National and Federal Opportunities for the week ending February 25, 2022

Initiative Logo

WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON ADVANCING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY, EXCELLENCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY THROUGH  HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES


Thank you for subscribing to the U.S. Department of Education, Initiative weekly newsletter. If you have questions about any of the opportunities listed or would like your organizations resources and events included in our next distribution, please email: HBCUnewsletter@ed.gov



HBCU Events!



Upcoming Virtual Opportunities



ED logo

U.S. Department of Education

2022 Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement (McNair) Program (Pre-Application Webinar)

In preparation for the fiscal year (FY) 2022 Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement (McNair) Program competition, the Student Service Division will conduct 10 pre-application webinars.  The webinars will take place starting March 7, 2022 through March 11, 2022.  The webinars will be conducted virtually at 10:00 a.m. eastern time and again at 2:00 p.m. eastern time each day.

Registration for the webinars and access to the webinars is available at the following link:

This registration link will allow you to select the session(s) you would like to join.  Once registered, you will be provided unique links to join your selected sessions.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Education will host two webinars on the mechanics of the application submittal process.  These sessions have been specifically designed to provide information on how to submit the application using Grants.gov and other submission tips.   Additional information will be forthcoming on accessing these sessions.



FAA logo

Federal Aviation Administration

Join the FAA for Women’s History Month events as we continue to build the future of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility at the FAA!

Tuesday, March 1 – Breaking Barriers: Building a Foundation of Hope for the Next Generation 2:00pm – 3:00pm Eastern Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/lFHScafZyWw

Join us as we celebrate Women’s History Month by highlighting female astronauts and others in space exploration. These powerhouse women will be talking about their backgrounds and how they reached their dreams in aerospace.


Wednesday, March 2 – Why Should I Work for the FAA? 2:00pm – 3:00pm Eastern YouTube Link: https://youtu.be/dWZSuIwS9rU

Working for FAA is not only exciting because of our influence on aviation and aerospace, but we offer great benefits like career development programs, child care subsidy, flex spending, tuition reimbursement, and much more! Join us as we share with you “Why You Should Work for the FAA”. Join us and bring your children, students, or anyone that you want to shape the aerospace of tomorrow.


Thursday, March 3 – How to Create Diversity in Women’s Leadership 2:00pm – 3:00pm Eastern Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/w96fdho72fU

This will be an engaging conversation with dynamic women who lead in various functions and at varying levels across the FAA.

Join us and get inspired by these women of action, who break glass ceilings, create a more inclusive, creative, and innovative environment for not just their employees, but for everyone in the aerospace community.


Monday, March 7 – FAA Virtual Career Fair 11:00am to 3:00pm Eastern Learn more and register to reserve your spot

Explore career opportunities in the fields of Engineering, Information Technology, Aviation Safety and many others.  Please share this opportunity!


Wednesday, March 23 – Words Matter: Creating Inclusive Language in Aerospace 2:00pm – 3:00pm Eastern Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/Vv614y7R4uM

This will be an engaging conversation with dynamic women who lead in various functions and at varying levels across the FAA. Join us, get inspired, and connect with ladies of action, taking action to break glass ceilings, create a more inclusive, creative, and innovative environment for everyone in the aerospace community.


Virtual Mock Interviews: Practice Makes Perfect

Learn how to succeed in behavior based interviews. Practice live interviews with FAA hiring managers for all FAA positions.

As with every skill, talent, and expertise, the more you do it, the better you will be at it. Yes, practice makes perfect—particularly with job interviews. Let us help you formulate smart answers and show you how to turn your weak spots into strengths.

If you require reasonable accommodations or have additional questions, contact us via e-mail outreach@faa.gov.

  • Wednesday, March 9 – Session focused on technical positions 2:00pm – 4:00pm Eastern
  • Thursday, March 10 – Session focused on support positions 2:00pm – 4:00pm Eastern
  • Tuesday, March 15 – Session focused on accessibility

This event will focus on accessibility hiring for Persons with Disabilities and Persons with Targeted Disabilities. 2:00pm – 4:00pm Eastern

Zoom Webinar Details for all sessions https://faavideo.zoomgov.com/j/16012995696 Passcode: GIOIA



IRS

Internal Revenue Service

During the month of March 2022, several divisions from the Internal Revenue Service (including W&I, SBSE, LB&I, IT, RAAS, TAS, Appeals, Chief Counsel, TEGE, HCO) will be hosting information sessions every Thursday highlighting different IRS positions each session, which we anticipate multiple openings nationwide in FY2022.

To register for one of these sessions, please see the attached or RSVP using one of the links below.  Please note that capacity is limited for these sessions, so we advise you to register early. Sessions will be held via Zoom, every Thursday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Eastern Standard Time to discuss the following positions:

Date and Times

Title

Registration link

March 10, 2022 @4:00

IRS information sessions for HBCUs & Alumni-IT, legal & criminal investigation careers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262605509147

March 17, 2022 @4:00

IRS information session for HBCUs & Alumni- HR & Business Administration careers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262653643117

March 24, 2022 @4:00

IRS information session for HBCUs and Alumni about STEM careers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262683432217

March 29, 2022 @4:00

IRS information session for HBCUs & Alumni-Tax Compliance & Appeals careers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262732749727

March 31, 2022 @4:00

IRS information session for HBCUs & Alumni Hiring Process & Resume tips

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262767393347

Click here to learn more about our organization and some of our positions.



Student Opportunities!



FOWA

Calling all HBCU Students!

