Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science

The Research Experiences for Teachers in Engineering and Computer Science program is administered by the National Science Foundation, an independent federal agency established to promote the progress of science and advance national health, prosperity, and welfare. Through its Directorates for Engineering and Computer and Information Science and Engineering, the foundation supports initiatives that strengthen STEM education and workforce development. This program reflects NSF commitment to integrating research and education by enabling educators to participate directly in cutting edge scientific and engineering work, thereby enhancing classroom instruction and student engagement in STEM pathways. The primary purpose of the program is to support authentic research experiences for K-14 educators, including K-12 teachers and community college faculty, particularly during the summer months. These experiences are designed to foster long term collaborations between educational institutions, research universities, and industry partners. Educators participate in active research projects in engineering or computer science, gaining disciplinary knowledge and practical experience that can be translated into classroom curricula. At the same time, faculty researchers gain insight into K-14 educational environments, pedagogy, and curriculum development, creating a reciprocal exchange of expertise. Funding is provided through two mechanisms: RET Sites and RET Supplements. RET Sites are larger, structured programs hosted by institutions of higher education and must support cohorts of eight to ten educators for at least six weeks. These site awards can request up to six hundred thousand dollars over a period of up to three years. RET Supplements, on the other hand, are smaller additions to existing NSF funded research projects and provide up to fifteen thousand dollars per participant for a one year duration. Allowable costs include participant stipends and up to two thousand dollars for materials, equipment, or supplies used to develop classroom activities. Cost sharing is explicitly prohibited, and all participant related expenses must be categorized as participant support costs. Eligibility for RET Site proposals is limited to accredited two year and four year institutions of higher education in the United States, acting on behalf of their faculty. Principal investigators must be full time, tenure track or tenured faculty in engineering or computer science disciplines with primary responsibilities in research and teaching. RET Supplements are available to current awardees within the relevant NSF directorates. While the proposals are submitted by institutions, the program ultimately benefits K-14 educators who are recruited to participate in the research experiences and subsequent curriculum development activities. The application process requires submission of a full proposal through Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. No letters of intent or preliminary proposals are required. Proposals must include detailed project descriptions, participant recruitment plans, mentoring strategies, curriculum development activities, evaluation plans, and dissemination strategies. Additional required components include biographical sketches, letters of collaboration from partner institutions, and a comprehensive budget justification. Proposals are evaluated based on intellectual merit and broader impacts, with additional emphasis on the quality of the research experience, mentoring environment, participant recruitment, and plans for translating research into classroom practice. Key deadlines for RET Site proposals include January twenty nine and October nine, with the program continuing annually thereafter on the second Wednesday in October. The program is recurring, and proposals are reviewed through a combination of panel and ad hoc review processes. Award notifications are issued by NSF grants officers following review. Projects typically include both summer research experiences and academic year follow up activities, ensuring sustained impact on teaching practices and student outcomes. Contacts for the program include designated NSF program officers who provide guidance on proposal preparation and program alignment. Overall, the RET program serves as a strategic investment in STEM education by equipping educators with hands on research experience and fostering partnerships across educational and research institutions. By integrating research and teaching, the program aims to broaden participation in engineering and computer science fields and enhance the quality of STEM education nationwide.

Align proposal with intellectual merit and broader impacts; emphasize strong mentoring and curriculum translation; demonstrate clear recruitment and evaluation plans