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The purpose of this investigation is to gain a better understanding of the drivers and barriers of success for HBCU researcher submitting STEM proposals to NSF. Grants and contracts are essential for an institution’s long-term viability; reducing tuition dependence and providing important funding for research, services and programs. However, in 2014, HBCUs accounted for only 0.8 percent of all funds allocated to all institutions of higher education for Research and Development. This investigation used organizational learning theory and focus group research to understand the process through which HBCUs acquire knowledge and translate knowledge into dynamic capabilities to prepare successful proposals to NSF. After analyzing the focus group content, the 5 big ideas related to grant funding success were: develop relationships; take advantage of opportunities, learn as much as you can, change personal mindset, and change institutional culture. Recommendations, based on the results, to overcome barriers to successful proposal submission among HBCUs are provided. 

We evaluated the efficacy of a technical assistance (TA) model for increasing the competitiveness of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and other minority-serving institutions (MSI) seeking funding to expand their teacher training through the National Science Foundation (NSF)’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship (Noyce) Program. The Noyce Program addresses the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) goal to support at least 100,000 new STEM middle and high school teachers. The Quality Education for Minorities (QEM) Network engaged in a series of strategies to broaden participation of Noyce to MSIs, with the long-term goal of diversifying the pipeline of new STEM teachers. Results found that of the 335 active Noyce awards, 39 were awards to MSIs. Of the 39, 23 (59%) were awarded to institutions represented in at least one QEM Noyce TA workshop. This study looks at the potential of TA models for HBCUs and MSIs to generalize across a spectrum of initiatives aimed at strengthening the nation’s teacher education programs, and graduating quality STEM teachers.