National Science Foundation announces updated funding opportunity for its NSF ExLENT program
The program is designed for individuals interested in entering or gaining more experience in technology areas such as advanced manufacturing, microelectronics or biotechnology.
The U.S National Science Foundation (NSF) directorates for Technology, Innovation, and Partnerships (NSF TIP) and STEM Education, together with the Micron Foundation, announced an updated funding opportunity to expand options for all U.S. workers to receive training in emerging technologies.
The NSF Experiential Learning in Emerging and Novel Technologies (NSF ExLENT) program aims to expand hands-on and practical learning opportunities for individuals interested in entering or gaining more experience in technology areas such as advanced manufacturing, microelectronics or biotechnology. With awards of up to $1 million over three years, the program will promote cross-sector partnerships between organizations in key technology areas and those with expertise in workforce development.
“As NSF invests in the development of key technologies, we must also invest in the American workforce,” said Erwin Gianchandani, the Assistant Director for NSF TIP. “The NSF ExLENT program enables all Americans to gain exposure to key technology areas, allowing individuals to pivot into higher-wage, better-quality, and technology-rich jobs. In this way, the program bolsters U.S. competitiveness.”
The updated ExLENT funding opportunity builds on 39 ExLENT awards across three tracks issued in August 2024, and 27 awards across two tracks issued in December 2023. The ExLENT program uses a cohort model to offer pathways for Americans with varying levels of experience in technology fields:
- Track: Pivots that provides current professionals in any field an experiential learning opportunity that builds the skills and competencies necessary to pivot into careers in emerging technology fields.
- Track: Beginnings that provides participants with limited technology training an experiential learning opportunity to gain deeper knowledge and experience to pursue a career in an emerging technology field.
- Track: Explorations that provides participants with no prior technology experience with an experiential learning opportunity that builds interest, motivation and knowledge in an emerging technology field and inspires them to further explore pathways to potential careers in these areas.
ExLENT proposals are due February 24, 2025. To learn more, visit the NSF ExLENT webpage or register for the Office Hours: Intro to ExLENT Program, scheduled for 1 p.m. EST this Friday, December 13.
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