Purdue University Northwest > Educational Opportunity Programs > First-Gen Pride Microgrants

First-Gen Pride Microgrants

Advancing the Success of First-generation College Students at PNW

Logo: A gold circle with a black outline. The text is broken up into 6 lines within the circle. Line two is in a black and white script font, lines three and four are in an all-caps black font Line one: The PNW logo Line two (black and white script): First-gen Pride Line three (all caps, black font): Advancing the success of Line four (all caps, black font): First-generation college students Line five (large, all caps, black font): Micro Line six (large, all caps, white font): Grant

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 microgrants is to foster creative and innovative approaches for supporting PNW’s first-generation college students. 

PNW is a First-gen Forward Institution, committed to supporting the success of first-generation college students. In Fall 2022, 56% of FTIC 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. 

Students sit in a tiered classroom.

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!

See this year’s recipients

Microgrants Are Available 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 $6,000 for the First-gen Pride Microgrants. Grant awards ranging from $500 to $3,000 will be considered for funding. Funding is available for projects to begin as early as May 15, 2023 and end no later than December 31, 2023.

SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL

Explore 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).

  • Name and Contact Information of PI/Co-PIs
  • Proposal that includes
    • Project Title
    • Project Abstract (50 words or less)
    • Project Description (no more than 2 pages)
      • Project Objectives/Outcomes
      • Project Duration
      • Anticipated Impact of Project for First-gen Students
    • Budget

Proposals that demonstrate a collaboration across departments, units, or community agents will be given strong consideration.

Full-time PNW faculty and staff who have an instructional role are eligible to apply for a microgrant.

  • March 10, 2023 – Release of Call of for Proposals 
  • April 3, 2023 – Applications due by Noon (CT)
  • April 26, 2023 – Award notifications released 
  • Week of May 8, 2023 – 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, 2023 – Project period
  • Please send any programmatic or application questions to Emily Hixon, Director of Center for Faculty Excellence at hixone@pnw.edu