Can my proposal include a project I’ve already started?
This solicitation can support on-going projects. Please describe the history of your project, specifically how this grant will support it.

Do I have to partner with a college or university?
Proposals are not required to include a partnership with a college or university but any partnership that ensures long-term impact is highly encouraged.

Can I work with another teacher on my project?
You may collaborate with other teachers for your project; however, only one teacher may be listed as the proposer to officially receive funds from MSSGC.

What activities can this grant cover?
The MSSGC Mini-Grant in STEM Enhancement Program can fund any project that enhances STEM learning for K-12 learners. This may include projects that directly impact students such as field trips, guest speakers, and classroom activities. This may also include projects that indirectly impact students such as professional development opportunities for the teacher(s), subscription to a professional learning organization, or curriculum materials. All projects must clearly state the impact to student learning.

When is the project required to take place?
The period of performance for all projects is August 1 through March 31. Shorter project timelines are acceptable as long as they are completed within these start and end dates.

Where do I apply for a mini-grant?

The application must be submitted as a single PDF electronic file at https://olemiss.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1886031. The application must include a project description (2 pgs), biography of proposer (1 pg), budget request (2 pgs), and MSSGC Terms of Agreement as described in the solicitation here. 

When Is the deadline for submitting a proposal?
The deadline for submission is annually by the first Monday of February.

How will I know if my proposal has been accepted?
All applicants will receive notification of award status by the end of April.

How will my submitted proposal be evaluated?
A team of reviewers associated with MSSGC will evaluate each proposal based on the criteria listed in the solicitation for each category – Project Description, Biography, Budget Request, and MSSGC Terms of Agreement.

When will I be able to start spending the grant money?
MSSGC Mini-Grant funds will be dispersed in mid- to late-June to the proposer.

What financial records need to be kept?
Receipts and invoices should be kept for all funds used from the MSSGC Mini-Grants in STEM Enhancement Program. Digital or physical records can be kept but must be easily accessible and up-to-date on request from MSSGC.

Can I purchase computer accessories with grant funds?
Computer accessories such as a stylus, document readers, or drawing tablets can be purchased with appropriate justification. If you are unsure if a specific item can be purchased with grant funds, send an email with details about the item and its intended use to wjackson@olemiss.edu.

What information should be included in the end-of-project report?
Due no later than April 17, the end-of-project report should include results of the project’s impact on students, which may include specific examples when appropriate. This report should clearly describe any differences between the project as implemented and what was described in the proposal, describing unforeseen issues and how those issues were resolved, as well as a summary of expenditures. Pictures may be included, but please blur student images to ensure privacy.

What student information am I required to report?
Student information includes aggregate data such as total number of students impacted as well as demographic information pertaining to gender and race as noted by federal reporting guidelines.