The Initiative is partnering with HP on an amazing opportunity for HBCU students! The Future of Work Academy (FOWA) presented by HP and Microsoft is an annual HBCU Technology Conference for students to learn emerging tech skill and network with leaders! This conference is open to ALL MAJORS.

JOIN US!! In preparation for the FOWA symposium that will happen later this year;  the Initiative and HP will be hosting two informational sessions for HBCU students. The informational sessions will take place on , Monday, March 21st and Thursday, March 24th at 5:00PM, ET. More information is attached and below!

HPs Future of Work Academy (FOWA)

  • ALL MAJORS WELCOME!!
  • FREE EVENT, registration is required!
  • Opportunity to explore the various and diverse opportunities in Tech!
  • FOWA is a two-day symposium focused on career readiness skills and career path exploration topic!
  • There will be 4 student competitions around different career path skills with pre-conference learning journeys!
  • Students who participate in the FOWA competitions will receive fabulous prizes!

If you are interested in joining one of our informational sessions, please email: elyse.jones@ed.gov


FOWA student ambassadors

Calling for HBCU Campus Ambassadors! The Initiative and HP are looking for HBCU student leaders! Campus ambassadors will be HPs student voice on campus and at the FOWA conference. HP Campus Ambassadors will serve as the student point of contact for HP and will help disseminate important information and resources to their fellow students.

If you are interested in working with HP as a Campus Ambassador, please send an email to elyse.jones@ed.gov !!! We will give more information about the role of campus ambassador in our informational sessions. An invitation will be sent to you once interest is expressed!

For now, I have provided the application link below for your review and completion! HP Campus Ambassador Application Link à HERE



Initiative Logo

2022 HBCU Scholar Application NOW AVAILABLE!!

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. We are looking for the best and brightest HBCU student leaders to participate in this prestigious program! This highly competitive recognition program is open to current HBCU students of all majors and classifications. Students accepted into the program will work with the Initiative for one academic school year and be immersed in an intensive experience working closely with one another and Initiative partners from wide range of disciplines.

More information on the Initiatives recognition program and application requirements can be found by accessing the link below.

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities



AmeriCorps

Learn the Value of AmeriCorps Service

Interested in addressing local challenges in communities across the country while developing job skills and earning money for school?

Join us for a virtual information session to find out if a year or summer as an AmeriCorps member serving with the VISTA program could be right for you. We’ll share service opportunities, benefits, requirements, and more.

AmeriCorps VISTA: Get the Basics

Wednesday, March 2, 2-3 p.m. ET

Register



Energy logo

U.S. Department of Energy

Awareness, Interest and Access: Pacific Northwest National Library (PNNL) , March 15, 2022, 2-3:30PM, ET

Join this virtual Technical Assistance information session featuring PNNL! You will learn best practices to access opportunities, partnerships, internships, fellowships, postdoctoral assignments, and faculty collaborations.

Representatives from PNNL will walk through application and opportunities in real-time to make the application process easier for you!

Registration and Calendar of Energy Events: Calendar of Events | Department of Energy


Energy

U.S. Department of Energy

DOE’s Office of Science is now Accepting Applications for the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Awards

Students Will Perform Graduate Thesis Research at National Laboratories, The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2022 Solicitation 1 cycle.  Applications are due 5:00pm Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.

The SCGSR program supports awards to outstanding U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or host site in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist — with the goal of preparing graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the DOE Office of Science mission. The research opportunity is expected to advance the graduate students’ overall graduate theses while providing access to the expertise, resources, and capabilities available at the host DOE laboratories. SCGSR is open to current Ph.D. students in qualified graduate programs at accredited U.S. academic institutions, who are conducting their graduate thesis research in targeted areas of importance to the DOE Office of Science. Since its inception in 2014, the SCGSR program has provided support to over 780 graduate awardees from more than 150 different U.S. universities to conduct thesis research at all 17 DOE national laboratories across the nation.

The SCGSR program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, in collaboration with the eight Office of Science research and advanced technology program offices and the DOE national laboratories/facilities. Program administration support is provided by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). More information can be found at https://science.osti.gov/wdts.



Energy

https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/DOE-ED-MEISPP-2022U.S. Department of Energy

Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program (MEISPP)

Department of Energy Summer Internships, Student Stipend

  • Undergraduate- $650.00/ week
  • Graduate- $750.00/week
  • Housing- $240.00/week and up
  • Travel Allowance-up to $1,000.00.

Deadline: March 31, 2022
February 16th
March 8th
Department of Energy Summer Internships



advisory council oh histric preservation

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation invites college students to join us for a four-part webinar series this spring semester, featuring interactive conversations with leaders in the field of historic preservation, as well as inspirational individuals who are engaged in preserving, restoring, interpreting, and discussing the history and heritage of African Americans in the United States through the power of historic sites.

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg

  • March 30, 2 p.m. ET –Preserving African American Burial Sites
  • April 27, 5 p.m. ET- Natural Disasters and Their Threat to Historic Preservation

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg



 Employment Opportunities!



Job opportunity with the Information Technology Industry Council

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is seeking a Director/Senior Director of Policy (Telecommunications). This is a full time, regular employment opportunity located in Washington, DC. This position is currently remote with flexible telecommute options. See full description.

About the Director/Senior Director, Policy (Telecommunications)

The Director/Senior Director of Policy will drive the development and advocacy of ITI’s telecommunications policy positions and lead international policy development and advocacy on these issues. A bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of three years of experience developing and implementing relevant policy issues is required.

