National Center for Education Research (NCER) grants: From Seedlings to Scale

Overview

Purpose of Program: In awarding research grants, the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) intends to provide national leadership in expanding knowledge and understanding of (1) education outcomes for all learners from early childhood education through postsecondary and adult education, and (2) employment and wage outcomes when relevant (such as for those engaged in career and technical, postsecondary, or adult education). The IES research grant programs are designed to provide interested individuals and the general public with reliable and valid information about education practices that support learning and improve academic achievement and access to education opportunities for all learners. These interested individuals include parents, educators, learners, researchers, and policymakers. In carrying out its grant programs, IES provides support for programs of research in areas of demonstrated national need. 

The IES National Center for Education Research (NCER) is announcing two competitions: 
1.    From Seedlings to Scale (ALN 84.305I), and 
2.    Research Networks Focused on Critical Problems of Education Policy and Practice (ALN 84.305N)

From Seedlings to Scale (ALN 84.305I).
Through this program, IES will invest in innovative products, policies, and processes within an identified focus area through three phases of increasing funding and time duration to support ideas as they grow from seedlings to scalable solutions. In this notice, IES is inviting applications to Phase One. During this initial phase, teams will clarify their understanding of the problem, refine their solution—which could be a product, policy, or process— through engagement with relevant stakeholders, and build out a detailed plan for further research and development (R&D). Phase One teams will apply for Phase Two funding and will need to provide a compelling rationale generated from the Phase One work that the idea is worth further investment and a detailed R&D plan for how they will develop their idea into a scalable solution and generate evidence of impact. Teams that move onto Phase Two will develop their concept into a fully functioning initial version of the solution. IES may, at its discretion, support additional work in Phase Three. This third phase would focus on evaluating the impact of the solution across multiple settings and contexts and laying the foundation to scale the solution to users. Additional information about the phased nature of this competition is provided in the request for applications (RFA). Projects will incorporate high-quality research, solution development, and attention to sustainability and scaling throughout all phases.

For the FY 2025 competition, NCER will consider only applications that address the following topic: 

•    Phase One projects for the Seamless Personalized Education Experiences Delivered at Scale (SPEED at Scale) focus area. The SPEED at Scale focus area aims to develop innovative solutions that allow teachers to seamlessly provide personalized instruction for PreK–12 grade students.

Fiscal Information: Although Congress has not yet enacted an appropriation for FY 2025, IES is inviting applications for these competitions now so that applicants can have adequate time to prepare their applications. The actual level of funding, if any, depends on final congressional action. IES may announce additional competitions later in 2024.

Estimated Range of Award:

• From Seedlings to Scale (SPEED at Scale Phase One): $300,000 to $500,000 for the entire project period of 1 year.

For the From Seedlings to Scale grant program (ALN 84.305I), we intend to fund up to 12 Phase One SPEED at Scale teams. However, should funding be available, we may consider making additional awards to high-quality applications that remain unfunded after 12 awards are made

Project Period:
From Seedlings to Scale (Phase One): Up to 1 year.

Note: Per DOEd: "Correction….We are correcting the ALN for the From Seedlings to Scale Grant Program competition from 84.305I to 84.305J. All other information in the NIA remains the same."