Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) (R25 – Clinical Trial Not Allowed)
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations that develop and deliver science education programs. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, nonprofits, and research organizations. Programs must focus on K-12, undergraduate, or graduate science education, workforce development, or public engagement with science. This award supports curriculum development, teacher training, student mentorship, and partnerships that strengthen science literacy and career pathways.
This grant is for organizations that develop and deliver science education programs. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, nonprofits, and research organizations. Programs must focus on K-12, undergraduate, or graduate science education, workforce development, or public engagement with science. This award supports curriculum development, teacher training, student mentorship, and partnerships that strengthen science literacy and career pathways.
Program description
The NIH Research Education Program (R25) supports research education activities in the mission areas of the NIH. The overarching goal of this NIH Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) program is to support educational activities that increase understanding of biomedical research among pre-college (pre-kindergarten to grade12) individuals, and to encourage awareness of and continued interest in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
- 501(c)(3) Public Charity
- City / Municipal Government
- Colleges (all higher ed)
- County Government
- Nonprofits
- Private University
- Public Authority
- Public K-12 School
- Public University
- Small Business (SBA-defined)
- Special District
- State Government
- Tribal Nation
- Tribal Organization
Demographic focus
Details
This grant is for organizations that develop and deliver science education programs. Eligible applicants include academic institutions, nonprofits, and research organizations. Programs must focus on K-12, undergraduate, or graduate science education, workforce development, or public engagement with science. This award supports curriculum development, teacher training, student mentorship, and partnerships that strengthen science literacy and career pathways.
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- SF-424 (R&R form)
- Project Narrative (10-15 pages typical)
- Budget Justification
- Curriculum vitae for key personnel
- Letters of support from partners
- Evaluation plan
- Institutional support letter
Program contact
- 👤 National Institutes of Health
- 📧 NIGMS_SEPA@mail.nih.gov
- 📞 301-402-2541
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 93.279 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$128,078,833
-
$126,585,435
-
$79,333,238
-
$78,351,755
-
$74,806,844
-
$71,588,047
-
$61,578,651
-
$50,344,757
-
$41,820,011
-
$39,479,041
Top States by Funding
- NY 4 awards $260.8M
- CT 2 awards $155.8M
- CA 3 awards $90.2M
- KY 1 awards $79.3M
- MA 1 awards $78.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 93.279). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,245,503,136 | |
| 2025 | $1,343,517,098 | |
| 2026 est. | $20,194,375 |
FAQ
Who can apply for SEPA funding?
Academic institutions, nonprofits, research organizations, and government agencies can apply. Your organization must have the capacity to develop and deliver science education programs.
What types of projects are funded?
SEPA supports curriculum development, teacher professional development, student mentorship programs, and science outreach. Clinical trials are not allowed under this mechanism.
What is the typical funding range?
R25 awards typically range from $200,000 to $500,000 annually. Total project periods commonly span 2-5 years.
How competitive is this grant?
SEPA is moderately competitive. Success requires strong evaluation plans, clear outcomes, and evidence of community need or partnership strength.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline is May 25, 2029. Applications open May 5, 2026. Check NIH for any updates or rolling deadlines.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Align your program with NIH research priorities. Show how science education connects to health, medicine, or biomedical research.
- Include measurable learning outcomes. Define how you'll assess student knowledge, skills, or career interests before and after participation.
- Develop strong partnerships. Letters of support from schools, institutions, and community organizations strengthen competitiveness.
- Plan for sustainability. Explain how the program will continue or scale after NIH funding ends.
- Start evaluation planning early. NIH reviewers expect robust data collection and analysis methods from the start.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Applications fail when programs lack clear learning objectives or measurable outcomes. Weak evaluation plans or insufficient community partnerships reduce competitiveness. Vague budgets without detailed justification often receive lower scores.
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