The job announcement is attached. Resumes can be submitted to the link here: https://recruitcrm.io/apply/16449736591460013318wvJ or emailed to jobs@cessnasearch.com.

About the Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)

The Information Technology Industry Council (ITI) is the premier advocacy and policy organization for the world’s leading innovation companies.  ITI advocates for public policies that advance innovation, open markets, and enable the transformational economic, societal, and commercial opportunities that our companies are creating.



Labor logo

U.S. Department of Labor

Department of Labor Job Opportunities, Office of the Solicitor, Supervisory Trial Attorney, Washington, DC

The United States Department of Labor (DOL), Office of the Solicitor seeks an experienced attorney to join the Division of Black Lung and Longshore Legal Services (BLLLS). The Office of the Solicitor’s mission is to meet the legal service demands of the Department of Labor to ensure that federal labor laws are forcefully and fairly applied to protect workers.  We are recruiting at the GS-15 grade level.

The Division of Black Lung and Longshore Legal Services (BLLLS) provides legal services in connection with federal statutes that afford benefits to certain workers who are injured or die as a result of their employment, and to the survivors of those workers. These statutes, which are administered by the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP), are:  The Black Lung Benefits Act; and The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act, as well as its extensions, including the Defense Base Act and Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act.  Our website is: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/sol/divisions/black-lung-longshore-legal-services.

More details on the position, qualifications requirements, and the application process are set forth in the vacancy announcement, EX-22-SOL-13, which is available through the following USAJOBS link:   https://www.usajobs.gov/job/638680400.

The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, March 15, 2022. We encourage anyone interested in the position to apply.  Interested persons can also obtain information about working at SOL through the new “SOL Ambassadors Program” (https://www.dol.gov/agencies/sol/careers/ambassadors).



National and Federal Opportunities!



Health Equity Research Network (HERN) on Disparities in Maternal-Infant Health Outcomes

Submit your pre-proposal by Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 3 pm Central Time The American Heart Association (AHA) has committed $20 million to establish a Health Equity Research Network — an opportunity to significantly advance our understanding of the factors underlying the disproportionate impact of maternal mortality and morbidity on Black women, Native American women, and those living in rural areas. Because heart and vascular issues account for about half of these deaths, the AHA is uniquely positioned to address this critical issue. Among the unique features of this grant mechanism:

  •  Focus on population(s) with documented disparities
  • Applicant teams will submit 3-5 projects
  • At least one project must incorporate the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) into its research design.
  • Network proposals must originate from academic institutions that focus on educating individuals from groups who are under-represented in science

OR must partner with an institution focused on educating or serving under-represented individuals and communities (i.e., institution of higher learning focused on the education of Black/Hispanic/American Indian/non-White students or non-profit community hospital or other research/care institution that serves an underrepresented population).

Pre-proposals are due via email to StrategicAwards@heart.org and must use the template provided.
Invited full proposals will be due by Thursday, April 21, 2022, 3 pm Central Time.



Labor Logo

U.S. Department of Labor

DOL Announces $113 million Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA). FOA-ETA-22-06

Secretary Walsh announced today the availability of $113 million for the Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) grant program to support the expansion, modernization and diversification of Registered Apprenticeship programs (RAPs).  ABA grants will accelerate the Administration’s goals and priorities for an equitable economic recovery post-COVID-19 pandemic by connecting more Americans to good jobs and careers in priority industry sectors, including those industries impacted by the pandemic, such as transportation and other occupations and industries in the critical supply chain.

Of the $113,000,000 in grants funds available for ABA, the Department intends to fund up to $50,000,000, in aggregate across all grant categories, for projects primarily focused on equity partnerships and pre-apprenticeship activities.  The Department expects to fund 20 to 30 grants, with varying funding ranges based on grant categories.

  • Category 1: State Apprenticeship System Building and Modernization: up to $4 million;
  • Category 2: Expansion of RAP Opportunities for Youth: up to $5 million;
  • Category 3: Ensuring Equitable RAP Pathways Through Pre-apprenticeship Leading to RAP Enrollment and Equity Partnerships: up to $3 million;
  • Category 4: Registered Apprenticeship Hubs: up to $6 million for projects with a local/regional or statewide geographic scope; and up to $8 million for projects with a national geographic scope.

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) Link and Application Due Date:  The ABA FOA (FOA-ETA-22-06) is available on grants.gov and apprenticeship.gov.   The closing date for receipt of applications under this Announcement is April 25, 2022.  An ABA FOA frequently asked questions (FAQ) and prospective applicant webinar will also be posted no later than March 15, 2022, at the link identified in the FOA.

Program Goals:  The ABA grant program will support, through a coordinated national investment strategy, a strengthened and modernized RAP system centered on equity that advances the Administration’s goals and priorities for an inclusive economic recovery by connecting more Americans to good jobs and careers, especially in high growth, in-demand industry sectors.  ABA grantees will work with a range of partners to support the development of the Registered Apprenticeship ecosystem and meet the following goals:

