RIO's NSF CAREER Commit-to-Submit Writing Program
Are you considering submitting anÌýNSF Faculty Early Career Development Program (NSF CAREER)Ìýaward proposal in 2026? Do you feel ready to submit a CAREER proposal at this point in your faculty appointment?ÌýRIO’sÌýNSF CAREER Commit-to-Submit Writing ProgramÌýcan help get you there.
Led by Proposal Writer/Editor Diane Carillo, this program is designed to support your proposal development from start to finish through individual/one-on-one writing and proposal development coaching, optional peer writing groups, and red team reviews.
Participants will learn the ins and outs of writing a competitive NSF CAREER proposal with the goal of submitting a strong proposal by the deadline.
Note: This program is for CU º£½ÇÉçÇø faculty only.
RIO’s 2026 NSF CAREER KickoffÌý
February 11 | 12:00 - 1:30pm | Virtual
Join RIO as we kickoff the NSF CAREER Commit-to-Submit Writing Program.
The kickoff workshop is designed to help eligible assistant professors better understand what it takes to develop a competitive NSF CAREER proposal. The session combines practical guidance, introductions to campus resources, and opportunities for peer connection to support informed decision-making.
What to expect at the kickoff workshop
- An overview of CAREER requirements, expectations, and common questions
- Insights and advice from previous NSF CAREER award recipients
- Introductions to Broader Impacts and education support resources available at CU º£½ÇÉçÇø
- Opportunities to identify and connect with potential peer writing group members
- Support in thinking through readiness and next steps
All CU º£½ÇÉçÇø faculty that are eligible for NSF CAREER are encouraged to attend and participate.ÌýParticipants are encouraged to join with cameras on to support discussion and peer connection as we get to know CU º£½ÇÉçÇø’s 2026 NSF CAREER cohort.
RIO’s NSF CAREER Commit-to-Submit Writing Program
Participants receive structured, individualized support throughout the CAREER proposal development process, including:
- Individual CAREER proposal planning meetings focused on readiness, strategy, and timeline development
- Writing exercises and feedback, completed individually or in optional peer writing groups
- Access to sample funded CAREER proposals and sample Department Chair letters
- Introductions to campus resources supporting Broader Impacts and educational components
- Review of at least two full drafts, including a first draft and a near-final draft
- Ongoing coaching and consultation through the NSF CAREER deadline (July 22)
Faculty interested in participating in the Commit-to-Submit Writing Program should contact Diane Carillo at diane.carillo@colorado.edu by March 27, 2026.
Please note: College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) faculty should contact Susan Day (susan.day@colorado.edu) for NSF CAREER proposal development support. CEAS faculty are encouraged to attend RIO’s NSF CAREER Kickoff Workshop and are welcome to participate.
Broader ImpactsÌý& Educational ComponentÌýSupport
CU º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Broader Impacts Network (BIN) provides a central campus resource connecting faculty with partners, tools, and support to develop and implement meaningful Broader Impacts. BIN brings together a range of on-campus partners and resources, searchable by audience, program type, and discipline.
RIO also partners with the following campus resources to provide specialized expertise supporting Broader Impacts and educational components for NSF CAREER proposals:
- Alex Rose, Broader Impacts Manager, Science Communication and Outreach Specialist, CU Science Discovery
- Dr. Tanya Ennis, Director of Research Impact and Engagement, Research and Innovation Office
- To be Announced, Director of the CIRES Center for Education, Engagement and Evaluation (CEEE)
Additional NSF CAREER Resources
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