Workplace Equity for Persons with Disabilities in STEM and STEM Education

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for STEM Education and the Division of Equity for Excellence in STEM, administers the Workplace Equity for Persons with Disabilities in STEM and STEM Education grant. This program is part of NSF’s strategic plan to empower the “Missing Millions” by promoting diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in STEM workplaces and education environments. It supports fundamental, applied, and translational research aimed at addressing systemic barriers and improving inclusivity for persons with disabilities in STEM-related fields. The program seeks proposals that align with one or more of three central themes: identifying and addressing barriers to DEIA for individuals with disabilities; applying intersectional identity frameworks to understand and improve DEIA outcomes; and conducting solution-oriented research to translate inclusive practices into STEM workplaces and educational settings. Eligible proposals must incorporate authentic leadership and collaboration from researchers and experts with disabilities, articulate a clear research design based on sound theoretical frameworks, and include robust plans for evaluation and dissemination of findings. Funding under this opportunity supports multiple types of projects. Research proposals may request up to $1,500,000 for up to five years, while Synthesis projects may request up to $600,000 over three years. Conference, EAGER (Early-concept Grants for Exploratory Research), and RAPID (Rapid Response Research) proposals are also welcomed, with specific guidance provided in NSF’s Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide. Facilitation Awards for Scientists and Engineers with Disabilities (FASED) are available to support special equipment and assistance under any award made by NSF. Eligibility is open to U.S.-based institutions of higher education, non-profit non-academic organizations, for-profit organizations including small businesses, state and local governments, and federally recognized tribal governments. There are no limits on the number of proposals per organization or principal investigator. Proposals must be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov in accordance with PAPPG guidelines. Key components of the proposal include a 15-page project narrative, detailed budget with justification, and required documents such as a data management plan and, if applicable, a postdoctoral mentoring plan. The application deadline is September 19 annually, aligning with the third Tuesday in September each year. Although the solicitation is archived, it indicates recurring annual opportunities with standard or continuing awards expected. Funding is estimated at $5,000,000 with an anticipated 10 to 20 awards annually. Applications are evaluated using NSF’s standard merit review criteria—Intellectual Merit and Broader Impacts—along with solicitation-specific criteria that emphasize authentic disability inclusion and robust dissemination strategies. Primary contacts for the program are Christopher Atchison (catchiso@nsf.gov, 703-292-2154) and Ronda J. Jenson (rjenson@nsf.gov, 703-292-5028). Additional information and technical support for proposal submissions are available through Research.gov and Grants.gov. The program supports a critical national objective: increasing representation and improving workplace and educational outcomes for individuals with disabilities in STEM, thereby fostering a more inclusive and innovative workforce.