  1. State Apprenticeship System Building and Modernization: Grantees will coordinate RAP expansion and system building efforts at a state level across a wide array of industry sectors with employers, labor organizations, educational institutions, industry groups, joint labor-management partnerships, workforce and apprenticeship intermediaries, community-based organizations, and other non-profit and public sector partners. Grantees will develop strategies to improve coordination efforts around system alignment, data quality and use, program expansion into target industries, and goals and strategies to ensure equity in RAPs, and also facilitate other data sharing, system change, and governance requirements to comply with the law and ensure a strong and modernized Registered Apprenticeship system.
  2. Expand RAP opportunities for youth: Grantees will establish and expand partnerships that commit to expanding RAPs and/or pre-apprenticeship programs that lead to RAP enrollment for youth through coordination with industry, workforce intermediaries, labor organizations, K-12 districts, community colleges, youth-serving and community-based organizations, and other stakeholders.
  3. Ensure equitable RAP pathways through pre-apprenticeship leading to RAP enrollment and equity partnerships:  Grantees will establish and develop equity-centered public-private partnerships with pre-apprenticeships leading to RAP enrollment that aim to increase diversity and equity in apprenticeship for underrepresented populations and underserved communities. Please see Appendix A for a definition on “Equity Partnerships.”
  4. Registered Apprenticeship Hubs:Grantees will establish a Registered Apprenticeship Hub by forming a multi-partner network capable of serving as a RAP sponsor or intermediary with the primary focus of supporting industry’s needs for creating and expanding RAPs in new and emerging sectors and occupations.

Eligible Applicants: Eligible applicants vary by grant category, but broadly include states, cities, municipalities, workforce development entities, community-based organizations, industry groups and associations, labor and joint labor-management partnerships, workforce and apprenticeship intermediaries, educational institutions (e.g., Minority Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, school districts, career technical education, alternative, private or traditional high schools), and a consortium of organization lead by an eligible lead entity.

Applicants should refer to the FOA for a full list of eligible applicants for each grant category.

Have questions?  All question on this FOA should be directed to the Grants Management Specialist identified in the FOA, Denise Roach, Grants Management Specialist, Office of Grants Management, at roach.denise@dol.gov.



IES logo

Institute for Education Sciences

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.  JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE: IES’ Office of Science is seeking professionals in education-related fields to join our team. The Office of Science, Standards and Review team is responsible for the scientific peer review of IES reports and for overseeing the scientific peer review of applications to research grant competitions. Information about the Office of Science is available here: https://ies.ed.gov/director/sro/index.asp.

Two excepted service position announcements have been posted on USAJOBS: Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0003) and Associate Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0004); both are 3-year term appointments with possible 3-year extensions. The Office of Science is particularly interested in mid-career candidates who meet the qualifications described in the Education Research Scientist announcement (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/633808700).

These positions opened on Friday, January 28, 2022, and will close on Monday, February 28, 2022 or as soon as 200 applications have been received, whichever is earlier. If you are interested, please submit your application through USAJOBS as soon as possible.

NRC

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission FY 2022 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Research and Development Grants

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued its Fiscal Year 2022 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Research and Development grants.  The NOFO is now available at grants.gov and closes on April 5, 2022.  All institutions of higher education are encouraged to apply.  Feel free to forward this message to others that may be interested.

If you have questions regarding grants, please contact:

Nancy Hebron-Isreal; Program Manager, Sr. Grants Administrative Specialist , Program Management, Policy Development and Analysis, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Nancy.Hebron-Isreal@nrc.gov; 301-415-6996



EDA

U.S. Economic Development  Administration

EDA’s American Rescue Plan Programs, Status update on EDA’s, American Rescue Plan programs

Due to the high volume of applications and interest EDA has received for its six innovative programs funded through the American Rescue Plan, EDA is providing the following status update. EDA strongly recommends any entities actively working on an application to contact their local Economic Development Representative to discuss their region’s availability of funds.

Read more about EDA’s American Rescue Plan programs

EDA seeks additional applications for grants to support research of EDA’s American Rescue Plan, which aim to strengthen regional economies nationwide and support economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

EDA is currently reviewing applications for American Rescue Plan funding and has determined that it has received no or limited applications addressing critical areas of research into the following EDA American Rescue Plan programs – Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA); Indigenous CommunitiesTravel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation; and Statewide Planning.

EDA encourages new applications specifically focused on these research areas or entities that have already submitted applications to submit modifications to their proposals to encompass these additional research areas. Click here to view the Notice of Funding Opportunity and to submit an application.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. ET March 11.

Research awards – ranging from $200,000 to $600,000 each – should be national in scope and focus on one of the research areas identified above; and will support real-time data collection and understanding of the implementation of an identified American Rescue Plan program. Specifically, EDA is looking to fund research projects that will allow EDA to understand how the full suite of American Rescue Plan funding is being used, identify lessons learned about how the programs are being implemented, and ultimately support, facilitate, and encourage learning in real-time. No matching funds are required. However, provision of match is an evaluation criterion under the Research component and applications that propose matching share may be considered more competitive in the evaluation process.

Awards will provide critical, cutting-edge research and best practices to regional, state, and local practitioners in the economic development field, thereby enhancing understanding and implementation of economic development concepts throughout the country.

EDA will evaluate each application based on:

  • Organizational or applicant capacity and personnel;
  • Strategic approach;
  • Feasibility of the budget and financial match;
  • Feasibility of deliverables and timeline;
  • Sustainability, scalability, and dissemination; and
  • Cross-collaboration with other EDA and/or other economic development partners.

For more information, click here to view a webinar about the EDA American Rescue Plan Research & Networks program. (Webinar PPT slides here – PDF) For more information about EDA’s American Rescue Plan, programs visit: https://eda.gov/arpa/ Questions? Email research@eda.gov.



