MINORITY SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

Grant: Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program
Agency: U.S. Department of Education        
Division: Office of Postsecondary Education
Deadline: The deadline was May 31, 2013.

Description: The Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP) is designed to effect long-range improvement in science and engineering education at predominately minority institutions and to increase the flow of underrepresented ethnic minorities, particularly minority women, into scientific and technological careers.

This competition contains one competitive preference priority, of which an additional two points may be awarded to applicants that meet this priority in their application. The priority, Increasing Postsecondary Success, focuses on projects that are designed to increase the number and proportion of high-need students who persist in and complete college or other postsecondary education and training.

An additional two invitational priorities are also mentioned. Though these are priorities held by the Department of Education (DOE), competitive or absolute preference will not be given over others based on how applicants meet the invitational priorities in their individual applications. These priorities include:

• Institutionalize Practices that have Evidence of Success – This priority encourages the use of projects that are supported by strong or moderate evidence of effectiveness in an effort to build institutional capacity to effect long-range improvement in science and engineering education.
• Improve STEM Education in the First Two Years of College – This priority focuses on projects designed to improve student success and retention in the first two years. This may be achieved through greater exposure to science and engineering real-world problems, integrating research courses into STEM curricula, training for faculty, curriculum development and other related activities.

MSEIP is divided into four project types under which grants are awarded. The amount of each grant and eligibility requirements vary on these different project types. More detail is provided below.

• Institutional project grants support the implementation of a comprehensive science improvement plan, and may include any combination of activities for improving the preparation of minority students for careers in science.
• Special project grants cover two types. One supports minority institutions implementing programs designed to improve quality training in science and engineering, or enhance the institutions’ general scientific research capabilities. The second grant type supports all eligible applicants as they provide a needed service to a group of eligible minority institutions, or provide in-service training for project directors, scientists and engineers from eligible institutions.
• Cooperative project grants assist groups of nonprofit accredited colleges and universities to work together to conduct a science improvement program.
• Design project grants assist minority institutions that do not have their own appropriate resources or personnel to plan and develop long-range science improvement programs. Design project grants will not be awarded in FY 2013.

Fit for Public Broadcasting: Stations are not eligible to apply for this program directly, but may be suited as partners. University licensees, especially those affiliated with minority institutions, may find a fit as a partner organization. 10 grants are expected to be made under the institutional project grants type, and stations can provide support and content as institutions develop a comprehensive science improvement plan. These plans are designed to help increase the number of minorities, especially women, in science and technology careers.  Those stations with experience in teacher training and curriculum development are encouraged to begin conversations with their university partner.

Eligibility:  Eligibility varies depending on the project type under which the applicant is applying. All applicants must qualify as a public and/or private nonprofit minority institution of higher education. Additional requirements, such as course and degree type are needed for various project types. See the program notice for more detailed instructions regarding eligibility.

Anticipated Funding: An estimated $2,906,072 has been requested for this competition for FY 2013. The actual level of funding depends on final congressional action. Funds will be distributed across three different types of grant types. Approximately 10 institutional project grants will be awarded with grants ranging from $150,000 to $250,000. One special project grant and one cooperative project grant will be awarded each, with a maximum grant amount of $250,000 and $300,000 respectively. The project period for all grants made is up to 36 months.

How to Apply: Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov. Online submission requires registration, a process that usually takes three to five business days but can take as long as four weeks. Be sure to visit Grants.gov and begin registering well in advance of the grant deadline.

Resources:
Program Notice
Past Grantees