NSF's Eddie Bernice Johnson Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discoverers in Engineering and Science (INCLUDES) Initiative

The National Science Foundation’s Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative seeks to transform the STEM landscape by fostering inclusive, scalable, and sustainable change to broaden participation among underrepresented groups. Supported under NSF’s broader Big Ideas framework, this initiative emphasizes convergence research and cross-disciplinary collaboration to build a national network of organizations, agencies, and researchers committed to systemic equity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Proposals must align with five core design elements of collaborative infrastructure—shared vision, partnerships, goals and metrics, leadership and communication, and expansion and sustainability—to ensure lasting impact. Projects are categorized into five types: Design and Development Launch Pilots, Collaborative Change Consortia, Alliances, Network Connectors, and Conferences, all intended to strengthen and expand the INCLUDES National Network. Funding is open to a wide range of stakeholders including federally funded programs, scholarly researchers focused on broadening participation, and organizations dedicated to cultivating talent from all segments of society. While proposals are submitted through the Directorate for STEM Education, they are managed by a cross-disciplinary team of NSF program directors to encourage integrated efforts across domains. The initiative is rooted in the NSF Strategic Plan for FY2022–2026 and aims to cultivate a future STEM workforce that mirrors the nation’s demographic diversity, thereby enhancing U.S. scientific leadership and economic competitiveness. The solicitation, numbered 22-622, is open for submissions until October 27, 2026, and is part of a sustained, nationwide effort to ensure equitable access and opportunity in STEM fields.