IES logo

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is now accepting applications for its “Improving Pandemic Recovery Efforts in Education Agencies” grant program. The program seeks to counteract instructional and learning loss encountered by many learners during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing two research networks: one examining recovery activities in Pre-K through Grade 12, and the other examining recovery activities in community colleges. IES is particularly interested in supporting research that addresses learning acceleration and recovery for underrepresented student subgroups that were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2022. For more information, refer to the Request for Applications listed here or on grants.gov.



transportation logo

U.S. Department of Transportation

Funding Opportunities

The Department of Transportation (DOT) currently has three (3) Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) that will be open for the next two (2) months. We would like to make sure these NOFOs are circulated to HBCUs located in the following states noted below.  These NOFOs are being announced  to establish and support regional Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRC) to provide business training, technical assistance, and information to DOT grantees and recipients, prime contractors, and subcontractors.

DOT NOFO Funding Opportunities:



NEA logo

National Endowment for the Arts

Research Funding Opportunities. Guidelines are available for two funding programs offered through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Office of Research & Analysis:

  • Research Grants in the Arts funds research studies that investigate the value and/or impact of the arts, either as individual components of the U.S. arts ecology or as they interact with each other and/or with other domains of American life. Matching/cost share grants of $10,000 to $100,000 will be awarded.
  • NEA Research Labs funds transdisciplinary research teams grounded in the social and behavioral sciences, yielding empirical insights about the arts for the benefit of arts and non-arts sectors alike. Matching/cost share grants of $100,000 to $200,000 will be awarded. Application guidelines for the present round of funding are available on the Arts Endowment website. The upcoming deadline for both programs is March 28, 2022.
  •  Questions should be directed to the Office of Research & Analysis staff at nearesearchgrants@arts.gov.


NASA logo

NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations

The NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations are now open, with proposals due by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET.

The annual NASA SBIR and STTR Phase I solicitations are your invitation to join a community of NASA experts, small businesses, and research institutions who are researching and developing the technologies of tomorrow. If selected, you could be awarded up to $150,000 to further develop your technology idea. And Phase I is just your start…you can receive up to $1.15 million during your first three years, plus up to nearly $3 million or more through our Post Phase II opportunities. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your submission:

1. Carefully read the solicitation(s) you’re applying to, including:

  • Chapter 2, which has information about how to complete the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SAM.gov registration processes: SBIR | STTR
  • Chapter 9, which contains the Focus Area and Subtopics that you will need to choose from: SBIR | STTR

2. Attend the January 20th “Dissecting the Solicitations” webinar. A recording will be posted on the program’s website if you are unable to attend.

3. Consider applying for the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program and/or Technical and Business Assistance (TABA), which help small businesses commercialize their innovations through additional funding and other support. You’ll be able to indicate interest in either one when submitting your proposal.

4. Review other materials available on the NASA SBIR/STTR program website, such as:

  • The Firm Templates, which will get you familiar with required forms
  • The Resource Library, especially the “Preparing for a Phase 1 submission to increase likelihood of award” section We look forward to receiving your proposals by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET


National and Federal Opportunities for the week ending February 11, 2022!

02/14/2022
WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON ADVANCING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY, EXCELLENCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY THROUGH  HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Thank you for subscribing to the U.S. Department of Education, Initiative weekly newsletter. If you have questions about any of the opportunities listed or would like your organizations resources and events included in our next distribution, please email: HBCUnewsletter@ed.gov

The White House, Additional Resources to Access Free At-Home COVID Tests

The White House has launched a new resource to help individuals and families order free at-home COVID tests from COVIDtests.gov. Those who have difficulty accessing the Internet or need additional support placing an order can call 1-800-232-0233 to get help in English and many other languages. This call-line is open 8AM to midnight ET – 7 days a week. A TTY line (1-888-720-7489) is also available to support access to hearing impaired callers.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living (ACL) has also established additional resources. People with disabilities can reach out to the Disability Information and Assistance Line (DIAL) by calling 888-677-1199 or by emailing DIAL@usaginganddisability.org at any time. Older adults can call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or visit the Eldercare Locator website to access live chat assistance or to browse resources. More information on these COVID-19 resources can be found here.

HBCU Events!

Upcoming Virtual Opportunities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. The Initiative will host an informational meeting on February 16, 2022 a 12:00PM, ET. If you are interested in attending this meeting please RSVP to Elyse Jones: elyse.jones@ed.gov. A calendar invite will be sent to you!

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions

NTIA will host broadband grant program public virtual listening sessions in connection with the five new broadband grant programs authorized and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program; the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program; and the Digital Equity Act Programs, which include the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, and Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. These public virtual listening sessions are designed to collect stakeholder input to help inform program development and implementation.

NTIA will hold the public virtual listening sessions based on the following schedule:

  1. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Programs Public Virtual Listening Session #5: Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. ET.

These listening sessions will be hosted via NTIA’s virtual platform and conducted as a live public listening session. NTIA will post the registration information on its BroadbandUSA website .

Federal Register Notice: Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions

U.S. Department for Housing and Urban Development 

Rural Gateway Peer-to-Peer Web Conference Call Investing in Rural Prosperity Date: February 22, 2022 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

The Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development (ORHED) invites you to take part in our next Peer-to-Peer Web Conference Call. Scheduled for February 22, 2022, this call will offer participants the opportunity to learn more about investing in rural and underserved communities.

Topics to be discussed

  • Investing in climate resilience
  • Supporting local entrepreneurship and small businesses
  • Advancing racial equity through rural development investments

Participant Instructions

You must pre-register to receive a joining link for the event.

If you have any questions, please call 1-877-RURAL-26 (1-877-787-2526).

