NITC Diversity Grant

The National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC) provides an opportunity to apply for funds to support underrepresented undergraduate and graduate students participating in transportation research.The purpose of these awards is to expose and encourage women and students of color to transportation research and job training opportunities. The maximum amount available per proposal include $5000 for undergraduate students and $7500 for graduate students.

The following are examples of the kinds of activities we hope to support

  • Adding underrepresented student researchers to existing NITC research projects
  • Funding additional hours for existing underrepresented students
  • Provide exposure to transportation professionals through work with match partners

Items that will not be supported by this initiative:

  • Travel not essential to performing project tasks

Please contact NITC's Tech Transfer and Workforce Development Manager, Lisa Patterson, prior to submitting your funding request.

Eligibility

Faculty, research faculty and other university professionals eligible to serve as Principal Investigators (PIs) at Portland State University, Oregon Institute of Technology, University of Arizona, University of Oregon, University of Texas at Arlington, and University of Utah.

Grant Timeline

Funding is awarded on a rolling basis. Funds must be used within 12 months of the award date.

Award expectations

  • 1:1 match is required
  • Highlight student contributions in bi-annual progress reports
  • Funded students must submit a final 2-page memo describing the research and/or professional opportunities and the impact on their education

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

Key factors considered during the review of your proposal:

  • How the student will benefit from being a part of the proposed activity
  • If known, please provide information on the student who will be funded

Staff will determine the merits of the project. Funding decisions will be made within two weeks of proposal submission. Any missing information will delay awards.

To Apply

Submit your completed proposal and non-research budget by logging into: Proposals accepted on a rolling basis. Proposals must be submitted to the NITC online proposal system:

Online proposal instructions:

1)To begin the proposal submission:

  • Select “Diversity Grant” as the grant cycle
  • Name the project, Diversity Grant, PI last name
  • Submit an abstract to be directed to the proposal page
  • Submit your completed proposal and budget forms

2) Enter Individuals involved:

  • Key contact person (include departmental affiliation, phone and e-mail).
  • Name and departmental or organizational affiliation for all other members of the research group.
  • Names of students (if known)

3) Submit Proposal form (see below):Please include the name of the existing NITC research project in the project description the student currently or will be working on. Completed proposal forms should be no more than three pages in length (single space, 10 pt font) excluding the cover page.

4) Submit Budget:Provide a budget and justification for how the funds will be used to support the student researcher. This includes F&A. Download thenon-research grant budget form at:

5)Matching funds:Awards require 1:1 match.

  • Cash match is considered any direct financial contribution provided by a partner to directly support the project in the form of salaries, benefits, tuition, expendable property, supplies and services; etc.
  • Third party in-kind non-federal match may include: unrecovered indirect costs, values for recipient contributions of services, volunteer services furnished by professional and technical personnel, consultants or other skilled or unskilled labor if service is integral or necessary part of the project, or donated supplies

6) Timeline for expenditure: funds should be used within 12 months of the award date.

7) Questions: Please contact Lisa Patterson()

NITC Diversity Grant Proposal Form

Submit all documents online at: Select “Diversity Grant” Grant Cycle. Projects require 1:1 matching funds. For further information, contact Lisa Patterson ().

Proposed Project

Project Title:Diversity Grant, PI last name

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Name: / Title:
Address: / University:
Phone: / Email:

CO-INVESTIGATOR

Name: / Title:
Address: / University:
Phone: / Email:

COST

Cost (total $ requested from NITC):

Name of Student(s) (if known)

Name: / Name:
University: / University:
Undergrad/Grad or PhD: / Undergrad/Grad or PhD:
Email: / Email:

MATCH SOURCES (Add more rows for each additional source)

Contact Name: / Contact Name:
Organization: / Organization:
Phone: / Email: / Phone: / Email:
Is the match cash1 or in-kind2? / Is the match cash1 or in-kind2?
How is match related to the project (choose one)?
Extension/part of, related or joint project
Earlier related (e.g., phase 1 of 2, etc.)
Other unrelated transportation project
/ How is match related to the project (choose one)?
Extension/part of, related or joint project
Earlier related (e.g., phase 1 of 2, etc.)
Other unrelated transportation project
Dates of match (cannot start before 11/30/16): / Dates of match (cannot start before 11/30/16):

1Cash match is considered any direct financial contribution provided by a partner to directly support the project in the form of salaries, benefits, tuition, expendable property, supplies and services; etc.

2Third party in-kind non-federal match may include: unrecovered indirect costs, values for recipient contributions of services, volunteer services furnished by professional and technical personnel, consultants or other skilled or unskilled labor if service is integral or necessary part of the project, or donated supplies.

1.PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Provide a brief summary of the NITC research project and the student’s contribution. Please include research and professional opportunities, student's name, and the number of hours of work anticipated.

2.STUDENT CONTRIBUTION

How the student will benefit from being a part of the proposed activity. If known, please provide information on the student who will be funded.

3.MATCH FUNDING

Provide an explanation and documentation of match funding by inserting scanned match commitment letters and/or other documents

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NITC Student Diversity ProgramProposalForm – Updated: January 1, 2019