Advancing Computer Science Education through NSF's Tribal Colleges and Universities Program (TCUP)

Dear Colleagues:

There is a growing interest in bringing computational thinking and computer science education to a broader population, especially those that have been underrepresented to better posture NSF to leverage the full spectrum of diverse talent in these programs. The CHIPS and Science Act (P.L. 117-167) underscores the importance of broadening science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational opportunities for students and faculty at minority-serving institutions (MSIs). Specifically, the CHIPS and Science Act calls for increased participation of Tribal citizens in computer science and computational thinking education programs.

In response to the CHIPS and Science Act, this Dear Colleague Letter (DCL) invites the Nation’s TCUP-eligible institutions to submit proposals that:

1. Build or enhance computer science curricula that improve the fundamental skills of critical thinking, problem-solving, coding, and collaboration that could be used in academic or research activities.
2. Build capacity to support education and research in computing-related fields of national interest, such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and computer science education, among others.

Through this DCL, the Directorate for STEM Education (EDU) invites proposals from TCUP-eligible institutions for ideas and projects that can enrich the institutions’ offerings in computer science, computational thinking, and related programs. Any proposal submitted should focus on capacity development and growth in the specified discipline foci at the TCUP-eligible institutions. This DCL recognizes the diversity of TCUs and supports original ideas in computer science and computational thinking that align with institutional needs, including enhancing distance learning options. Strategies may include collaborations with supportive partners, support for faculty professional development relevant to research and education in computing, support for students, and inclusion of culturally relevant pedagogy, among others.

Proposals in response to this DCL that focus on computer science and computational thinking may be submitted to the TCUP Partnerships strand in the TCUP Program solicitation. TCUP will also accept planning and equipment proposals submitted in accordance with the guidance contained in Chapter II.F. of the NSF Proposal & Award Policies & Procedures Guide (PAPPG).

HOW TO RESPOND TO THIS DCL:

In advance of submitting a proposal in response to this DCL, interested proposers should discuss their project ideas and institution’s eligibility with TCUP program directors. If invited to submit a proposal, a copy of the email confirming approval to submit must be uploaded into the Supplementary Documentation section of the proposal.

Proposals responsive to this DCL will be accepted at any time through December 20, 2023.

The proposal title should begin with "CHIPS” after any solicitation-specific title requirements.

Questions should be directed to the program directors of TCUP:

Jody Chase (lchase@nsf.gov) or Regina Sievert (rsievert@nsf.gov).

Sincerely,

James L. Moore III
Assistant Director, Directorate for STEM Education (EDU)