Access funding alerts and learn more about innovative strategies. Rural Gateway resources include:

Internal Revenue Service

During the month of March 2022, several divisions from the Internal Revenue Service (including W&I, SBSE, LB&I, IT, RAAS, TAS, Appeals, Chief Counsel, TEGE, HCO) will be hosting information sessions every Thursday highlighting different IRS positions each session, which we anticipate multiple openings nationwide in FY2022. Also, there will be a session on Tuesday, March 29th. We are inviting students and alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to learn more about the work we do at the Internal Revenue Service and some of the great career opportunities to make the IRS a career choice.

IRS representatives will share insight into these exciting career opportunities along with how to apply for them.  These information sessions are your opportunity to speak to IRS employees to gain a better understanding of their day-to-day work.

To register for one of these sessions, please see the attached or RSVP using one of the links below.  Please note that capacity is limited for these sessions, so we advise you to register early.

Sessions will be held via Zoom, every Thursday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Eastern Standard Time to discuss the following positions:

Date and Times Title Registration link
March 3, 2022 @4:00 IRS information sessions for HBCUs & Alumni-Tax Administration support and Advocacy careers https://www.eventbrite.com/e/261812898427

 

March 10, 2022 @4:00 IRS information sessions for HBCUs & Alumni-IT, legal & criminal investigation careers https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262605509147

 

March 17, 2022 @4:00 IRS information session for HBCUs & Alumni- HR & Business Administration careers https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262653643117

 

March 24, 2022 @4:00 IRS information session for HBCUs and Alumni about STEM careers https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262683432217

 

March 29, 2022 @4:00 IRS information session for HBCUs & Alumni-Tax Compliance & Appeals careers https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262732749727

 

March 31, 2022 @4:00 IRS information session for HBCUs & Alumni Hiring Process & Resume tips https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262767393347

 

Click here to learn more about our organization and some of our positions.  Make Your Future Count!  If you want to use your talents to make a difference for America, you’re looking in the right place. We want the IRS workforce to be excited about the future and, as one of the nation’s largest and most diverse institutions, we can give you an inside view of the world of finance that you can’t find anywhere else. So, when it’s time for you to enter the workforce, we’re hoping you’ll consider working with us.

For additional information and questions about the virtual information session or these positions, send an email to sbse.recruitment@irs.gov with your name and inquiry and we will be happy to answer your questions. Take some time and come check us out. Thank you.

Student Opportunities!

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. We are looking for the best and brightest HBCU student leaders to participate in this prestigious program! This highly competitive recognition program is open to current HBCU students of all majors and classifications. Students accepted into the program will work with the Initiative for one academic school year and be immersed in an intensive experience working closely with one another and Initiative partners from wide range of disciplines.

More information on the Initiatives recognition program and application requirements can be found by accessing the link below.

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

AmeriCorps

Learn the Value of AmeriCorps Service: Interested in addressing local challenges in communities across the country while developing job skills and earning money for school?

Join us for a virtual information session to find out if a year or summer as an AmeriCorps member serving with the VISTA program could be right for you. We’ll share service opportunities, benefits, requirements, and more.

AmeriCorps VISTA: Get the Basics

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2-3 p.m. ET

Register

U.S. Department of Energy

DOE’s Office of Science is now Accepting Applications for the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Awards

Students Will Perform Graduate Thesis Research at National Laboratories, The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2022 Solicitation 1 cycle.  Applications are due 5:00pm Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.

The SCGSR program supports awards to outstanding U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or host site in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist — with the goal of preparing graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the DOE Office of Science mission. The research opportunity is expected to advance the graduate students’ overall graduate theses while providing access to the expertise, resources, and capabilities available at the host DOE laboratories. SCGSR is open to current Ph.D. students in qualified graduate programs at accredited U.S. academic institutions, who are conducting their graduate thesis research in targeted areas of importance to the DOE Office of Science. Since its inception in 2014, the SCGSR program has provided support to over 780 graduate awardees from more than 150 different U.S. universities to conduct thesis research at all 17 DOE national laboratories across the nation.

The SCGSR program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, in collaboration with the eight Office of Science research and advanced technology program offices and the DOE national laboratories/facilities. Program administration support is provided by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). More information can be found at https://science.osti.gov/wdts.

U.S. Department of Energy

Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program (MEISPP)

Department of Energy Summer Internships, Student Stipend

  • Undergraduate- $650.00/ week
  • Graduate- $750.00/week
  • Housing- $240.00/week and up
  • Travel Allowance-up to $1,000.00

Join us for an Informational Session on:
February 16, 1pm EST or
Mar 8, 1pm EST

MEISPP@orise.orau.govA variety of disciplines that support the Department of Energy’s mission including science, technology, engineering, business, mathematics, policy, law and more. Professional and technical career experience with the guidance of a mentor.

Deadline: March 31, 2022
February 16th
March 8th
Department of Energy Summer Internships
https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/DOE-ED-MEISPP-2022

Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

Applications are open for 4 IES Summer Research Methods Workshops. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is funding four research methods training programs that are holding workshops this summer. These workshops support the training of current education researchers to expand and upgrade their methodological skills. Participants include individuals located in colleges and universities, state and local education agencies, education-focused organizations, and companies that have developed and deployed education related products and services. The four training workshops include the following:

