Now accepting applications
Due Monday, December 2, 2024
Grants of up to $50,000 are available to teams of at least three Michigan Engineering instructional faculty and staff members to enhance student learning and promote equity in higher education using innovative teaching methods and/or tools. Project submissions for this grant should require an investment of time/resources and collaboration for deployment larger than what is available via the Education Innovation Grants.
We invite proposals that explore the potential of innovative technologies to advance instructional methodologies. We are particularly interested in proposals that leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. We also welcome submissions exploring online and hybrid learning models, Extended Reality (XR), and projects that assess the implications of technology on equity, inclusivity, and access within educational settings.
Proposal Evaluation Criteria
- The scope of the proposal falls within the parameters of the strategic theme for this grant: AI, online and hybrid learning models, XR or projects that consider the implications of technology on equity, inclusivity and access in educational environments.
- 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 ADUE, ADGPR, CAEN, CRLT-Engin or ME Online & Professional Education.
- If the proposal focuses on the online/hybrid teaching model, it should leverage the Quality Matters rubric and best practices with online course design and development.
- 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 implements practices or tools that have the potential for great impact (either a large impact on a small population or something that could be applied to a larger population at Michigan Engineering).
- The proposal aligns with the strategic goals of ADUE, ADGPR, CAEN, CRLT-Engin, ME Online & Professional Education, and/or the broader College of Engineering, especially as it relates to Michigan Engineering’s Strategic Vision and People First, equity-centered engineering.
Next Steps & Applicant Guidelines
- Submit your E3 Grant Application using the links at the bottom of this page by the end of the day Monday, Dec. 2, 2024.
- 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.
- If your advocate suggests updates to your proposal, make changes and resubmit by Monday, Jan. 27, 2025.
- You will be notified via email of a funding decision in March 2025.
- 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-E 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 7-page max proposal (template linked at the bottom of the page) that includes:
Theme(s)
Identify your proposal’s strategic theme:
- We invite proposals that explore the potential of innovative technologies to advance instructional methodologies. We are particularly interested in proposals that leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. We also welcome submissions exploring online and hybrid learning models, Extended Reality (XR), and projects that assess the implications of technology on equity, inclusivity, and access within educational settings.
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
- If online, describe how the course design and development effort will leverage the Quality Matters rubric
- Discuss the project’s potential for great impact (either large impact on a small population, or be something that could be applied to a larger population within Michigan Engineering or used to help support a future grant)
- Describe your goals for collaboration with at least one E3 grant sponsor (ADUE, ADGPE, CAEN, CRLT-Engin, and/or ME Online & Professional Education)
Project Evaluation Plan
Explain how the success of this project will be evaluated, documented, and disseminated. Approaches might include midterm course assessments, alignment with a rubric, focus groups, and surveys, among others.
Budget
Provide a budget breakdown. The budget will not be counted towards your 7-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 budget breakdown must be in table format
- Funding cannot be used for student tuition
Team Roster
Provide a list of all team members, with descriptions of their respective roles and very brief bios. Beyond the three Michigan Engineering instructors required for testing and piloting, the team may also include additional instructors and/or staff members.
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
The E3 grants program will fund, at most, two strategic technology projects (max $100K) in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Example Topics
- Develop AI-driven personalized learning or tutoring platforms that address diverse learning needs.
- Design inclusive online/hybrid course frameworks that accommodate students with varying access to technology.
- Develop community-building strategies in online and hybrid settings to enhance student engagement.
- Create immersive XR experiences for experiential learning and practical skill development.
- Develop virtual laboratories and simulations to equalize access to hands-on learning opportunities.
- Exploring strategies to ensure equitable access to innovative educational technologies across diverse student populations.