up to 2 months
Development Phase: $300,000 for 1 year
Eligibility
There is no degree requirement for the PI (i.e., the PI is not required to hold a PhD nor any other degree). Individuals may only serve as PI or Co-PI on one Planning Phase award.
A proposal team (PI/Co-PIs) must include at least one person who falls into each of the following categories:
- K-12 educator
- Technologist
- Researcher
- Parent/guardian
Internal Selection Process
BU may submit one Planning Phase proposal.
Interested applicants should submit the following materials via InfoReady Review by: 4/15/2026
- Proposal Summary (max 2 pages) clearly identifying the FINDERS FOUNDRY challenge track the proposal addresses as well as describing the population the proposal addresses, the proposed solution (wireframe, pilot, or prototype), and anticipated indicators and targets or success. References may be included on one additional page
- List of Team Members, ensuring you have one person representing each of the requested groups listed above and briefly explaining how each person contributes to the team
- CV for the PI on the proposal
As necessary, a faculty review committee will review internal applications and select the institutional nominee(s).
Deadlines
Internal Materials Due: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
Anticipated Notification Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
Planning Phase Materials Due: Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Development Phase Materials Due: Wednesday, November 18, 2026