  • Evidence-based Intervention Training for Education: This program trains teams (2-6 people) working together on the use of Evidence-based interventions in school/educational settings. The teams may come from the same school or district and include research partners. The training will be held June 21-24 and follow-up coaching will be provided during the academic year. Applications are due by April 15. See https://u.osu.edu/ebitraining/.
  • Economic Analysis: This program will hold two workshops. The first is a 3-day training (July 6-8) designed for state and local analysts who support significant policy decisions and the allocation of educational resources within and across districts. The second is a 5-individuals located in colleges and universities, state and local education agencies, education-focused organizations, and companies that have developed and deployed education related products and services. The four training workshops include the following:
  • Evidence-based Intervention Training for Education: This program trains teams (2-6 people) working together on the use of Evidence-based interventions in school/educational settings. The teams may come from the same school or district and include research partners. The training will be held June 21-24 and follow-up coaching will be provided during the academic year. Applications are due by April 15. See https://u.osu.edu/ebitraining/.
  • Economic Analysis: This program will hold two workshops. The first is a 3-day training (July 6-8) designed for state and local analysts who support significant policy decisions and the allocation of educational resources within and across districts. The second is a 5-day training (July 11-15) designed for education researchers who are undertaking or planning to undertake cost-effectiveness and benefit-cost analyses in education.  Applications are due by noon on March 31. See https://www.cbcse.org/ies-methods-training.
  • Cluster-Randomized Trials: This program provides training on carrying out rigorous evaluations of the impact of education interventions including planning, implementing, and analyzing data for cluster-randomized trials randomized experiments. The workshop will be held June 20 – 30. Applications are due by March 18. See https://www.ipr.northwestern.edu/events/workshops-training/cluster-randomized-trials.html.
  • Meta-analysis: This program will train researchers in state-of-the-art meta-analytic techniques.  The workshop will be held July 24 -30.  Applications are due by March 31. See https://www.meta-analysis-training-institute.com/.

U.S. Department of Energy

MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (MSIPP)POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

The Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) announces the establishment of a Postdoctoral Research Program. This program will provide fixed term postdoctoral research positions at National Laboratories that support the mission of EM. Postdoctoral candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists to solve complex challenges in areas of Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Deactivation & Decommissioning, Groundwater & Soil Remediation, Waste Treatment, and other Novel Materials Research.

For more information, please view the flyer here: DOE MSIPP POSTDOC FLYER.pdf

U.S. Department of Energy paid summer 2022 Internship opportunities for Minority Serving Institutions undergraduate/graduate students!

Apply Now!

Application deadline is February 17, 2022!

Event Calendar

Social Security Administration Fellowship and Grants Opportunities!

The Social Security Administration is offering various fellowship and grant opportunities for students in a variety of disciplines at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College https://crr.bc.edu/about-us/grant-programs/. Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis from now until the application period closes on January 31, 2022.

We are also offering opportunities in the Analyzing Relationships between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work (ARDRAW) Small Grants Program https://ardraw.policyresearchinc.org/. information webinar on January 13. 2022 and application due date is February 25, 2022 this and additional information is contained on the attached link.  Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation invites college students to join us for a four-part webinar series this spring semester, featuring interactive conversations with leaders in the field of historic preservation, as well as inspirational individuals who are engaged in preserving, restoring, interpreting, and discussing the history and heritage of African Americans in the United States through the power of historic sites.

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg

  • February 23, 5 p.m. ET — Interpreting Enslaved People’s History Into Historic Sites
  • March 30, 2 p.m. ET –Preserving African American Burial Sites
  • April 27, 5 p.m. ET- Natural Disasters and Their Threat to Historic Preservation

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg

 Employment Opportunities!

Optoro is Hiring!

Optoro is a fast-growing technology company that is revolutionizing the retail industry. Every year, more than 15% of retail goods are returned or simply never sell. This creates tons of unnecessary waste and costs retailers billions.

Our mission is to make retail more sustainable by eliminating all waste from returns. Our technology platform connects a seamless online returns experience with efficient supply chain processing and best in class reCommerce, so that retailers can improve outcomes across all points of the returns lifecycle.

Backed by some of the top investors in the country – including Kleiner Perkins, Revolution Growth, and UPS – Optoro is powered by its collaborative, unconventional, and resourceful employees who love solving big problems. We are looking for individuals with similar creativity and energy to help build a lasting company focused on the triple bottom line.

Account Associate

Senior Account Associate

Business Development Representatives (BDR)

U.S. Department of Labor

Department of Labor Job Opportunities

As of February 10, 2022, DOL, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM/Office of Human Resources (OHR) reports a hiring surge for 213 career employment opportunities for federal employees, students, veterans groups, military spouses, Schedule A community, and Affinity groups. Direct application for all jobs must made via www.usajobs.gov.  All vacancy announcements have designated HR Specialist contact information.

The excepted service position has been posted on USAJOBS: Director of the Office of Strategic Operations(announcement number DOL-SES-OASAM-22-18) closes on March 7, 2022. If you are interested, please submit your application through USAJOBS as soon as possible.

Below is sampling of this weeks’ job announcement highlights. FULL list of application links for all DOL career opportunities can be found at https://www.usajobs.gov/Search?d=DL. .

Institute for Education Sciences

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.  JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE: IES’ Office of Science is seeking professionals in education-related fields to join our team. The Office of Science, Standards and Review team is responsible for the scientific peer review of IES reports and for overseeing the scientific peer review of applications to research grant competitions. Information about the Office of Science is available here: https://ies.ed.gov/director/sro/index.asp.

Two excepted service position announcements have been posted on USAJOBS: Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0003) and Associate Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0004); both are 3-year term appointments with possible 3-year extensions. The Office of Science is particularly interested in mid-career candidates who meet the qualifications described in the Education Research Scientist announcement (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/633808700).

