One element of the Austin College program is “applied learning experiences.” Students will apply for funds to do science-related service projects, in which leadership skills are developed and applied. These projects may be on campus, in the community, or some combination of these venues. The projects may be proposed by individuals or teams. Each project will have a faculty sponsor who will assist individuals or teams in planning and executing the project.
Now Accepting Applications
Individuals or teams should submit a brief (no more than 250 words) executive summary of the proposed project to Dr. Steven Goldsmith, Dean of Sciences. Applications will be reviewed as submitted. The executive summary should outline the goals, scope, intended outcomes, and budget for the project, and should identify the faculty sponsor. Projects will be selected for funding based on the relevance of the project for leadership development and impact on campus or the community. Budgets should not exceed $1000. Student leaders of projects selected for funding will be notified by email, with full proposals due in 30 days.
Full proposals will consist of the following elements:
Project Description – describes the goals and rationale for the project, outlines leadership development activities, provides a timeline for the project including the parties responsible for each component, describes impacts of the project on the campus or community, presents a plan to assess the success of the project, and anticipates any problems with implementation of the project. This document should be single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, with 1″ margins. This document may be no longer than three pages including references and figures.
Budget and Budget Justification – provides the budget for the project and an explanation for each expense. Budgets of up to $1000 may be requested, and should be consistent with the costs and scope of your project. Budgets may be used for supplies, copying, media, and other material deemed necessary. Stipends are not allowed. This document (also single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, with 1″ margins) may be no longer than 1 page.
Profiles for Student Leaders – short biographies for the student leader and other student, staff, or faculty participants, describing their experience and training relevant for successful implementation of the project. This should include a description of the anticipated benefits for professional development of the student participants. Each profile may be no more than 250 words.
Supporting Letters – letters from the faculty sponsor and any community partners, expressing their willingness to support the individual or team on the project.
Student leaders for successfully funded first-round proposals will be notified by email, with funding available at that date. Student leaders for successfully funded second-round proposals will be notified by email, with funding available at that date. A follow-up report will be due on May 9. This report describes the project implementation and the degree to which project goals were met, how funds were spent, and a reflection of the effect of the project on professional development of the student leaders. This document (single-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font, with 1″ margins) may be no longer than two pages including references and figures.