Mini-grants were initiated by the Project AYUDAS Faculty Lead on STEM Inclusive Excellence and the Interdisciplinary Council in recognition that funds could enhance active learning pedagogy and addresses equity gaps.
Active learning pedagogy funding
The STEM Active Learning Pedagogy Mini-Grant is designed to support faculty with implementing active learning strategies in STEM courses. Faculty are invited to submit proposals for classroom-oriented equipment and supplies that can be used to encourage active learning in existing classrooms around campus.
Equity-minded pedagogy funding
The Equity-Minded Pedagogy Mini-Grant is designed to support STEM faculty to facilitate and form faculty learning communities that will engage collaboratively in equity-minded pedagogy.
Funding levels
Mini-grants are available in amounts up to $1,000 for Active Learning Pedagogy (ALP) mini-grants and between $3,000 to $20,000 for Equity-Minded Pedagogy (EMP) mini-grants.
Departments
The Department of Education HSI identifies as STEM courses, including Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science/Mechatronics, Environmental Science and Resource Management, Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics and qualifying Anthropology and Psychology courses.
Deadline
DEADLINE to apply is rolling throughout the year and is ongoing.
Application process
To apply, faculty must (1) consider which mini-grant; (2) complete the online application (Active Learning Mini-Grant or Equity-Minded Mini-Grant); and, (3) attach supporting documents.
Examples of uses
- Active Learning Pedagogy
- Grants may be used to purchase classroom supplies or equipment that enhance active learning.
- New Equipment for Active Learning
- VR/AR Goggles
- Software
- Models
- Manipulatives
- Calculators
Equity-Minded Pedagogy
EMP grants must be used to support equity-minded practices in the classroom. Resources to request may include the following:
- Faculty Time
- Faculty Development
- Undergraduate Research Projects
- Instructional Technology Curriculum or Professionals
- Learning Designer
- Travel to Conferences
- Transportation for Field Instruction
- Practices and Resources that Enhance Equity-Minded Pedagogy
Proposals will be evaluated by the STEM Interdisciplinary Committee. The Committee will forward funding recommendations to the STEM Inclusive Excellence Faculty Lead, who makes final funding decisions. Project AYUDAS looks forward to providing this support to faculty.
These funds cannot be used to supplement standard departmental supplies and expense budgets but rather to defray direct costs associated with creative activities. Faculty are encouraged to apply for anything that enhances or enriches university instruction.
Click the links below to apply: Active Learning Mini-Grant Application or Equity-Minded Mini-Grant Application
Dr. Christina Soderlund, Mathematics Faculty and STEM Inclusive Excellence Faculty Lead (christina.soderlund@csuci.edu)
Sandra Birmingham, AYUDAS Project Director, Student Academic Success and Equity Initiatives (sandra.birmingham@csuci.edu)
Additional information can be found at the Faculty Development Canvas Course.