Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center on Education Research (NCER): From Seedlings to Scale, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305J
🏛 Department of Education (ED)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 20, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for institutions that can conduct rigorous research and develop technology solutions for K-12 education. Eligible applicants include universities, nonprofits, for-profits, and public/private organizations. Phase One projects must develop AI- and technology-enabled solutions that help education systems integrate evidence-based practices. Proposals should address implementation barriers and strengthen research-to-practice connections.
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Program 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
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Application form (SF-424 or equivalent)
- Project narrative/proposal
- Budget and budget justification
- Institutional assurances and certifications
- Organizational capacity documentation
- Research methodology and evaluation plan
Program contact
- 👤 Holly Clark Management and Program Analyst
- 📧 Akilah.Nelson@ed.gov
- 📞 2022456408
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 84.305 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
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$11,989,799
-
$10,000,000
-
$9,999,999
-
$9,999,999
-
$9,996,923
-
$9,994,246
-
$9,938,277
-
$9,497,860
-
$6,963,728
-
$6,738,010
Top States by Funding
- VA 16 awards $64.8M
- CA 13 awards $59.0M
- NY 10 awards $51.3M
- MA 6 awards $35.6M
- PA 7 awards $33.5M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 84.305). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2018 | $192,695,000 | |
| 2019 | $192,695,000 | |
| 2020 | $195,877,000 | |
| 2021 | $197,877,000 | |
| 2022 | $213,323,000 | |
| 2023 | $209,672,000 | |
| 2024 est. | $233,124,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $225,638,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Institutions of higher education and nonprofits, for-profits, and public/private organizations. You must have capacity to conduct scientifically valid research.
What is the funding focus for FY 2027?
The C-STEP focus area emphasizes AI- and technology-enabled solutions. Solutions must help education systems integrate evidence-based products, processes, and policies for K-12 students.
What makes a competitive application?
Strong applications demonstrate deep understanding of education systems, show how solutions overcome implementation barriers, and align research with practice. Include a clear path to sustainability and scaling.
What is the typical award amount for Phase One?
Awards typically reach $500,000. Phase One is the first of three phases; successful projects can advance to higher-funded phases.
When is the deadline?
The deadline is December 11, 2026. This is a fixed deadline, not rolling. Submit applications by the stated time.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize how your solution addresses systemic barriers in K-12 education. Show deep knowledge of the system context where it will operate.
- Highlight the AI or technology components clearly. Explain how technology enables integration of evidence into practice and policy.
- Build in sustainability from the start. Describe how your solution will be maintained and scaled beyond the grant period.
- Demonstrate strong research capacity. Include preliminary data or evidence supporting your approach.
- Connect research, policy, and practice explicitly. Show how your work bridges gaps between these three areas.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Proposals that lack rigorous research design or focus too heavily on tool development without addressing system integration barriers. Applications without clear evidence of sustainability and scaling potential, or those that underestimate implementation complexity in real education environments.
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