Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Computing in Undergraduate Education | 24 553

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the IUSE: CUE funding opportunity?

Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Computing in Undergraduate Education (IUSE: CUE) is a National Science Foundation (NSF) discretionary grant program focused on strengthening how computing is taught and learned at the undergraduate level.

What is the main goal of IUSE: CUE?

The central goal is to help a wider and more diverse range of undergraduate students become capable of using computation in collaborative, real-world settings, including beyond computer science departments and across many disciplines and problem areas.

Is this program only for computer science departments?

No. The solicitation emphasizes computing in undergraduate education across many disciplines, not just within computer science departments. Projects are expected to support students applying computation in different contexts and challenging problems.

What types of projects does NSF want to fund through IUSE: CUE?

Projects are expected to focus on re-envisioning and modernizing computing education through teaching methods, curricular models, learning experiences, and educational strategies that help students apply computation across a range of contexts.

What does NSF mean by making computing education more accessible and relevant?

Based on the solicitation theme, NSF is looking for approaches that rethink computing instruction so it works well for broad audiences, can be implemented at scale, and improves how students engage with computing in meaningful, real-world and cross-disciplinary ways.

How does IUSE: CUE address broadening participation in computing?

The program is explicitly oriented toward broadening participation, with particular attention to groups that are underrepresented and underserved in conventional computing education and computing careers. Proposals are expected to address learning outcomes while also removing barriers to entry, improving persistence, and supporting more inclusive educational environments.

What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is broad and includes several U.S.-based organization types positioned to deliver educational or research-and-education innovations, including for-profit organizations, non-profit non-academic organizations, state and local government entities, and accredited two-year and four-year institutions of higher education with a U.S. campus.

Can a U.S.-based for-profit company apply?

Yes. U.S.-based for-profit organizations (including small businesses) may submit proposals if they have strong scientific or engineering research or education capabilities and a clear innovation focus.

Can non-profit organizations that are not colleges or universities apply?

Yes. Eligible applicants include non-profit, non-academic organizations such as museums, observatories, research laboratories, and professional societies, as long as they are located in the United States and directly connected to educational or research activities.

Can state or local government entities apply?

Yes. State and local government entities may apply, including state education offices or organizations and local school districts.

Can community colleges apply?

Yes. Accredited two-year institutions of higher education, including community colleges, may submit proposals as long as they have a campus located in the United States.

Can four-year colleges and universities apply?

Yes. Accredited four-year institutions of higher education with a U.S. campus may submit proposals on behalf of their faculty.

Are there special requirements if a project involves an international branch campus?

Yes. If any part of the proposed budget would support work at an international branch campus (directly or through subawards or consultants), the proposal must explain why the international location is beneficial to the project and justify why those activities cannot be carried out at the U.S. campus.

Does the international branch campus requirement apply to subawards and consultants?

Yes. The compliance note applies if budget support would go to an international branch campus either directly or indirectly, including through subawards or consultants.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this solicitation?

The NSF Funding Opportunity Number is 24-553.

Which agency administers this funding opportunity?

This opportunity is administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

What is the assistance listing information (CFDA numbers) associated with this opportunity?

The opportunity is associated with CFDA numbers 47.070 and 47.076.

How many awards does NSF expect to make?

NSF anticipates making around six awards under this solicitation.

What is the maximum award amount?

The award ceiling is up to $2,000,000 per award.

What is the listed closing date for the opportunity?

The original closing date listed is May 30, 2024.

When was the opportunity record created?

The opportunity record indicates it was created on March 5, 2024.

What activity area is this grant associated with?

This grant is within the Science and Technology and other Research and Development activity area.

What distinguishes IUSE: CUE from traditional computing education efforts?

As described, IUSE: CUE emphasizes rethinking and modernizing computing education for broad audiences, supporting implementation at scale, and prioritizing inclusive environments that help address barriers and persistence for historically excluded groups, with computing integrated across disciplines and real-world problem areas.