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Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center on Education Research (NCER): From Seedlings to Scale, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305J

Department of Education

Deadline
December 11, 2026
Award size
Up to $500,000
Matching funds
Not required
Fit for small groups
Possible fit

In plain language

This grant helps pay for research projects that use technology and artificial intelligence to improve education for young students. It is meant for organizations that can do scientific research and develop new solutions.

The money can pay for

  • Research on education technology
  • Development of AI tools for schools
  • Testing new ways to improve student outcomes
  • Creating solutions that can be scaled up

Who can apply

Organizations that can do scientifically valid research, including colleges, non-profits, and other groups, are eligible to apply.

Is it a fit for a small group?

Possible fit. This grant is for research and technology development, which may be difficult for a small community nonprofit without specialized staff or resources.

Before you apply

  • No matching funds required
  • Focus is on technology and AI in education
  • Requires scientifically valid research
  • Federal applicants need an active registration at SAM.gov and a Grants.gov account. Registration can take several weeks, so start early.

This summary was written by GrantGather with AI, based on the official listing. It can contain mistakes. Check the official listing on Grants.gov before you apply.

From the official listing

Through the From Seedlings to Scale (S2S) Grants program, IES will invest in innovative ideas within an identified focus area through three phases of increasing funding and duration to support ideas as they grow from seedlings to scalable solutions. Projects will incorporate high-quality research, robust solution development, and attention to sustainability and scaling throughout all phases. For the FY 2027 S2S program, IES invites applications for Phase One projects under the Coordinating Systems to Translate Evidence into Policy and Practice (C-STEP) focus area. C-STEP seeks to develop and rigorously test innovative AI- and technology-enabled solutions that help education systems intentionally integrate evidence-based products, processes, and policies to improve outcomes for prekindergarten through grade 12 students. Proposed solutions should reflect a deep understanding of the…

Read the full description

Through the From Seedlings to Scale (S2S) Grants program, IES will invest in innovative ideas within an identified focus area through three phases of increasing funding and duration to support ideas as they grow from seedlings to scalable solutions. Projects will incorporate high-quality research, robust solution development, and attention to sustainability and scaling throughout all phases. For the FY 2027 S2S program, IES invites applications for Phase One projects under the Coordinating Systems to Translate Evidence into Policy and Practice (C-STEP) focus area. C-STEP seeks to develop and rigorously test innovative AI- and technology-enabled solutions that help education systems intentionally integrate evidence-based products, processes, and policies to improve outcomes for prekindergarten through grade 12 students. Proposed solutions should reflect a deep understanding of the systems in which they operate and enable education leaders to align resources, anticipate impacts, and overcome implementation barriers, thereby strengthening the connection between research, policy, and practice. Assistance Listing Number (ALN): 84.305J

Opportunity number
ED-GRANTS-101526-001
Posted
October 16, 2026
Eligible applicants
Others (see eligibility details)
Eligibility details
Institutions that have the ability and capacity to conduct scientifically valid research are eligible to apply. Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, institutions of higher education and non-profit, for-profit, public, or private organizations and entities.
Assistance listing
84.305 Education Research, Development and Dissemination
Agency contact
Holly Clark Management and Program Analyst
Akilah.Nelson@ed.gov
2022456408
Open the official listing on Grants.govAgency’s full announcement

Nonprofits are eligible here through the “Others” category. Read the eligibility details carefully.