When I wrote my CAREER proposal application in 2015, I felt the pressure of this high-stakes opportunity—and found few resources to support my process. I didn't know how to broaden a 3-year project into a 5-year plan, how to handle unique expectations like the Research & Education Integration Plan.

Despite the uncertainty, I started early and learned from examples from senior colleagues, and developed a structure that works—my proposal was funded on the first try. Since then, I've coached 10+ junior scholars and peers through the application process. I've also served as a formal reviewer on multiple NSF CAREER panels, so I know what makes proposals succeed, and what causes them to stumble.

Now, I'm sharing my proven framework for drafting and winning the CAREER Award.

"Write Your CAREER" is a small-group coaching program designed to help you shape your research vision, structure your proposal, and write with confidence—without the confusion, loneliness, doubt and overwhelm.

Whether you're in your first semester or regrouping after a prior submission, this program is for you if you're worried that:

• You don't have a track record of prior funding ➺ CAREER is designed for early faculty, with or without prior grants.
• You're unsure if your idea is "innovative enough" ➺ we'll show you how to highlight impact in ways reviewers value.
• You're afraid of missing a required step ➺ we'll follow a structured timeline and checklists so nothing slips through.
• Your institution can't provide the support you need ➺ this program covers the process end-to-end.

In particular, faculty at institutions with fewer research resources, such as PUIs, R2s, HBCUs, and HSIs, or those in EpScoR states, can win the NSF CAREER award. Through Equity Discounts and focused mentorship, this program is designed to support access for all scholars.

"Write Your CAREER" ends four weeks before the NSF deadline in 2026, giving you time for revisions, letters, and institutional approvals. You’ll leave with a full draft in hand and a clear plan for final polishing.

What you'll get:

• Step-by-step structure so you won't miss key requirements or deadlines.
• Guidance on novelty and scope so your vision stands out without needing to be flashy.
• Practical direction on what NSF panel reviewers are looking for in the CAREER.
• Feedback from peers and me to strengthen and connect your research and education plans.
• Accountability through regular sessions and a supportive cohort.
• Optional 1:1 support if you want deeper, individualized feedback.

Whether you're a first-time CAREER applicant or regrouping after a prior submission, this program can help you propose with confidence. While targeted for pre-tenure faculty submitting to the Directorate of CISE, interdisciplinary scholars are welcome! Join the interest list now and you'll be the first to know when registration opens this fall.

More About the Program

In 2015, my NSF CAREER award was funded on my first submission (CISE IIS-1552598 CAREER: Natural User Interfaces for Children). I credit that success to two things: starting early and understanding the specifics of the CAREER opportunity.

Over the last ten years, I've helped nearly a dozen junior colleagues and peers conceptualize, strategize, synthesize, and revise their NSF CAREER proposals, and I've served on multiple NSF review panels. I know the common pitfalls that can derail an otherwise strong proposal. This cohort-based, guided coaching program distills what I've learned—and the top things I wish I'd known the first time I applied: how to align research and education into a coherent story, how to demonstrate significance without overselling, and how to manage the process without burning out.

Signing Up

> Join the interest list now, and you'll be the first to know when registration opens this fall. You'll also get access to my own funded CAREER proposal as a resource, just for checking us out.

> Equity Rate: we offer a 25% discount on group coaching to faculty members at PUIs, R2s, HBCUs, and HSIs, or those at institutions in EPSCoR states—no extra paperwork required.

Testimonials:

✒️🌱🔥🫶🪻

​Lisa Anthony, Ph.D.​
Agapanthus Editing
findyourspark.me

​

Related Resources:

> the NSF CAREER program solicitation
> the NSF Directorate of CISE, or Computer & Information Science & Engineering
> my NSF CAREER award: CISE IIS-1552598 Natural User Interfaces for Children​
> the NSF list of current EPSCoR states​

Will there be an NSF to apply to in 2026?

While the federal funding situation remains unstable, the NSF has issued multiple calls for proposals and the CAREER program is especially always a priority.

​

​