University Chapter Special Projects Program

The MRS University Chapters Special Projects Program was designed to broaden awareness and participation in materials science and engineering both in the MRS University Chapter’s own university and in the broader local community.  Through the Special Projects Grant Program, MRS University Chapter students gain valuable professional development experience in grant proposal-writing, organizing materials-related events, honing their teaching and presentation skills, and actively engaging with their community on the topic of materials.

All University Chapter Special Project Grant proposals must support the MRS goal to broaden participation in the materials field, encouraging students to pursue bachelors and advanced degrees as well as supporting their careers after graduation. Proposals must also demonstrate how the Special Project will broaden participation in materials by actively engaging students and individuals in the University Chapter’s community. Anticipated outcomes and how they will be measured must also be included.

To obtain funding, a proposal must be prepared by students of the chapter and submitted to MRS by the deadline.

Requirements/Evaluation Criteria: The following provides a guideline to which the proposals will be evaluated against and the requirements as you prepare your proposal for submission:

• Support for MRS efforts to broaden participation in materials.
  
• Only new initiatives will be considered.  Continuation or expansion of a present activity will not be funded.
• Special Project/Program Name (Note:  It should include a reference to how it will Broaden Participation in Materials Science and Engineering)
• Purpose of the Project/Program and the need it will address
• An “Executive Summary” that includes a description of how its values broaden participation in materials science and engineering (Up to 75 words)
• Target audience that will be served
• Measurable outcomes/deliverables that clearly state how the project/program will broaden participation in materials science and engineering
• Identify if others offer a similar project/program
• Total itemized project/program budget
• Amount requested from MRS Foundation
• Identify if requested funding is seed, matching or total funds
• Timeline and plan for a successful completion

The deadline for submitting Special Projects proposals is December 15^th of each year. If the deadline date falls on a weekend, the deadline will be extended to the following Monday.  Upon review of the proposals by the University Chapter Special Projects Review Group, an announcement of selected projects will be made by the end of February of the following year.

A final report which recaps the project/program will be required and a report template will be provided.

Please note the following:

• Eligibility: All current, active MRS University Chapter in good standing are eligible
• Funding Amount: $250 - $1000 per project
• Note: Multiple grant requests may be submitted by a single chapter, however, no more than one grant per chapter will be approved
• Evaluation Process: Reviewed and approved by the MRS Career Advancement Committee
• Proposal Deadline: 11:59 pm ET, December 15 (or next business day) of each year
• Grants Announced: By the end of February of the following year

Please contact Lorri Smiley with any questions that pertain to the Special Projects Grants program for MRS University Chapters

The Materials Research Society Foundation operates as a program of the Materials Research Society. The official registration and financial information of the Materials Research Society Foundation may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free, within Pennsylvania, 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.