First-Gen Pride Grants
Advancing the Success of First-generation College Students at PNW
TRIO and Educational Opportunity Programs is partnering with the Center for Faculty Excellence to engage faculty and staff in designing and implementing collaborative approaches to support the success of first-generation college students at Purdue University Northwest (PNW).
First-generation student success is a collective responsibility that requires meaningful partnerships across the institution. The intent of these grants is to foster creative and innovative approaches to supporting PNW’s first-generation college students.
PNW has elevated from a First Scholars Institution to a First Scholars Network, committed to supporting the success of first-generation college students. In Fall 2023, 57% of FTICs identified as first-generation. A first-generation college student is one whose parents/guardians did not complete a bachelor’s degree. First-generation college students need more support in navigating the college landscape, which requires dedicated efforts and a new lens with which to support their success.
First-Gen Pride Grant
The First-Gen Pride Grant is designed to support projects that support and remove barriers to first-generation student success and better understand first-generation student needs.
First-Gen Pride Grant: Faculty Teaching Hub
We are seeking a faculty member or team of faculty to develop a repository/hub dedicated to enhancing the learning experience and supporting the success of first-generation college students.
First-Gen Pride Grant
The First-Gen Pride Grant is intended to support projects intended to do one or more of the following:
- implement innovative ideas to support the success of first-generation college students inside and/or outside the classroom
- conduct research to better understand the needs of first-generation college students at PNW
- eliminate/reduce academic, financial, and/or social barriers to success
Funding Availability and Scope
Educational Opportunity Programs has committed $15,000 for the First-Gen Pride Grants. Grant awards ranging from $500 – $3,000 will be considered for funding. Funding is available for projects to begin as early as May 15, 2024, and end no later than December 31, 2024.
Explore Pride Grant Proposal Guidelines
- well-being and care
- metacognition and study skills
- instructional strategies
- career readiness and planning
- financial literacy
- collaborations across departments to support first-gen students
- mentorships (by faculty or peers)
- alleviation of learning loss
- increase access to technology
- food insecurity
- social or economic barriers
- college adjustment and sense of belonging
- imposter syndrome
- Faculty summer support (as summer salary* or professional development funds)
- Undergraduate or graduate student wages
- Program expenses for first-gen students (e.g., hospitality, travel, equipment, resources)
- Supplies or other related proposal expenses
- Other
*Funds requested for summer salary must include fringe benefits of approximately 30% (business manager will need to confirm exact fringe calculations).
Interested parties are invited to submit proposals addressing the following key components:
- Project Title
- Project Abstract (50 words or less)
- Project Description (no more than 2 pages)
- Project Objectives/Outcomes (aligned to grant expectations)
- Project Plan and Timeline
- Anticipated Impact of Project (for faculty, first-gen students, and/or others)
- Budget (include justification for each expenditure)
All submitted proposals will undergo a thorough and impartial review process to ensure the selection of projects that align with the goals and objectives of this grant opportunity. Proposals will be rated based on the First-Gen Grant rubric.
PNW is excited to support the development of this essential resource and looks forward to proposals that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and a clear commitment to enhancing the success of first-generation college students through faculty engagement.
