Pathways into the Earth, Ocean, Polar and Atmospheric & Geospace Sciences | 23 540

Opportunity Information: Apply for 23 540

The National Science Foundation (NSF), through its Directorate for Geosciences (GEO), is offering the Pathways into the Geosciences - Earth, Ocean, Polar and Atmospheric Sciences program, commonly referred to as GEOPAths (Funding Opportunity Number 23-540). This grant opportunity supports projects that strengthen education, training, learning, and professional development across the geosciences by building what NSF calls STEM Learning Ecosystems. In practical terms, the program is looking for collaborations and learning networks that connect students with meaningful geoscience experiences tied to real careers and real problems involving the Earth, oceans, polar regions, and the atmosphere (and related geospace topics). The big picture aim is to grow the pipeline into geoscience degrees by testing new, evidence-informed approaches that motivate and prepare students to pursue geoscience at the undergraduate level and beyond.

A central priority of GEOPAths is broadening participation in the geosciences. NSF is explicitly encouraging projects that engage students from historically excluded groups, as well as students who may not already be on a geoscience degree path. That means proposals are expected to do more than offer generic enrichment activities; they should be intentionally designed to reduce barriers to entry, create a sense of belonging, and provide accessible, career-relevant experiences that help students see geoscience as a viable and attractive academic and professional direction.

The solicitation is organized into three funding tracks, each focused on a different point in the pathway, but all tied together by the concept of Geoscience Learning Ecosystems (GLEs). The first track, GEOPAths Informal Networks (IN), supports collaborative projects that provide geoscience learning in informal settings. These projects are meant to reach teachers, pre-college students (such as upper-level high school students), and early undergraduates, using learning environments like museums, observatories, community programs, field experiences, or other non-traditional settings that can spark interest and build foundational exposure to geoscience. The second track, GEOPAths Undergraduate Preparation (UP), focuses on extra-curricular experiences and training for pre-college and undergraduate students, with an emphasis on service learning and workplace skill building. This track is geared toward helping students develop practical competencies and professional readiness alongside geoscience content, so they can transition more confidently into geoscience majors, internships, or early career opportunities. The third track, GEOPAths Graduate Opportunities (GO), targets improved research and career pathways for undergraduate and graduate students through institutional collaborations, again highlighting service learning and workplace skills. This track is designed to strengthen advanced pathways into geoscience research and geoscience careers, often by linking institutions and partners in ways that expand mentoring, research access, and professional networks.

Eligibility is limited to specific types of U.S.-based organizations. Proposals may be submitted by non-profit, non-academic organizations, including independent museums, observatories, research laboratories, professional societies, and similar U.S. organizations directly connected to educational or research activities. Proposals may also be submitted by U.S. Institutions of Higher Education, including two-year and four-year colleges (community colleges included), as long as they are accredited and have a campus located in the United States, and are submitting on behalf of their faculty members. For U.S. universities with international branch campuses, NSF notes a specific requirement: if any project funding would support work at an international branch campus (including via subawards or consultants), the proposal must clearly explain why that international location benefits the project and why the planned activities cannot be carried out at the U.S. campus instead.

This is a discretionary grant opportunity in the science and technology/research and development category (CFDA 47.050). The original closing date listed for submissions is February 28, 2025. While the provided notice does not specify an award ceiling or expected number of awards, the program description makes clear that competitive proposals will be those that build strong partnerships, create authentic and career-relevant geoscience experiences, and demonstrate a thoughtful strategy for recruiting, supporting, and retaining participants, especially those from groups that have historically been left out of geoscience education and careers.

• The National Science Foundation in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Pathways into the Earth, Ocean, Polar and Atmospheric & Geospace Sciences" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 47.050.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2022-12-28.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-02-28. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for 23 540

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: