USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced support for research, education, teaching, and extension projects that increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Funding is made through NIFA’s Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields (WAMS) Grant Program.   

There is $400,000 in available funding to support WAMS programming. The deadline for applications is Mar. 28, 2018. Please see the funding opportunity for details.

The WAMS program seeks to develop and implement robust collaborations that improve the economic health and viability of rural communities across the nation. Funded projects will lead to the development of a robust and diverse food and agricultural workforce that is highly competent in the application of STEM knowledge and skills, with increased participation of women and minorities.

NIFA intends to support projects with a target audience of K-14 students. 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 may apply. 

All proposals accepted in NIFA’s competitive grant programs undergo an external peer review process in which a panel of experts from within the respective field in question takes part. Specific details on panel meetings, review formats, and evaluation criteria may vary among programs.

Source: USDA NIFA