| Fair | Good | Excellent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description of project (3 Point) | The description of the project or initiative is somewhat unclear and suggests a need for additional thought and planning. (1 point) | The description of the project or initiative is clear and provides general information about what it entails. (2 points) | The description of the project or initiative is exceptionally clear and provides detailed information about what it entails. It demonstrates evidence of careful thought and planning. (3 points) |
| Rationale for Project (5 points) | Shows limited support of the need for the project and/or does not provide resources. (1-2 points) | Shows adequate support indicating the need for the project; supported with resources. (3-4 points) | Shows strong, compelling support indicating the need for the project; thoroughly addresses significance of the project; uses researched-based resources. (5 points) |
| Intended Outcomes (5 points) | The intended outcomes are somewhat unclear and/or they may not be directly aligned to the stated needs. (1-2 points) | The intended outcomes are clearly stated and directly aligned to the stated needs. (3-4 points) | The intended outcomes are clearly stated, measurable and directly aligned to the stated needs. Metrics to assess outcomes are provided. (5 points) |
| Project Plan & Timeline (5 points) | Includes description of major steps that will be taken, but it is not clear if/how they will achieve the intended outcomes. There may be some question about the applicant(s)'s capacity or ability to implement the plan. (1-2 points) | Includes description of the major steps involved in the project and they are aligned to the intended outcomes. Key steps are aligned to a realistic timeline. It is clear that the applicant(s) have the capacity and ability to implement the plan. (3-4 points) | Includes detailed description of the major steps necessary to meet intended outcomes. Clear and convincing explanation of how steps will achieve intended outcomes. It is clear that the applicant(s) have the capacity and ability to implement the plan. (5 points) |
| Impact of Project (8 points) | Project has the potential to have an effect on the success of a limited number of first-generation students through impacting faculty/staff practices and/or providing direct experiences to students. Project could not easily be scaled or adapted to be applied in diverse disciplines and contexts. (1-4 points) | Project has the potential to have an effect on the success of first-generation students through impacting faculty/staff practices and/or providing direct experiences to students. Project has the potential to be scaled and adapted to be applied in diverse disciplines and contexts. (5-7 points) | Project has the likelihood of having a transformative effect on the success of first-generation students through impacting faculty/staff practices and/or providing direct experiences to students. A plan is presented for how the project can be scaled and adapted to diverse disciplines and contexts. A plan is presented to ensure sustained impact beyond the grant period. (8 points) |
| Justification of Expenditures (4 points) | Lists major expenditures but a justification is missing or unclear for at least one expense. (1 point) | Addresses the major expenditures with a basic justification for each expense. (2-3 points) | Thoroughly addresses each expenditure with a clear and convincing justification; provides detailed account of expenses. (4 points) |
Full-time PNW faculty and staff who have an instructional role are eligible to apply for a grant.
- February 26, 2024 – Release of Call for Proposals
- March 25, 2024 – Applications due by Noon (CT)
- April 15, 2024 – Award notifications released
- May 8, 2024 – Awardees must meet with point of contacts in CFE and EOP to mobilize an action plan for the proposal and establish a timeline for spending funds
- May 15 – December 31, 2024 – Project period
- Please send any programmatic or application questions to either
- Ronnell DuBose, Executive Director for First Generations College Student Success and Educational Opportunity Programs rdubose@pnw.edu
- Emily Hixon, Director of Center for Faculty Excellence at hixone@pnw.edu
First-Gen Pride Grant: Faculty Teaching Hub
We are excited to announce a new internal grant opportunity that is being offered as an extension of the First-Gen Pride Grants. We are seeking a faculty member or team of faculty to develop a repository/hub dedicated to enhancing the learning experience and supporting the success of first-generation college students.
As part of our commitment to fostering inclusive education, we invite faculty members to submit proposals for this initiative.
The Challenge:
Purdue University Northwest recognizes the unique needs of its first-generation college students and aims to consolidate existing initiatives and research into a centralized, accessible repository/hub for faculty.
PNW has several first-gen student success programs; however, there is a need for a cohesive, user-friendly resource that provides practical, evidence-based information to empower faculty in supporting first-gen students effectively.
Explore Faculty Hub Proposal Guidelines
The recipient(s) of this grant will be expected to:
- Develop a Framework/Structure for the Faculty Teaching Hub: Develop the framework for a repository/hub that consolidates existing research, initiatives, and evidence-based practices related to first-gen student success. The framework should be intuitively organized to promote quick access to practical, concrete resources. It should be a resource for faculty in all disciplines and a variety of contexts within PNW and beyond.
- Curate/Create Resources for One Section: Create a comprehensive set of evidence-based resources to address a topic within the repository framework. Resources should be practical and applied in nature and may include one-page tip sheets, how-to guides, brief research overviews, and discipline-specific examples of strategies.
Grant recipient(s) are not expected to build the interface or otherwise address the technical aspects of this project.
Applicants can request up to $3,000 in funding which can be used to support the following:
- Faculty summer support (as summer salary* or professional development funds)
- Undergraduate or graduate student wages
- Supplies, materials or other related project expenses
*Funds requested for summer salary must include fringe benefits of approximately 30% (the business manager will need to confirm exact fringe calculations); the request must not exceed $5,000, including fringe benefits.
