Education Innovation Grants

Now accepting applications

Due Monday, December 2, 2024

Grants of up to $10,000 are available to individuals or small groups of Michigan Engineering instructional faculty and staff members to enhance student learning and promote equity in higher education using innovative teaching methods and/or tools. For projects that require a larger investment of time/resources and collaboration, please see Strategic Technology Grants

We encourage applicants to consider projects that explore innovative technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), online and hybrid learning models, and Extended Reality (XR), as well as projects that consider the implications of technology on equity, inclusivity and access in educational environments.

Proposal Evaluation Criteria

  • The proposal introduces a novel technique, procedure or technology that has not been widely used, tested or studied within Michigan Engineering. 
  • The proposal includes creative approaches to education. 
  • The proposal builds on methodologies and best practices proven through research to improve student outcomes. 
  • The proposal includes a plan to collaborate with CAEN, CRLT-E and/or ME Online & Professional Education.
  • The proposal includes strategies to ensure all students have equal access to learning resources and opportunities.
  • The type of work proposed does not currently qualify for other funding sources. 
  • The proposed budget meets the budget guidelines.
  • The proposal aligns with Michigan Engineering’s Strategic Vision and People First, equity-centered engineering.

Next Steps & Applicant Guidelines

  1. Submit your E3 Grant Application using the links at the bottom of this page by the end of the day Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
  2. Once your application is submitted, you will be invited to an initial meeting, to take place before Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, to discuss your proposal with an E3 Grant Advocate. This advocate will learn more about your project, ask follow-up questions and provide feedback on your proposal. 
  3. If your advocate suggests updates to your proposal, make changes and resubmit by Monday, Jan. 27, 2025
  4. You will be notified via email of a funding decision in March 2025
  5. Please be aware of the following onboarding expectations and guidelines if your E3 Grant Proposal is funded:
    • The project lead and any available project team members will attend a kick-off meeting with various CAEN, ME Online & Professional Education and CRLT-Engin stakeholders to discuss initial project details and support needs.
    • The project team will provide a Research Administrator or single administrative point of contact (SAPOC).
    • All projects must be completed within one calendar year of receiving funding (June 30, 2026).
    • The project team will provide an image and short description of the project for promotion on CAEN, ME Online & Professional Education and/or CRLT-E websites. 
    • The project lead and/or team will continue to meet with stakeholders for support, as needed, throughout the duration of the project.
    • The project lead will fill out a short survey toward the end of the project, sharing data, project updates and other relevant information. 
    • Team members agree to provide future training and demonstrations on project content or software to share their successes with other faculty at the College, including presenting their project, evaluation criteria, and results at Engineering Education Innovation (EEI) Days or other Michigan Engineering events.
    • The team member(s) awarded funds are responsible for covering project expenditures exceeding the award amount.

Proposal Submissions

Applicants should prepare a 5-page max proposal (template linked at the bottom of the page) that includes:

Project Statement

  • Clearly describe the proposed project
  • Explain the value of the project
  • Identify the specific innovation and its relation to evidence-based practices
  • Explain how the project supports equitable instruction and enhanced student learning
  • Discuss the project’s potential for application in broader contexts

Project Evaluation Plan

Explain how the success of this project will be evaluated, documented and disseminated. Approaches might include midterm course assessments, focus groups and surveys, among others.

Budget

Provide a budget breakdown. The budget will not be counted toward your 5-page maximum for the proposal. It can be included in your proposal documentation or uploaded separately.

Your budget may cover:  

  • Graduate or undergraduate student salaries
  • Materials and supplies
  • Project evaluation expenses
  • Travel and registration fees for teaching-related conferences, seminars or workshops (not to exceed 25% of total budget)
  • Faculty member summer salary (not to exceed $2K of total budget)

Please note the following budget guidelines:

  • The budget breakdown must be in table format
  • Funding cannot be used for student tuition

Timeline

Submissions will be accepted until Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 and initial meetings with a Grant Advocate will take place by Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. If your assigned grant advocate recommends submitting another version of your proposal, those will be due Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.

Funding decisions will be announced in March of 2025.

Available Funding

$50K has been allocated for Education Innovation awards in the 2025-2026 academic year. Each grant proposal awarded may receive up to $10K in funding.

Example Topics

  • Implement a frequent low-stakes, mastery-based assessment strategy supported by digital tools (such as MiQuizMaker) and measure the impact on student outcomes.
  • Design a new online course that relies on the Quality Matters rubric and other course design best practices.
  • Transform a traditional lecture-based course or series of courses to an active learning and/or team-based structure to increase student access and engagement.
  • Develop and implement DEI-focused activities and assignments throughout a core technical course.
  • Redesign a capstone design course with enhanced industry and/or community engagement.
  • Explore digital accessibility guidelines and implement best practices to remediate an existing online course.
  • Apply learning analytics tools to explore and remediate inequitable outcomes in a course.