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The Mentor-Connect resource collection provides multiple formats specific to preparing competitive grant proposals for submission to the National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (NSF ATE) Program. Included are instructions and helpful hints for those who are submitting proposals, navigating the NSF funding process, and implementing funded projects. While these resources have been created and curated to be specifically helpful for the NSF ATE Program, the guidance is applicable to other NSF funding programs.

Featured Resources

Mentor-Connect’s collection contains print materials, webinars, and links to other helpful sites. Users will find the most current grant proposal guides and updates from the NSF, webinars conducted by Mentor-Connect for all aspects of grant writing, sample documents provided by former and current grantees, and a large supply of informational documents.

New to the Collection

Building Block: 2026 Motivating Rationale

This Mentor-Connect Building Block introduces the Motivating Rationale. The Motivating Rationale conveys the purpose of your ATE proposal. This two-page guide covers the who, what, and why, of the Motivating Rationale, as well as a Motivating Rationale storyboard and helpful hints for completing this important portion of your proposal. By using this guide you should feel confident in crafting an effective data-driven and student-centered Motivating Rationale for your ATE proposal.

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Webinar: 2026 Preparing Forms for your NSF ATE Proposal I

This webinar provides an overview of the forms required for a complete National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education (ATE) proposal submission. Participants will gain an understanding of the purpose of each form and learn what information is required to complete them. Topics include guidance on preparing the cover sheet, project summary, references cited, facilities, equipment and other resources, data management and sharing plan, project data form, and other letters of commitment/collaboration.

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Screenshot of Annual Reports Quick Reference Guide

Quick Reference Guide: 2026 NSF ATE Annual Reports: Beyond the Boxes

This quick reference guide will take you through the process of preparing annual reports for your National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education Program project. Topics include planning, developing and writing your report strategies for submitting annual reports; what should and should not be included in each report; developing a timeline; and the mechanics of report submission. By following this guide you will be able to confidently complete your projects NSF ATE annual reports. This Quick Reference Guide is based on a Mentor-Connect webinar, conducted in April 2026 and available as a recording in the Mentor-Connect resource library: Webinar: 2026 NSF ATE Annual Reports: Beyond the Boxes

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Have questions? We have answers. The Mentor-Connect project has compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help address your inquiries. Should you have additional questions, they may be submitted to mentor-connect@fdtc.edu or by calling the Mentor-Connect help desk at (843) 676-8541.

    What is Mentor-Connect?

    A cost-free service to help two-year college STEM faculty prepare competitive grant proposals for submission to the NSF ATE Program. In addition, Mentor-Connect provides guidance through the NSF funding process and advice about project start-up.  Mentor-Connect also engages and prepares those who serve as mentors for prospective grantees.

    Whom does Mentor-Connect help?

    Two-year institutions and faculty that have not received an NSF ATE grant participating in an annual cohort of prospective grantees receive the most help.  Mentoring and assistance are also available if you are seeking a second ATE project grant or if you are re-working a declined first or second project proposal for re-submission. Mentor-Connect webinars, tutorials, checklists, technical assistance and other resources are freely available to all prospective grantees.

    How can a new-to-ATE college apply to participate in the next Mentor-Connect cohort for mentoring and technical assistance?

    Applications are available year round. Beginning July 1, Mentor-Connect personnel will start reviewing applications to begin the selection process for the following year’s cohort of prospective grantees. The deadline for applying is usually the first Friday of November. For more information, click here.

    Why apply for Mentor-Connect cohort mentoring?

    The funding success rate of those who participate in a Mentor-Connect cohort far exceeds that of those who don’t.  Participants learn strategies for success as well as how to avoid mistakes.  Participating two-year college faculty and their grant team members benefit from two in-person workshops and nine months of instruction, technical assistance, and one-on-one mentoring to learn the essentials as they prepare their ATE grant proposals.

    How do I apply for Second-Chance Mentoring for help in reworking a declined first or second ATE proposal?

    Applications for Second-Chance Mentoring may be submitted after January 1 of each year or at the time the college receives a proposal decline notice from NSF. The deadline for mentoring assistance is May 1 for a proposal to be resubmitted to ATE the following October. To apply, click here.

    Why apply for Second-Chance Mentoring?

    Working with a highly experienced Mentor from the ATE Program brings a valuable outside perspective and “insider” knowledge to the process of re-working a proposal that was not initially funded. Your Mentor-Connect Mentor will also help you avoid mistakes and missteps that may have contributed to lower ratings for your proposal the first time.

    How do I apply for Moving-Up Mentoring for help in crafting an ATE project proposal when my new-to-ATE small grant is completed or nearing completion?

    Applications for Moving-Up Mentoring may be submitted after January 1 of each year. The deadline for mentoring assistance is May 1 for proposal resubmission the following October. To apply, click here.

    Why apply for Moving-Up Mentoring?

    Reviewer expectations are different for ATE Moving-Up Projects than for small grants and the competition for funding is much greater.  A highly experienced Mentor from the ATE Program will bring a valuable outside perspective and “insider” knowledge to help you understand reviewer expectations for a larger project.  Your Mentor will also help you avoid mistakes and missteps that may reduce the chances of receiving a grant award.

    Why apply for Co-Mentoring with an ATE Center?

    As a two-year college faculty member who is collaborating with a discipline-focused ATE Center such as MNT-EC (micro nano technologies), InnovATEBIO (biotechnology), or NCAT (autonomous technologies), you are eligible to apply for co-mentoring to help you prepare your first or next NSF ATE grant proposal. Co-mentoring allows a prospective grantee to benefit from the technical and discipline expertise within an ATE Center and grant writing expertise from Mentor-Connect to develop a competitive grant proposal.

    How can I become a Mentor-Connect Mentor?

    Mentor-Connect offers the Mentor Fellows training program for future Mentors.  Successful applicants for Mentor Fellows have both grant-writing and ATE project implementation experience. Each Mentor Fellow engages in a year-long internship of training with a Mentor-Connect cohort and shadows a current Mentor to become eligible to serve as a Mentor-Connect Mentor.  Mentor Fellows receive a stipend and travel support for their participation as is the case for those who serve as Mentors.

    Where is the Mentor-Connect project based?

    Mentor-Connect is based at Florence-Darlington Technical College, Florence, SC.

    Who leads the Mentor-Connect project?

    The Principal Investigator for the Mentor-Connect project is Pamela Silvers. Co-PIs are Elaine Craft and Emery DeWitt. Osa Brand, Louis McIntyre and Mel Cossette serve as Senior Personnel for the Mentor-Connect project.  Mentor-Connect Mentors are integral to the work of the project and serve as project advisors.

    Is an external evaluator required?

    Yes. NSF ATE projects must include an independent evaluator to measure the project’s progress, outcomes, and overall impact.

    You can take advantage of resources offered by EvaluATE, the evaluation hub for the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. EvaluATE provides valuable tools such as webinars, resource guides, newsletters, and workshops designed to support evaluation and evaluation planning for ATE grants. It also offers assistance in finding qualified external evaluators. Visit www.evalu-ate.org for more information.