NIFA requests applications for Women and Minorities in Science (WAMS) to support research and extension activities that increase the number of women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas who will pursue and complete a postsecondary degree in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
Donor Name: U.S. Department of Agriculture
State: All States
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 04/19/2023
Size of the Grant: Up to $200,000
Grant Duration: 36 months
Details:
The purpose of this program is to support research, education/teaching, and extension projects that increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs within broadly defined areas of food and agricultural sciences. Applications recommended for funding must highlight and emphasize the development of a competent and qualified workforce in the food and agricultural sciences. WAMS-funded projects improve the economic health and viability of rural communities by developing research and extension initiatives that focus on new and emerging employment opportunities in STEM occupations. Projects that contribute to the economic viability of rural communities are also encouraged.
WAMS project activities must support the creation, adaptation, and adoption of learning materials and teaching strategies to operationalize what they know about how students learn. WAMS-funded projects shall also focus on imparting both technical knowledge as well as leadership and interpersonal skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving, as these are abilities expected by employers. These concepts may be found in the publication by Michigan State University, College of Agricultural and Natural Resources:
Leadership Skills Development: The development of leadership skills, knowledge, and qualities are necessary to prepare students for agricultural and related careers in the private sector, government, and academia. WAMS applications must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to equip students with technical and leadership abilities through their participation in this project. Specific activities may include:
- Developing practical applications to increase understanding of leadership roles, including critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills; ethics and professionalism; and working in teams;
- Connecting the academic classroom experience with daily leadership roles and organizational activities;
- Providing opportunities for mentoring and shadowing; and
- Organizing leadership academies, workshops, trainings, etc.
Social and Behavioral Science Disciplines: Incorporation of social and behavioral sciences is important for addressing many of the challenges facing agriculture and rural communities, such as increasing global demand for food production in the face of limited natural resources; improving health and reducing obesity; and increasing economic opportunities. Projects that integrate social and behavioral sciences to provide experiential learning opportunities for students in applied research, and related community development programs are encouraged.
Advancement in U.S. Food, Agriculture, and Forestry: In an increasingly interconnected world, these domestic advancements have global importance, and may require information and cooperation from beyond our borders. Any proposed activity (e.g., partnerships, exchanges, training, and/or travel), must support the domestic objectives of WAMS. Applicants must clearly describe and demonstrate how international activities proposed in applications submitted to WAMS will contribute to advances in U.S. agriculture. When proposing international activities, applicants must describe the metrics that will be used for reporting beneficial outputs and outcomes. These metrics should reflect how the proposed international collaboration adds value to achieving the WAMS program’s objectives by introducing innovative technologies /approaches, promoting synergistic science, addressing issues of mutual concern, or other means.
Funding Information
- Estimated Total Funding Amount: $1,800,000
- Maximum Award Amount: Up to $200,000 total for 24 – 36 months
Eligible Applicants
Applications may only be submitted by the following eligible applicants:
- State agricultural experiment stations;
- colleges and universities;
- university research foundations;
- other research institutions and organizations;
- Federal agencies
- national laboratories;
- private organizations or corporations; and,
- individuals
For more information, visit Grants.gov.
