The National Institute of Food and Agriculture, United States (U.S.) Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking proposals for the Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS) to support research, education/teaching, and extension projects that increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM.

NIFA intends this program to address educational needs within broadly defined areas of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human (FANH) sciences. Applications recommended for funding must highlight and emphasize the development of a competent and qualified workforce in the FAHN sciences. WAMS-funded projects improve the economic health and viability of rural communities by developing research and extension initiatives that focus on new and emerging employment opportunities in STEM occupations. Projects that contribute to the economic viability of rural communities are also encouraged.

NIFA will support projects with a target audience of K-14 students (kindergarten through twelfth grade plus two years of post-secondary schooling (e.g., vocational technical institutions or community or junior colleges). Four-year undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral focused projects will not be awarded under this grant announcement. Projects with a primary target of 4-year undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral studies should consider NIFA’s workforce and development focused programs.

Funding Information

The anticipated amount available for WAMS in FY 2021 is approximately $384,000.

Eligibility Criteria

As contained in Section 7204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (Pub. L. 110-246 which amends Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925)), applications may only be submitted by the following eligible applicants:

• 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.

For more information, visit Grants.gov.