Higher Education Challenge (HEC)

Overview

<p>Projects supported by the Higher Education Challenge Grants Program will: (1) address a state, regional, national, or international educational need; (2) involve a creative or non-traditional approach toward addressing that need that can serve as a model to others; (3) encourage and facilitate better working relationships in the university science and education community, as well as between universities and the private sector, to enhance program quality and supplement available resources; and (4) result in benefits that will likely transcend the project duration and USDA support. The HEC projects are expected to: (a) produce measurable impacts aligned with HEC program goals, (b) promote innovative, educational practices within the FANH sciences that improve how students learn, and (c) include a rigorous evaluation component to assess that project outcomes are met.</p> <p>NIFA requests applications for the Higher Education Challenge (HEC) Grants Program for fiscal year (FY) 2019 to enable colleges and universities to provide the quality of education necessary to produce baccalaureate or higher degree level graduates capable of strengthening the nation’s food and agricultural scientific and professional workforce.</p> <p>Additionally, projects should encourage broad participation of students traditionally<br>underrepresented in the FANH sciences. An application must convince a peer panel of a compelling educational challenge; clearly indicate how the methodology is both unique and with merit; offer significant promise of adoption by others; and include a plan for how the project impacts will be sustained once grant funds end. HEC supports social and behavioral science disciplines. Projects that integrate social and<br>biological sciences are encouraged. All projects are required to provide leadership skills opportunities. The development of leadership skills, knowledge and qualities are necessary for preparing students for agricultural related careers in government, academia, and the private sector. Projects must demonstrably incorporate a leadership development component to ensure that students are equipped with both<br>technical and leadership abilities.</p> <p>Requested Grant Types – Planning Activity, Standard Grant, Collaborative Grant Type 1<br>(CG1), Collaborative Grant Type 2 (CG2).</p>