Minority Science and Engineering Improvement

To (1) effect long-range improvement in science and engineering education at predominantly minority institutions and (2) increase the participation of underrepresented ethnic minorities, particularly minority women, in scientific and technological ca

Private and public nonprofit accredited (or successfully working toward accreditation) institutions of higher education that award baccalaureate degrees; and are minority institutions; public or private accredited (or successfully working toward accreditation) nonprofit institutions of higher education that award associate degrees, and are minority institutions that have a curriculum that includes science and engineering subjects; and enters into a partnership with public or private nonprofit institutions of higher education that award baccalaureate degrees in science or engineering. Applications may also be submitted by nonprofit science-oriented organizations, professional scientific societies, and institutions of higher education that award baccalaureate degrees, that provide a needed service to a group of minority institutions; or provide in-service training for project directors, scientists, and engineers from minority institutions; or consortia of organizations, that provide needed services to one or more minority institutions, the membership of which may include: institutions of higher education which have a curriculum in science or engineering; institutions of higher education that have graduate or professional programs in science or engineering; research laboratories of, or under contract with the Department of Energy; private organizations that have science or engineering facilities; or quasi-governmental entities that have a significant scientific or engineering mission.

Private or public accredited (or successfully working toward accreditation) 2- and 4-year institutions of higher education whose enrollments of a single minority or a combination of minorities exceed 50 percent of the total enrollment. The term minorities refer to American Indian; Alaskan Native; Native Hawaiian, Black (not of Hispanic origin); Hispanic (including persons of Mexican, Puerto Rican, Cuban, and Central or South American origin); Pacific Islander; or other ethnic group who are underrepresented in science and engineering.

Institutions must provide the information necessary to establish their eligibility for participation in MSEIP. The data on enrollment furnished to the Office for Civil Rights to satisfy requirements for the "Fall Enrollment and Compliance Report of Institutions of Higher Education" are acceptable. Applications must be signed by an authorized organizational official.

Program funds are generally used to implement institutional projects, special projects, and cooperative grants. Institutional grants support the implementation of a comprehensive science improvement plan, which may include any combination of activities for improving the preparation of minority students for careers in science. Special project grants to minority institutions support activities that improve the quality of training in science and engineering at minority institutions. Special project grants to non-minority eligible applicants support activities that provide a needed service to a group of eligible minority institutions. Cooperative grants assist groups of non-profit accredited colleges and universities in working together to conduct a science improvement program. Grant funds may be used for a broad range of activities that address specific barriers that eliminate or reduce the entry of minorities into science and engineering fields. This program is subject to non-supplanting requirements and must use a restricted indirect cost rate which is referenced under 34 CFR 76.564-76.569. For assistance call the Office of the Chief Financial Officer/Indirect Cost Group on (202) 377-3838.

One to three years. Funds are awarded annually and disbursed as required. Renewals are subject to the availability of appropriations.

Environmental impact information is not required for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

An eligible institution may submit a proposal for funding of a planned project and proposed amount of the grant when announcement of a new competition appears in the Federal Register. See 34 CFR 637 and the specific program guidelines. Application forms are available from the MSEIP.

Decisions are based primarily on the scientific and educational merits of described activities and conformance with the objectives of the program. Priority is given to applicants which have not previously received funding from the MSEIP program and to previous grantees with a proven record of success, as well as to proposals that contribute to achieving balance among projects with respect to geographic region, academic discipline, and project type.

Panels of outside experts with knowledge of the fields covered by the application review all eligible applications. Grant awards are recommended to the Secretary by the program office, in the order of merit.

From 3 to 6 months.

Awards may be renewed for up to 2 years, renewals subject to the availability of appropriations.