Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Program

The Innovations in Graduate Education (IGE) Program, administered by the National Science Foundation (NSF) through the Directorate for STEM Education and the Division of Graduate Education, seeks to transform STEM graduate education. With an annual funding cycle, the IGE program promotes innovative and systemic changes designed to better prepare graduate students in STEM master’s and doctoral programs for diverse career paths. This program supports research that improves graduate education outcomes, enhances workforce development, and encourages inclusivity and institutional capacity-building. The 2024 IGE solicitation offers funding in two distinct tracks. Track 1 supports pilot projects to test and validate new approaches to STEM graduate education aimed at career preparation and student success. Track 2 supports research into the effects of systemic innovations and policies on graduate student outcomes such as graduation rates, retention, and employment. Track 1 proposals must focus on graduate student development through means such as mentoring, international experiences, or generative AI, while Track 2 proposals can address themes like funding models, student mental health, mentoring models, or inclusive recruitment strategies. Applicants must be institutions of higher education accredited and located in the United States, non-profit non-academic organizations (such as museums or professional societies) involved in education or research, or federally recognized Tribal Nations. The lead principal investigator (PI) or co-PI may only submit one proposal per annual competition, and each organization is limited to two proposals per cycle. Participation as an evaluator does not count toward this limit. Projects involving international campuses must demonstrate why the activity cannot be conducted at the U.S. campus. Full proposals are to be submitted via Research.gov or Grants.gov, adhering to the NSF Proposal and Award Policies and Procedures Guide. A letter of intent or preliminary proposal is not required. Proposals must include a project summary, detailed project description (including rationale, goals, and methods), budget and justification, and dissemination plans. Evaluators must review proposals based on NSF's intellectual merit and broader impacts criteria. Additional requirements apply for collaborative proposals and those including graduate student support or institutional partnerships. The 2024 funding budget is anticipated at $14 million. Track 1 awards range from $300,000 to $500,000 over up to three years, with 6–10 awards expected. Track 2 awards may be up to $1 million over five years, with 6–12 awards projected. Funding amounts and award counts for subsequent years are subject to availability. Recipients are required to submit annual and final reports through Research.gov and include both formative and summative assessment components. Awarded PIs and evaluators must also attend biennial IGE meetings in Washington, DC. Applications for the current cycle are due by April 22, 2024. The next submission deadline is March 25, 2025, and it will continue annually thereafter on the same date. General inquiries about the program can be addressed to NSF staff at 703-292-8630 or via email at [email protected].

Clearly state project goals, theories of change, and broader impacts Include robust evaluation and dissemination plans Align budget with project scope and include travel for required meetings