This NOFO is for STEM education programs and activities vital to the Department of the Navy, which is formal or informal education that is primarily focused on physical and natural sciences, technology, engineering, social sciences, and mathematics disciplines.

STEM education programs and activities that could be supported by this NOFO include one or more of the following as the primary objective:

• Develop learners’ knowledge, skill, or interest in STEM.                                              
• Attract students to pursue certifications, licenses, or degrees (two-year degrees through post-doctoral degrees) or careers in STEM fields.                                                                                          
• Provide growth and research opportunities for post-secondary, college and graduate students in STEM fields, such as working with researchers or conducting research that is primarily intended to further education.
• Improve mentor/educator (K-12 pre-service or in-service, post-secondary, and informal) quality in STEM areas.
• Improve or expand the capacity of institutions to promote or foster STEM fields. 

This NOFO will not consider applications for research, with the exception of those whose primary purpose is intended to further education (as described in third bullet above) and that are not expected to generate intellectual property. Efforts for research, including those supporting STEM, should be submitted under the current fiscal year Long Range BAA.