Collaboratory to Advance Mathematics Education and Learning (CAMEL) for K-12

The Collaboratory to Advance Mathematics Education and Learning (CAMEL) for K-12 initiative is a funding program led by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with the Walton Family Foundation. This initiative seeks to catalyze innovation in K-12 mathematics education by fostering interdisciplinary research and creating high-value, AI-ready datasets to support new discoveries in how students learn math. NSF, an independent federal agency dedicated to advancing science, has structured the CAMEL program in two phases, each with distinct goals and funding mechanisms. The program aims to integrate perspectives from neuroscience, cognitive science, education research, computer science, and education practice to inform and transform mathematics education across the United States. Phase I of CAMEL focuses on establishing Collaborative Networks (CAMEL-CNs) that bring together researchers, educators, and data scientists to either generate new datasets or enhance the value of existing datasets. These datasets must address significant questions in K-12 math education, be representative of diverse student populations, and meet technical standards such as privacy protection and FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) principles. The networks are expected to co-produce knowledge by aligning scientific inquiry with practical education challenges and leveraging data science methodologies to create resources useful for a broad community. Phase II, accessible only to Phase I awardees, will support the formation of a centralized "collaboratory" and designate a National Coordinator. This digital infrastructure is intended to unite the networks established in Phase I, facilitate ongoing data sharing, research collaboration, and professional training in data science. The collaboratory will also monitor the use and outcomes of the datasets created in Phase I and support continued development through co-learning and community-building initiatives. Key responsibilities of the collaboratory include outcomes tracking, capacity-building, and promoting the integration of research into classroom practice. Eligible applicants for Phase I include accredited U.S.-based institutions of higher education (both two- and four-year institutions), non-profit non-academic organizations (such as research labs and museums), and federally recognized Tribal Nations. Individuals may only participate as a Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-PI in one proposal. Proposals must be submitted through Research.gov or Grants.gov and must follow the guidelines outlined in NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) is mandatory for Phase I, with the LOI due by January 9, 2026, and full proposals due by March 11, 2026. Evaluation of proposals will follow NSF's standard merit review criteria, emphasizing intellectual merit and broader societal impacts, with additional attention to scientific rigor and adherence to “Gold Standard Science” principles. Reviewers will assess the interdisciplinary nature of the networks, dataset quality, and potential for high-impact outcomes. The Walton Family Foundation may observe but will not participate in the review process or make award decisions. NSF alone is responsible for final selections and award administration. NSF anticipates awarding 6 to 7 grants in Fiscal Year 2026, with a total funding pool of up to $9 million. Each award may be up to three years in duration, with a maximum total award amount of $1.5 million. Cost-sharing is not required or permitted, and indirect costs are not capped. Awardees must acknowledge both NSF and the Walton Family Foundation in publications and communications. Standard NSF reporting requirements apply, including annual reports and a public-facing project outcomes report.

Emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration and data quality; align with NSF priorities; adhere to Gold Standard Science.