Institute of Education Sciences (IES): National Center on Education Research (NCER): From Seedlings to Scale, Assistance Listing Number (ALN) 84.305J
Funds Phase One development and rigorous testing of AI- and technology-enabled education solutions that help PK-12 systems translate evidence into policy and practice.
⚑ Focused on Phase One of the S2S program, C-STEP topic area only. · Applicants must have the ability and capacity to conduct scientifically valid research. · Award ceiling is $500,000.
This is a strong IES education-policy/evaluation opportunity, especially if the project is about how education systems use AI or decision tools to translate evidence into policy and practice. It fits Deven Carlson’s institutional education-policy line well, and David Hogg could be relevant for program implementation/evaluation, though the AI/EdTech angle is not their core signature topic.
JUDGED AGAINST THE ROSTER'S PUBLICATION DOSSIER · GPT-5.4-MINI · 2026-10-17
Unit fits — one characterization, each unit's own rules
| IPPRA | 100 strong | education policy/evaluation (core line, primary); signature methods: policy analysis; social/behavioral work is substantial; funds applied research |
| Physical Sciences & Engineering (demo) | 90 strong | technical depth: central; funds applied research |
| Tom Love Innovation Hub | 30 weak | funds applied research; deep-tech content |
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
Eligibility
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.
Apply
View on Grants.gov → CONTACT: Holly Clark Management and Program Analyst <Akilah.Nelson@ed.gov>
Proposal brief SEE AN EXAMPLE →
A one-page internal memo: fit assessment, submission requirements, document scaffold, and next steps dated back from the deadline — tailored to your project idea if you add one.
Proposal shell · Federal (generic) conventions SEE A FEDERAL EXAMPLE →
Funder-faithful document skeletons — Federal (generic)'s document set with section headings, page limits, reviewer guidance, and writing prompts; add a project idea to get [DRAFT] starter bullets. Download as .md for Word or Overleaf.