Education
🏛 U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Sep 26, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for universities, marine laboratories, and educational institutions supporting ocean research and education integration. The program includes two main tracks: REU Site funding for universities/labs offering summer internships, and CAREER funding for pre-tenure researchers combining research with education. Eligible applicants typically include higher education institutions with ocean science programs. Most activities involve undergraduate research internships, faculty career development, and ocean workforce education.
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Program description
OCE Education supports efforts to integrate ocean research and education via two main program areas, which are:
1) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Site Program. This program provides funding to Universities and Marine Laboratories that allows them to offer summer internships to undergraduate students who would like to participate in ocean-related research efforts. Proposals may be submitted annually (August deadline).
2) Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER). This program supports pre-tenure researchers who would like to combine their research efforts with excellent educational programs. Proposals may be submitted annually (July deadline).
The Ocean Education program is the point of contact for anyone interested in submitting Ocean Technical Education, Research Experiences for Teachers (RET), Geoscience Veterans Education and Training Supplements (GEO-VETS), and Research Experiences for Undergraduate (REU) supplement requests. RET, GEO-VET, and REU supplements are funded through the OCE science programs and have no application deadlines.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Proposal narrative
- Budget and budget justification
- Institutional commitment letters
- CV or biosketches of mentors/PIs
- Facilities and equipment descriptions
- Letters of support from partnering institutions (if applicable)
- Data management plan
Program contact
- 👤 U.S. National Science Foundation
- 📧 grantsgovsupport@nsf.gov
- 📞 703-292-4203
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 47.050 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$640,746,599
-
$399,999,980
-
$220,735,035
-
$125,964,875
-
$82,550,071
-
$76,780,323
-
$73,335,203
-
$68,622,497
-
$64,462,832
-
$63,916,877
Top States by Funding
- TX 4 awards $701.0M
- MA 12 awards $647.6M
- OR 5 awards $456.1M
- DC 4 awards $241.5M
- CA 13 awards $236.2M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 47.050). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2024 | $1,009,920,000 | |
| 2025 | $1,013,630,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $374,350 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the REU Site program?
Universities and marine laboratories can apply to offer summer ocean research internships. You'll need institutional capacity to host and mentor undergraduate students.
What are the main funding tracks?
REU Site programs fund internships for undergraduates. CAREER grants support early-career faculty combining research with education.
When are the deadlines?
REU Site proposals deadline in August. CAREER proposals deadline in July. Supplements (RET, GEO-VETS, REU) have rolling deadlines.
Can smaller institutions apply?
Yes. Marine laboratories and smaller universities can apply, but you need ocean research capacity and mentoring infrastructure.
What funding ranges should I expect?
NSF awards vary by program track and institution size. Check specific solicitation documents for current funding levels.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Emphasize mentorship quality and undergraduate support structures in REU proposals. Strong mentor credentials increase competitiveness.
- For CAREER grants, clearly articulate how research and education goals integrate. Don't present them as separate activities.
- Start early on institutional buy-in letters. Universities need to commit resources for student support and research access.
- Review past NSF ocean education award abstracts to understand reviewer expectations. Look for clarity on broader impacts.
- Address diversity and inclusion explicitly in REU recruitment and CAREER education plans. This strengthens all ocean science proposals.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Weak or generic education integration. Reviewers want specific details on how students learn from research, not just "students will gain experience." Insufficient institutional support documentation. NSF expects letters showing the university commits resources, mentorship, and lab access. Poor articulation of broader impacts for ocean science. Proposals must explain why ocean research matters beyond the discipline.
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