College of the Sciences and Mathematics Funding Opportunities 

Each year, the College of the Sciences and Mathematics provides funding opportunities for a variety of activities from student-involved scholarly activities to student engagement and faculty development. To allow faculty to plan for these opportunities, we provide the following cycle for our grant programs moving forward, subject to funding availability.  

Research in Mathematics and Sciences (RIMS)

The purpose of the RIMS Award is to support and encourage student-involved scholarly research by the College of the Sciences and Mathematics faculty. The maximum award is typically $4,000-$6,000, which can be used for a variety of purposes. Currently, projects which align with the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals will be prioritized.  

Typical TimelineScopeExample of Past RFPSelect Funded Proposals

Student and Community Engagement Award (SCEA)

 In alignment with WCU’s strategic plan and the College of the Sciences and Mathematics Center for STEM Inclusion, SCEA funds support projects that increase student engagement through experiential, high-impact learning opportunities as well as, projects that build connections with campus and/or community partners.  The maximum award is typically $6,000. 

Typical TimelineScopeSelect Funded Proposals

General Student Technology Fee Funds (Tech Fee)

The purposes of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Technology Fee are:

  1. to acquire, install, and maintain up-to-date and emerging technologies for the purpose of enhancing student-learning outcomes;
  2. to provide equitable access to technology resources; and
  3. to ensure, ultimately, that State System graduates are competitive in the technologically sophisticated workplace.

All hardware, software, databases, and other capital equipment procured with these revenues are strictly limited to clearly articulate learning experiences for students.

Annually, there may be a singular priority for projects awarded. For instance, for the 2022-23 AY, priority will be on projects that enhance student learning and are needed to sustain instruction in the 2022-23 academic year.

Typical TimelineScopeExample of Past Application

Research Alternate Workload Assignment (RAWA)

The purpose of the Research AWA program is to support and encourage scholarly research by the College of the Sciences and Mathematics faculty. The maximum award is three credits AWA.

Typical TimelineExample of Past RFPSelect Funded Proposals

Community Engagement Alternate Workload Assignment (CE-AWA)

CE-AWA is designed to support and encourage outreach and/or high-level service to the campus community and/or broader community among faculty within the College of the Sciences and Mathematics. The maximum award is three credits of AWA.

Typical Timeline

External Funding Faculty Mentors

The CSM faculty below have recently applied for and received external grants, please consider contacting them with questions if you are interested in applying for external funding and are in need of guidance.  For additional support, please also reach out to Dr. Stevie Grassetti, Associate Professor of Psychology and CSM research liaison to the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at sgrassetti@wcupa.edu.