The recently concluded gathering in Washington, DC focused on connecting STEM educators to emerging funding opportunities

By Frankie Hayes-Ellis

What does it take to build thriving STEM programs that make a lasting difference for students and communities? That question helped shape the 2026 NSF TCUP Leaders’ Forum, which brought together 66 participants in Washington, D.C., October 8-10.

Hosted by the TCUP Hub at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, the forum connected institutional leaders, faculty, grant professionals, and NSF representatives for discussions on funding opportunities, institutional sustainability, and strategies for advancing STEM education and research.

NSF leadership shared updates on funding opportunities, organizational developments, and award management. Sessions also explored strategic planning, collaborative research, innovative language initiatives, and ways to demonstrate the institutional, economic, and community impact of STEM programs.

One highlight was a screening of Tó éí íná át’é: The Water is Life Center at Diné College, followed by a session exploring how institutions can more effectively tell the stories behind their STEM initiatives and communicate their impact.

Equally valuable were the opportunities to connect. Networking sessions and conversations with NSF program leadership provided space to exchange ideas, discuss common challenges, and explore future collaborations.

The forum underscored the power of bringing people and ideas together, reinforcing the TCUP Hub’s mission to strengthen connections, share expertise, and support STEM opportunities across Indigenous communities.

PowerPoint presentations shared at the meeting have been archived on the Hub’s website and can be found here.

Frankie Hayes-Ellis is co-director the TCUP Hub.