Apply Now: Faculty-Staff Innovators Grants Make Projects Possible
The deadline to apply for the Faculty-Staff Innovators Grant Program through the Educational Foundation is approaching.
The grant program serves to (1) provide funding for projects not supported by the existing College budget that support the mission, vision, and strategic planning objectives of the College and (2) focus college-wide attention on solutions to improve academic and workforce programs and activities that can promote the advancement of one or more of the Strategic Plan 2027 goals.
The grant maximum is $5,000 and the deadline to submit proposals is Oct 21. All Virginia Peninsula full- and part-time faculty members, staff and administrators are eligible to apply with supervisors' approval before submittal.
To obtain an application and the program guidelines, contact Development Director Tracy Ashley at ashleyt@vpcc.edu. Don't miss this opportunity to get funding for projects that will enrich students' lives and enhance teaching and learning at the College.
Among numerous projects Faculty-Staff Innovators grants have funded are:
Emphasis on Information Systems, $3,331 - The project was a hands-on service program to promote women's interest in pursuing information systems careers. The five-week summer experience allowed VPCC information systems majors and girls from high school programs in the College's service area to work as a team to address a local nonprofit's information management problem. The team developed and executed a solution and presented progress reports to the client and to faculty supervisors. They were also tasked to train the client's staff on the new system.
Success Looks Like, $4,000 - The project highlighted 10 high-achieving students in the Communications, Humanities, and Social Science (CHSS) division each semester featuring them and describing their accomplishments on large format posters throughout Templin Hall. It aimed to encourage students by recognizing their success and empowering other students to succeed by showing examples of what success looks like at VPCC. Students in CHSS designed the posters having won a contest held each semester. Contest winners also received $250.
STEM Summer Science Camp, $4,968 - To promote an understanding and interest in STEM fields in middle school students, the College piloted a free summer science camp in 2015. It served 38 middle school students in the first year. The camp provided hands-on lab experiences in topics such as genetics, microbiology, chemistry, and rocket science. Students also received an overview of available STEM-related careers.
Visual Arts Gallery, $5,000 - The Visual Arts Gallery in Templin Hall on the Hampton campus was supported in purchasing materials for students to develop skills in installing art exhibits. The grant also covered expenses related to bringing visiting artists and producing exhibit-related receptions and lectures for the College and community members.