NSF Diversity Programs Timeline

NSF created by Congress with the mission to promote the progress of science, advance national health, prosperity and welfare, and secure national defense.

NSF began funding fellowships for graduate students, establishing early support for STEM education. This evolved into today's Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP).

Program offering research opportunities to undergraduate students in STEM fields, providing competitive stipends and assistance with housing, meals, and travel.

Established by Congress to diversify the STEM workforce by increasing participation of underrepresented minorities (African Americans, Hispanic Americans, American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders) in STEM baccalaureate and graduate programs.

Program to enhance research capabilities of minority-serving institutions through centers that integrate education and research, supporting faculty development and student participation in STEM.

Supports partnerships between two-year colleges, other academic institutions, and industry to improve education of technicians in high-technology fields, with encouragement for minority-serving institutions.

Established to strengthen STEM education and research capacity at HBCUs through implementation projects, research initiatives, and targeted infusion projects to broaden participation in STEM fields.

Program launched to increase representation and advancement of women in academic STEM careers. Since inception, invested over $130 million at more than 100 institutions to address systemic barriers and promote gender equity in STEM.

National network focused on collaborative approaches to broaden participation of underrepresented groups in STEM through alliances and partnerships across education, business, and government sectors.

Established to provide research opportunities for HBCUs that have not been successful in larger NSF competitions, aimed at building sustainable research capacity aligned with NSF research programs.

Significant changes to NSF diversity programs. Many DEI-focused initiatives terminated or modified to align with new agency priorities. Focus shifted to programs explicitly established in law and appropriations language. Approximately 1,500 research grants terminated, with majority led by women and underrepresented minorities.