Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
NSERC’s PromoScience program provides funding to Canadian organisations that promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics learning through hands-on experiences for young Canadians and educators. The program focuses on encouraging participation in natural sciences and engineering, especially among underrepresented groups in STEM.
Eligible applicants may receive up to $200,000 per year for a maximum of three years. Applications must be submitted to NSERC before 8:00 pm ET on September 15.
What is the NSERC PromoScience Program?
The PromoScience program is a funding opportunity offered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.
It supports organisations that inspire young Canadians to explore science and engineering through interactive, practical, and hands-on learning.
The program is designed for initiatives that promote natural sciences and engineering among elementary and high school students, educators, and Indigenous undergraduate students interested in graduate studies in natural sciences and engineering.
Main Purpose of the Program
The main purpose of PromoScience is to increase youth engagement in science and engineering.
The program supports activities that encourage young people to develop curiosity, skills, confidence, and interest in STEM learning and future careers.
It also supports educators who help deliver meaningful science and technology learning experiences.
Focus Areas and Priorities
The program focuses on STEM promotion, youth engagement, and inclusive participation in natural sciences and engineering.
Key focus areas include:
- Natural sciences promotion
- Engineering promotion
- STEM learning
- Youth engagement
- Hands-on science activities
- Interactive learning experiences
- Science and engineering career awareness
- Support for science educators
- Technology-based learning
- Practical science experiences
- Underrepresented groups in STEM
- Indigenous youth participation
- Girls in STEM
- Youth with disabilities
- Visible minorities and racialized groups
- 2SLGBTQIA+ communities
- Indigenous undergraduate pathways to graduate studies
Key Concepts Explained
STEM Learning
STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
PromoScience supports STEM learning activities that help young people understand scientific and engineering concepts through practical, engaging, and interactive experiences.
Natural Sciences and Engineering
Natural sciences and engineering include fields such as biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and related disciplines.
Programs funded through PromoScience must include significant natural sciences and engineering content.
Hands-On Learning
Hands-on learning means participants actively engage with science or engineering through experiments, demonstrations, workshops, field activities, projects, technology tools, or problem-solving exercises.
This approach helps students learn by doing rather than only listening or reading.
Underrepresented Groups in STEM
Underrepresented groups are communities that have historically faced barriers to participation in STEM education and careers.
PromoScience gives attention to groups such as girls, Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities, visible minorities, racialized groups, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include Canadian organisations that deliver continuous science promotion programming.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Canadian registered non-profit organisations
- Post-secondary institutions
- Non-federal museums
- Science centres
Applicants must provide ongoing programming focused on science promotion and youth engagement.
Target Participants
PromoScience supports initiatives designed for young Canadians and educators.
Target participants may include:
- Elementary school students
- High school students
- Science and technology educators
- Indigenous undergraduate students interested in graduate studies
- Youth from underrepresented groups in STEM
- Young people exploring science and engineering careers
Supported Activities
Supported activities should promote interest in natural sciences and engineering through interactive and educational programming.
Eligible activities may include:
- Youth-focused STEM programs
- Science workshops
- Engineering activities
- Interactive demonstrations
- Hands-on learning sessions
- Educator resources
- Professional development for educators
- Technology-based STEM learning
- Social learning activities
- Career inspiration activities
- Programs for underrepresented youth in STEM
- Indigenous undergraduate STEM pathway activities
Activities should focus on learning, engagement, and career inspiration.
Activities That May Not Fit the Program
The program is not intended to support activities that are mainly focused on research, advocacy, academic recruitment, or regular coursework.
Programs should not present themselves as STEM outreach if the primary purpose is:
- Research activity
- Advocacy
- University course delivery
- Academic credit-based programming
- Student recruitment for a specific institution
- Activities without significant natural sciences or engineering content
University-based activities must clearly separate youth outreach components from academic coursework or recruitment activities.
Funding Amount
The funding amount is based on the proposed budget.
Grants are available up to $200,000 per year.
The maximum funding period is three years.
Applicants should prepare budgets that are realistic, justified, and aligned with the proposed STEM outreach activities.
Deadline
Applications must be submitted to NSERC before 8:00 pm ET on September 15.
Applicants should plan ahead to ensure that all required information and supporting materials are completed before the deadline.
Program Reach and Impact
PromoScience supports proposals that demonstrate broad impact and reach.
Projects may operate at:
- National level
- Provincial level
- Territorial level
- Regional level
Applicants should explain how many participants will be reached, what groups will benefit, and how the program will encourage long-term interest in STEM.
Requirements for New or Pilot Programs
New or pilot programs may be eligible, but they must show evidence of feasibility and expected impact.
