FY 21 Department of Navy (DON) Science,Technology, Engineering & Mathematic (STEM), Education and Workforce Program | N00014 21 S F004

Opportunity Information: Apply for N00014 21 S F004

The FY 21 Department of Navy (DON) STEM Education and Workforce Program is a competitive grant opportunity run by the Department of Defense through the Office of Naval Research (ONR). It is designed to fund a wide range of projects that either strengthen existing efforts or introduce new, innovative approaches that help build and sustain a diverse, highly capable STEM talent pipeline. The central purpose is workforce-focused: proposals should directly support the long-term scientific and technical workforce needs of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps and, by doing so, help preserve their technological advantage.

At its core, ONR is looking for programs that create, expand, or sustain clear STEM education pathways for U.S. citizens that connect to real Department of the Navy workforce requirements, both current and future. The opportunity is based on the idea that the Navy's science and technology workforce capacity is tightly linked to the broader education system, so investments that improve student outcomes and align learning experiences with naval-relevant careers can have direct downstream impacts. In practical terms, the grant is meant to support efforts that strengthen schools, institutions, and community ecosystems so they can deliver meaningful STEM experiences for learners of many ages, while also increasing awareness of and preparedness for naval-related STEM careers.

The announcement emphasizes engagement and skill-building in naval-relevant STEM areas. Programs are expected to increase participant interest and participation in STEM tied to naval missions and to measurably improve the skills, knowledge, and abilities that would make participants more competitive for future education and employment in related fields. ONR also signals that proposals should not be built on guesswork; applicants are encouraged to draw on established STEM education research to shape program design, implementation choices, and strategies for advancing participants into naval-relevant STEM careers and opportunities.

From an administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant opportunity (not a formula award) categorized under science and technology and other research and development, with CFDA number 12.330. The funding opportunity number is N00014-21-S-F004. ONR anticipated making around 20 awards, with an award ceiling of $600,000 per award. The opportunity was posted March 31, 2021, with an original closing date of October 8, 2021.

Eligibility is broad, reflecting ONR's interest in varied solution providers and delivery models. Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, private institutions of higher education, nonprofit organizations (including both 501(c)(3) and non-501(c)(3) entities), for-profit organizations other than small businesses, and small businesses. This wide eligibility suggests ONR is open to proposals ranging from university-led pathway programs to nonprofit-led community initiatives and industry-supported training or outreach models, as long as the work clearly contributes to building a Navy- and Marine Corps-relevant STEM education and workforce pipeline for U.S. citizens.

Overall, the opportunity is best understood as a workforce pipeline and education capacity-building program with a naval mission connection. Strong proposals would typically show a clear line of sight between educational activities and DON workforce needs, emphasize inclusive participation and diversity in STEM, use evidence-based methods from STEM education research, and focus on delivering impactful experiences that move participants toward advanced study, credentials, or careers aligned with naval science and technology priorities.

• The Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 21 Department of Navy (DON) Science,Technology, Engineering & Mathematic (STEM), Education and Workforce Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.330.
• This funding opportunity was created on Mar 31, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 08, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $600,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 20 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, For profit organizations other than small businesses, Small businesses.

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