Second-Chance Mentoring Application

The National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) Program encourages prospective grantees to rework and resubmit proposals that were declined when initially submitted.
Mentor-Connect supports this proposal  re-submission process by offering Second-Chance Mentoring.

Apply for Second-Chance Mentoring: (Deadline: first Friday in April)

Colleges may qualify for Second-Chance Mentoring if they meet one of the following conditions:
1. Participated in a Mentor-Connect Cohort, or
2. Submitted a new ATE Track 1 or Track 2 proposal where reviewer ratings for the declined proposal were primarily “Good” or higher.

When ready to apply, college applicants should:

  • Complete electronic application
  • Submit a complete copy of the declined proposal that was submitted, and reviewer comments 

Important: All applicants must complete the electronic application below and submit a full copy of the declined proposal and the reviewer comments received during the NSF review process to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on or before the first Friday in April.

Applications are accepted on or before the first Friday in April

  • If a proposal is declined after the first Friday in April,  the college must apply within 30 days of the decline notice.

Deferral Option: Colleges may choose to defer participation until the following year if the proposal remains viable for resubmission.

Mentor-Connect will provide mentoring for colleges whose proposals meet the following criteria:

  • The original proposal’s purpose is still valid and remains essentially unchanged in the revised version.
  • The college administration supports resubmission of the proposal.
  • The Principal Investigator (PI) of the revised proposal will be the PI, a Co-PI, or another member of the senior personnel from the declined proposal.

Mentoring Scope:     

Selected colleges will receive approximately 15 hours of mentoring support, which includes:

  • Review of the declined proposal and reviewer feedback.
  • Discussions with the PI, Co-PIs, and/or grant professional regarding proposed revisions.
  • Ongoing availability for questions and guidance.
  • Advice throughout the revision process.
  • A final review of the submission-ready proposal, to be completed at least two weeks before the NSF deadline.

Participation Expectations in Second Chance Mentoring:

  • Engage fully in the mentoring process.
  • Participate in evaluation activities, including surveys and/or individual interviews to assess the mentoring program’s impact.

Need help? Contact us. Mentor-Connect will help you in completing the online application.

Download the PDF of the "Second-Chance Mentoring” application to use as a guide. Complete your responses to the questions in electronic form below