Experiential Learning for Emerging and Novel Technologies (ExLENT)

Overview

Through this initiative, the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) and the Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (TIP), in partnership with Micron Technology, Inc. (Micron) through the Micron Foundation, seek to support experiential learning opportunities for individuals from diverse professional and educational backgrounds that will increase access to, and interest in, career pathways in emerging technology field. As NSF seeks to support the development of technologies in such fields, similar support will be needed to foster and grow a diverse science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) workforce to contribute to such innovation.
Large scale societal challenges like climate change and clean energy also require a STEM workforce that brings varied perspectives and expertise to further accelerate the translation of science and engineering discoveries into large-scale solutions. Moreover, as current and new emerging technologies continue to evolve, unforeseen issues around security, safety and privacy will impact the preparation of the workforce. Emerging technologies are also dynamic and rapidly changing, with career entry and advancement often requiring "learning-by-doing" experience, even for those with some STEM education. Therefore, NSF recognizes that a competitive emerging technology workforce must include individuals from traditional and nontraditional education pathways as well as those individuals who may have “stopped” out of traditional educational pathways.
The ExLENT program will support inclusive experiential learning opportunities designed to provide cohorts of diverse learners with the crucial skills needed to succeed in emerging technology fields and prepare them to enter the workforce ready to solve our Nation’s most pressing scientific and societal challenges. Furthermore, the ExLENT program will directly support NSF’s priority to build a diverse workforce1 in emerging technologies to assure the Nation’s competitiveness in STEM.

The goal of ExLENT is to expand the American workforce in emerging technology elds (e.g., advanced manufacturing, advanced wireless, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, quantum information science, semiconductors, and microelectronics) by increasing all learners’ access to emerging technology career training and pathways through experiential learning opportunities. Ideal experiential learning opportunities place individuals in authentic workplace environments that foster learning by engaging in the process of identifying and solving real-world problems.
Key goals of the program are to:
1.    Expand access to career-enhancing experiential learning opportunities for a broader, more diverse population, including adult learners interested in re-skilling and/or upskilling (e.g., those who face or who have faced significant barriers to accessing a formal STEM education)
2.    Promote cross-sector partnerships between organizations in emerging technology fields and those with expertise in workforce development
3.    Develop a workforce aligned with regional economies based on emerging technologies across the Nation, in alignment with the mission of the TIP Directorate (Technology, Innovation and Partnerships)

Award information: Estimated program budget, number of awards and average award size/duration are subject to the availability of funds.
Estimated number of awards: 25 to 35
Program Duration: ExLENT awards are expected to be up to three (3) years in duration with a total budget up to $1,000,000.
Important Information And Revision Notes 
The type of award has been updated from Cooperative Agreement to Standard or Continuing Grant. The solicitation language now emphasizes that proposals should ensure all learners have positive and impactful experiences.

Proposers are encouraged to leverage cross-sector partnerships when developing a proposal. Projects are expected to use the NSF Education and Training Application system (ETAP - and collect participant demographic information (See Special Award Conditions) https://etap.nsf.gov/) to manage

The update regarding Micron Foundation’s contribution, as collaborating partner in this program and as previously articulated in Dear Colleague Letter NSF 25-016, has been incorporated directly into the solicitation.

The tracks mentioned in this document (Pivots, Beginnings, Explorations) are in reference to a participant’s knowledge of, and interest in, navigating a career pathway in an emerging technology.

Any proposal submitted in response to this solicitation should be submitted in accordance with the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).