Applicants should explain:
- Why the program is needed
- How the activity will be delivered
- Who will participate
- What outcomes are expected
- What evidence supports the project design
- How success will be measured
Pilot programs should show that they are realistic and have potential for growth or replication.
How the Program Works
PromoScience provides grant funding to organisations that deliver science and engineering outreach activities.
Applicants submit proposals describing their program, target audience, learning approach, STEM content, expected outcomes, and budget.
NSERC assesses whether the proposed activities promote natural sciences and engineering, support youth engagement, reach appropriate audiences, and demonstrate strong impact.
Successful applicants receive funding to deliver eligible STEM promotion activities over the approved grant period.
How to Apply
Applicants should first confirm that their organisation is eligible under the program.
They should then prepare a proposal that clearly describes the STEM learning activity, target participants, program reach, underrepresented groups served, learning outcomes, and expected impact.
The proposal should demonstrate strong natural sciences and engineering content and show how the activity will inspire interest in future studies or careers.
Applicants should also prepare a detailed budget and submit the application to NSERC before the deadline.
Suggested Application Steps
- Confirm that the applicant is a Canadian registered non-profit organisation, post-secondary institution, non-federal museum, or science centre.
- Confirm that the organisation provides continuous programming focused on science promotion.
- Identify the target participants, such as elementary students, high school students, educators, or Indigenous undergraduate students.
- Define the natural sciences and engineering content of the program.
- Explain how the activity will provide hands-on or interactive STEM learning.
- Identify how the program will support underrepresented groups in STEM.
- Describe how the program will encourage interest in science and engineering careers.
- Prepare a clear implementation plan.
- Demonstrate expected impact and reach.
- For new or pilot programs, provide evidence of feasibility.
- Prepare a budget of up to $200,000 per year.
- Submit the application before 8:00 pm ET on September 15.
Why It Matters
Early exposure to hands-on STEM learning can help young people build confidence, curiosity, and career interest in science and engineering.
Many students from underrepresented groups face barriers to accessing STEM opportunities and role models.
PromoScience matters because it helps organisations deliver inclusive, practical, and inspiring STEM experiences to young Canadians.
By supporting educators and youth-focused programming, the program contributes to a stronger and more diverse future STEM workforce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid submitting programs that lack significant natural sciences or engineering content.
Activities should not focus mainly on research, advocacy, coursework, or institutional recruitment.
Applicants should avoid vague descriptions of hands-on learning.
Programs serving underrepresented groups should clearly explain outreach methods, accessibility, and inclusion strategies.
New or pilot programs should not apply without evidence of feasibility and expected impact.
Applicants should also avoid unrealistic budgets or unclear explanations of program reach.
Tips for Strong Applications
A strong application should clearly explain how the program inspires young people to explore science and engineering.
Applicants should show how participants will learn through direct experience, interaction, experimentation, or practical activities.
The proposal should clearly identify target groups and explain how underrepresented youth will be engaged and supported.
Strong applications should include measurable outcomes, such as number of participants reached, educator resources developed, workshops delivered, or changes in STEM interest.
The budget should be realistic and directly connected to program activities.
Applicants should also demonstrate organisational experience, delivery capacity, and the ability to sustain or scale the program.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the NSERC PromoScience program?
PromoScience is an NSERC funding program that supports organisations promoting natural sciences and engineering through hands-on STEM learning experiences for young Canadians and educators.
2. Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include Canadian registered non-profit organisations, post-secondary institutions, and non-federal museums or science centres that provide continuous science promotion programming.
3. Who are the target participants?
The program supports activities for elementary and high school students, educators, and Indigenous undergraduate students interested in graduate studies in natural sciences and engineering.
4. How much funding is available?
Grants are available up to $200,000 per year for a maximum period of three years.
5. What kinds of activities are supported?
Supported activities include youth-focused STEM programs, educator resources, professional development, interactive science activities, technology-based learning, and practical science experiences.
6. Does the program support underrepresented groups?
Yes. The program encourages participation from underrepresented groups in STEM, including girls, Indigenous youth, youth with disabilities, visible minorities, racialized groups, and 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.
7. What is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted to NSERC before 8:00 pm ET on September 15.
Conclusion
The NSERC PromoScience program is an important funding opportunity for Canadian organisations that promote hands-on STEM learning among young Canadians and educators.
With grants of up to $200,000 per year for up to three years, the program supports inclusive science and engineering outreach, youth engagement, educator development, and career inspiration.
Applicants should present strong proposals with clear natural sciences and engineering content, practical learning methods, broad impact, inclusive outreach, and a realistic budget.
For more information, visit Government of Canada.
