NSF ITEST Program Online Workshop for EPSCoR Jurisdictions
DESCRIPTION
STELAR hosted National Science Foundation (NSF) Program Officers on September 27 & 28 for an informational workshop designed to highlight the NSF funding opportunities for STEM education research at the PreK-12 level!
This event was intended to raise awareness and increase the geographic diversity of the ITEST portfolio.
During this event, NSF Program Officers introduced the Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) funding program. Attendees had the opportunity to ask questions and discuss proposal concepts directly with NSF program officers, and the option to participate on a second day of training led by STELAR that focused on developing competitive ITEST proposals.
Workshop Agenda: This online workshop was designed to raise awareness and support those new to the ITEST program, specifically those located within EPSCoR Jurisdictions. It consisted of two days of programming:
Day 1: Wednesday, September 27, 11 am – 3 pm ET
This half-day session featured information from program officers about NSF’s goals, priorities, and important program details. After a break, attendees met in small groups to share ideas and formulate questions for the afternoon's NSF program officer panel.
Day 2: Thursday, September 28, 11 am – 3 pm ET
This half-day session focused on the ITEST proposal development process, featuring NSF and STELAR resources designed to support the development of a competitive ITEST proposal. Then, attendees met with NSF program officers to review initial concepts and address proposal-specific questions in preparation for the August 2024 solicitation.
STELAR Proposal Development Slides
EVENT DETAILS
About NSF’s ITEST Program: The National Science Foundation’s Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Program supports applied research and development projects focused on increasing preK-12 students' interest in information and communication technology and STEM careers through innovative technology-based learning experiences. ITEST is responsive to societal needs and emerging areas of STEM and related careers. Emerging critical areas include, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, data science, environmental science, quantum information science and engineering, semiconductors and microelectronics, etc.
STELAR functions as the resource center for the NSF ITEST program, supporting both grantees and those interested in developing an ITEST proposal. We provide in-person workshops, online proposal resources, and a self-paced proposal development course. Workshop participants will have access to online follow-up events supporting their proposal writing between now and August 2024.