Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science

The Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) in Engineering and Computer Science program supports authentic summer research experiences for K-14 educators to foster long-term collaborations between universities, community colleges, school districts, and industry partners. With this solicitation, the Directorates for Engineering (ENG) and Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE) focus on a reciprocal exchange of expertise between K-14 educators and research faculty and (when applicable) industry mentors. K-14 educators will enhance their scientific disciplinary knowledge in engineering or computer science and translate their research experiences into classroom activities and curricula to broaden their students' awareness of and participation in computing and engineering pathways. At the same time, the hosting research faculty will deepen their understanding of classroom practices, current curricula, pedagogy, and K-14 educational environments. The program offers two mechanisms for support: RET Sites and RET Supplements. RET Sites are based on independent proposals submitted for an annual deadline date to provide authentic summer research experiences for K-14 STEM educators and foster long-term collaborations. Sites must involve 8-10 or more K-14 educators in an engineering and/or computer and/or information science research project for a duration of at least six weeks during the summer. RET Supplements provide support for one or two K-14 STEM educators to participate in research as part of a new or ongoing ENG or CISE-funded research project.