Your TL;DR: The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) opened two distinct Fiscal Year 2027 competitions with optional letters of intent due October 29 and applications due December 11. From Seedlings to Scale supports technology-enabled evidence translation, while Transformative Research in Special Education focuses on preservice teacher preparation.
Shared dates can make these competitions look like two versions of the same opportunity. Each program asks a different research question, expects a different project design, and requires a different partnership structure.
From Seedlings to Scale Focuses on Evidence Translation
The Phase One Coordinating Systems to Translate Evidence into Policy and Practice focus area supports research and testing of artificial-intelligence and technology-enabled approaches that connect preK-12 evidence with decisions. The source record identifies a maximum of $500,000 for a one-year award and no required cost sharing.
A credible project needs more than a technology concept. Teams should explain whose decisions improve, what evidence moves through the system, how users engage, and how research will test the approach.
Transformative Research Targets Teacher Preparation
The special-education competition supports transformative research on preservice general and special educator preparation, recruitment, and retention. The source record notes a maximum of $3.75 million over three years and a 5% cost-share requirement, subject to the complete Request for Applications.
Applicants can use the optional letter-of-intent decision to pressure-test whether the chosen mechanism matches their research purpose, partners, cost structure, and evidence plan.
The Calendar Demands an Early Fit Decision
Both applications are due December 11, 2026, at 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern. EBHC prefers 45 to 60 calendar days for complex federal proposal work and does not accept new proposal-development or writing engagements with fewer than 30 calendar days remaining.
Institutional deadlines and holiday closures can move the effective working deadline earlier. Applicants should choose by research purpose and partnership fit, not award size.
To learn more, read IES From Seedlings to Scale Grants Program.