CORD's Pathways to Innovation project is pleased to announce the inaugural cohort of its Grant-Seeker Academy, designed to help community and technical colleges prepare competitive proposals for the National Science Foundation’s Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program through implementation of innovative programs responsive to employer needs. The underlying foundation for the Academy is strategic employer engagement and program co-leadership using the Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model’s essential elements. Cohort colleges will start proposal development by April 2021 and submit their proposal on or before the NSF ATE due date in October 2021. (Exact date TBA; likely early October.)

College teams participating in PTI’s Grant-Seeker Academy will learn about the NSF ATE program and how to effectively build a competitive proposal. Proposals must focus on a project concept that will build or improve an ATE-eligible technical program. Colleges seeking to participate in the Academy will explain their proposed project concept in their Academy application.

The core of the technical assistance provided through the Academy will be delivered through a May 24-26, 2021 virtual workshop. Workshop activities will span approximately 4-5 hours each day. One-to-one coaching from the team’s dedicated Academy mentor will be provided before, during, and after the workshop, including the months leading up to submission. All Academy mentors are PIs with experience helping others develop competitive NSF-ATE proposals.

Applications for Grant-Seeker Academy participation will be reviewed and accepted on a first-come/first-served basis. A waiting list will also be maintained. Members of the PTI leadership team will review submissions as they arrive and contact colleges if further clarification is needed. Selected teams will be notified by April 1, 2021 and begin work immediately through calls with their assigned mentor.

The Pathways to Innovation Team