NSF ExLENT Grant

Purpose and Goals

  • Provide experiential learning opportunities that support entry into emerging technology careers

  • Support participants with prior exposure to STEM through hands-on, applied training

  • Increase participation in STEM from historically underrepresented populations

  • Create nontraditional education and training pathways through cross-sector partnerships

Focus Areas

GRCC’s project is funded under the ExLENT program. The award supports experiential learning aligned with one or more of the following emerging technology areas:

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Cybersecurity

  • Advanced Manufacturing

  • Other (TBD)

Program Priorities

  • Access: Serve groups underrepresented in STEM

  • Workforce Alignment: Include experiential learning formats such as internships, co-operative programs, service-based learning, or research opportunities

  • Sustainability: Require public release of educational products as open educational resources

  • Data Use: Collect and report participant demographic data using the NSF Education and Training Application (ETAP) system and provide evaluation data through Research.gov

Project Components and Requirements

  • Establish a governance structure that includes the principal investigator, co-principal investigator, partner representatives, and an evaluator (if applicable)

  • Submit an annual project report with a required evaluation section that includes raw and processed data and analysis code

  • Participate in an annual ExLENT PI meeting and an annual virtual check-in with the NSF program officer and key project partners

  • Maintain readiness for site visits, documentation review, and other project oversight activities by NSF

  • Participate in national-level ExLENT program evaluation and workforce development dissemination events during the award period

Participant Engagement and Support

  • Total Participants: 90 individuals over the three-year grant period

  • Participant Support

  • Support formats include structured applied learning activities approved under the ExLENT program

Governance and Reporting

GRCC is responsible for the technical direction, management, and compliance of the ExLENT project. The leadership team includes designated investigators and representatives from partnering organizations. Annual project reporting is required through Research.gov. Evaluation reports must include datasets, analysis code, and findings that follow NSF’s terms and conditions. Program outputs are subject to open access requirements.

 

 

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