Does NSF have an HSI Strategy?

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has historically been very interested in Broadening Participation in the sciences across all underrepresented populations. Their efforts have focused on explicit inclusion of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), including Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). Many of these MSIs have been Predominantly Undergraduate Institutions (PUIs) or Community Colleges. This approach allows NSF to expand broadening participation, but also distribute federal funding for research, which is concentrated in a relatively few states and institutions. While NSF does not have a dedicated program for HSI’s, many of the solicitations have this as an eligibility requirement or preference.

As more research intensive institutions (like ASU) become HSIs, NSF remains interested in supporting research emerging institutions. An example of how they navigate this is in NSF's Improving Undergraduate STEM Education: Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI Program; https://new.nsf.gov/funding/opportunities/improving-undergraduate-stem-education-hispanic). The program is split into three tracks. Track 1 is explicitly targeting PUIs and community colleges. But Tracks 2 and 3 allow for all institution types to apply. The proposer must ask, does this mean ASU should apply? Would ASU be a competitive applicant for Tracks 2 and 3? 

NSF wants to fund the best science and the most impactful programs. Addressing funding equity across types of institutions is a priority. Considering how ASU is positioned to be competitive is key. Consider the following: 

• The project needs to be far reaching. An ASU led proposal must partner with smaller institutions.
• Be explicit about sharing ASU's resources. There should be a significant institutional commitment that helps the institutional partners. This sharing should be bidirectional with both infrastructure and human capital (i.e., students, faculty).
• Have frequent discussions with the Program Officer. They will be able to say much more about the intent and expectations of the program than the solicitation will reveal.

Communication with NSF is paramount. As a federal agency, NSF typically must be open to all applications, regardless of institution type or size. But like many funding opportunities, the directorate or program often will have a more specific agenda in mind. In depth conversations with program officers can reveal these specifics and enhance your competitive advantage.

In conclusion, ASU is eligible for many HSI opportunities through NSF and other agencies. The designation is focused on students and access, with an emphasis on emerging research institutions. Designing an appropriate strategy that is responsive to NSF’s goals is required when preparing a proposal and should focus on inclusion. 

Learn about preparing your proposal to reflect the goals of the HSI designation here: https://funding.asu.edu/articles/what-know-when-applying-funding-opportunities-hispanic-serving-institutions 
 

Learn about ASU’s HSI designation and how it relates to research funding opportunities here: https://funding.asu.edu/articles/hispanic-serving-institutional-designation-eligibility-funding-opportunities