Interested parties are invited to submit proposals addressing the following key components:
- Project Title
- Project Abstract (50 words or less)
- Project Description (no more than 2 pages)
- Project Objectives/Outcomes (aligned to grant expectations)
- Project Plan and Timeline
- Anticipated Impact of Project (for faculty, first-gen students, and/or others)
- Budget (include justification for each expenditure)
All submitted proposals will undergo a thorough and impartial review process to ensure the selection of projects that align with the goals and objectives of this grant opportunity. Proposals will be rated based on the First-Gen Grant rubric.
PNW is excited to support the development of this essential resource and looks forward to proposals that demonstrate innovation, practicality, and a clear commitment to enhancing the success of first-generation college students through faculty engagement.
| Fair | Good | Excellent | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Description of project (3 Point) | The description of the project or initiative is somewhat unclear and suggests a need for additional thought and planning. (1 point) | The description of the project or initiative is clear and provides general information about what it entails. (2 points) | The description of the project or initiative is exceptionally clear and provides detailed information about what it entails. It demonstrates evidence of careful thought and planning. (3 points) |
| Rationale for Project (5 points) | Shows limited support of the need for the project and/or does not provide resources. (1-2 points) | Shows adequate support indicating the need for the project; supported with resources. (3-4 points) | Shows strong, compelling support indicating the need for the project; thoroughly addresses significance of the project; uses researched-based resources. (5 points) |
| Intended Outcomes (5 points) | The intended outcomes are somewhat unclear and/or they may not be directly aligned to the stated needs. (1-2 points) | The intended outcomes are clearly stated and directly aligned to the stated needs. (3-4 points) | The intended outcomes are clearly stated, measurable and directly aligned to the stated needs. Metrics to assess outcomes are provided. (5 points) |
| Project Plan & Timeline (5 points) | Includes description of major steps that will be taken, but it is not clear if/how they will achieve the intended outcomes. There may be some question about the applicant(s)'s capacity or ability to implement the plan. (1-2 points) | Includes description of the major steps involved in the project and they are aligned to the intended outcomes. Key steps are aligned to a realistic timeline. It is clear that the applicant(s) have the capacity and ability to implement the plan. (3-4 points) | Includes detailed description of the major steps necessary to meet intended outcomes. Clear and convincing explanation of how steps will achieve intended outcomes. It is clear that the applicant(s) have the capacity and ability to implement the plan. (5 points) |
| Impact of Project (8 points) | Project has the potential to have an effect on the success of a limited number of first-generation students through impacting faculty/staff practices and/or providing direct experiences to students. Project could not easily be scaled or adapted to be applied in diverse disciplines and contexts. (1-4 points) | Project has the potential to have an effect on the success of first-generation students through impacting faculty/staff practices and/or providing direct experiences to students. Project has the potential to be scaled and adapted to be applied in diverse disciplines and contexts. (5-7 points) | Project has the likelihood of having a transformative effect on the success of first-generation students through impacting faculty/staff practices and/or providing direct experiences to students. A plan is presented for how the project can be scaled and adapted to diverse disciplines and contexts. A plan is presented to ensure sustained impact beyond the grant period. (8 points) |
| Justification of Expenditures (4 points) | Lists major expenditures but a justification is missing or unclear for at least one expense. (1 point) | Addresses the major expenditures with a basic justification for each expense. (2-3 points) | Thoroughly addresses each expenditure with a clear and convincing justification; provides detailed account of expenses. (4 points) |
Full-time PNW faculty and staff who have an instructional role are eligible to apply for the grant.
- Proposal Submission Deadline: March 25, 2024
- Award Notification: April 15, 2024
- Project Duration: May 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024
All grant-related work must be completed by December 31, 2024. Recipient(s) will be asked to submit a brief report summarizing their grant-related work.
- Please send any programmatic or application questions to either
- Ronnell DuBose, Executive Director for First Generations College Student Success and Educational Opportunity Programs rdubose@pnw.edu
- Emily Hixon, Director of Center for Faculty Excellence at hixone@pnw.edu
PNW First-Gen Pride Microgrant 2022-23 awardees announced!
The Center for Faculty Excellence, in partnership with Educational Opportunity Programs and the division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs, is beyond excited to announce the recipients of our inaugural round of First-Gen Pride microgrants!