These positions opened on Friday, January 28, 2022, and will close on Monday, February 28, 2022 or as soon as 200 applications have been received, whichever is earlier. If you are interested, please submit your application through USAJOBS as soon as possible.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Career & Internship Vacancies

To view and apply for FWS positions, please click here: FWS Vacancy Announcements. If you have a question about a specific position vacancy, please contact the Human Resources point of contact listed at the bottom of the announcement.

For more information about FWS careers and available internship opportunities, please visit our FWS Recruitment Opportunities page. You can also explore and learn more about the careers we have at FWS and others within the Department of the Interior by clicking here.

National Museum of African American History and Culture is Hiring!

Meaningful internships offering hands-on experience in digital preservation of African American history and culture.

Deadline is February 15, 2022. See attached flyer!

University Student Research Challenge (USRC)

Amendment 2 to the NASA ARMD Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2021 NRA has been posted on the NSPIRES web site.

University Student Research Challenge (solicitation NNH21ZEA001N-USRC) seeks to challenge students to propose new aeronautics ideas/concepts that are relevant to NASA Aeronautics.  USRC will provide students, from accredited U.S. colleges or universities, with grants for their projects and includes the challenge of raising cost share funds through a crowdfunding campaign.  The process of creating and implementing a crowdfunding campaign acts as a teaching accelerator – requiring students to act like entrepreneurs and raise awareness about their research among the public.

The solicitation goal can be accomplished through project ideas such as advancing the design, developing technology or capabilities in support of aviation, by demonstrating a novel concept, or enabling advancement of aeronautics-related technologies.

Notices of Intent (NOIs) are not required for this solicitation.  Three-page proposals for the next USRC cycle are due February 24, 2022. Proposals can also be submitted later and will be evaluated in the third cycle. The due date for the third cycle is June 23, 2022.

U.S. Department of Defense

The DoD Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Summer Research Program is open for applications. Sponsored by the DoD HBCU/MI Program, the Summer Research Program provides a bridge between the classroom and real-world experiences and aims to increase the number of underrepresented scientists and engineers throughout the DoD. The summer program encourages students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, guides them toward advanced studies, and prepares them for careers in science and engineering fields important to the defense mission. Students, both undergraduate and graduate, will participate in the program for 11 weeks and will be placed in DoD facilities across the nation. Students conduct research relevant to the defense mission under the supervision of DoD scientists and engineers. The program is from May 31, 2022, to August 12, 2022.

Applications are open to full-time HBCU/MI students or recent graduates. The deadline to submit applications is February 15, 2022 at 11:59 PST. The application website is available here: https://www.dodhbcumiinternship.com/

National and Federal Opportunities!

Health Equity Research Network (HERN) on Disparities in Maternal-Infant Health Outcomes

Submit your pre-proposal by Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 3 pm Central Time The American Heart Association (AHA) has committed $20 million to establish a Health Equity Research Network — an opportunity to significantly advance our understanding of the factors underlying the disproportionate impact of maternal mortality and morbidity on Black women, Native American women, and those living in rural areas. Because heart and vascular issues account for about half of these deaths, the AHA is uniquely positioned to address this critical issue. Among the unique features of this grant mechanism:

  •  Focus on population(s) with documented disparities
  • Applicant teams will submit 3-5 projects
  • At least one project must incorporate the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) into its research design.
  • Network proposals must originate from academic institutions that focus on educating individuals from groups who are under-represented in science

OR must partner with an institution focused on educating or serving under-represented individuals and communities (i.e., institution of higher learning focused on the education of Black/Hispanic/American Indian/non-White students or non-profit community hospital or other research/care institution that serves an underrepresented population).

Pre-proposals are due via email to StrategicAwards@heart.org and must use the template provided.
Invited full proposals will be due by Thursday, April 21, 2022, 3 pm Central Time.

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission FY 2022 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Research and Development Grants

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued its Fiscal Year 2022 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Research and Development grants.  The NOFO is now available at grants.gov and closes on April 5, 2022.  All institutions of higher education are encouraged to apply.  Feel free to forward this message to others that may be interested.

If you have questions regarding grants, please contact:

Nancy Hebron-Isreal; Program Manager, Sr. Grants Administrative Specialist , Program Management, Policy Development and Analysis, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Nancy.Hebron-Isreal@nrc.gov; 301-415-6996

U.S. Department of Education

Grant Opportunity for Minority Serving Institutions

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs is pleased to announce a grant opportunity related to the preparation of special education, early intervention, and related services personnel attending minority serving institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AAPISIs).

The purpose of this priority is to increase the number of ethnically and racially diverse personnel who are fully credentialed to serve children, including infants, toddlers, and youth with disabilities.  Under this grant competition, the Department will fund high-quality projects within MSIs that prepare special education, early intervention, and related services personnel at the certification, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, educational specialist degree, or clinical doctoral degree levels.

The purpose of the OSEP Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program is to:

  • help address State-identified needs for qualified personnel —in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education— to work with infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities; and
  • ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically-based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children.

We invite you to learn more about this grant opportunity. OSEP will post a pre-recorded webinar that can be found at  http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/osep/new-osep-grants.html by the end of the week (2/11/2022).  A recording of the webinar will be available at www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/osep/new-osep-grants.html within five days after the pre-application webinar.

For more details on grant application requirements please review the notice informing applicants: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/02/04/2022-02392/applications-for-new-awards-personnel-development-to-improve-services-and-results-for-children-with . Lastly, prospective applicants can reach the OSEP point of contact for the grant program, Tracie Dickson at tracie.dickson@ed.gov,  (202) 245-7844 or (202) 987-0145.

U.S. Economic Development  Administration

EDA’s American Rescue Plan Programs, Status update on EDA’s, American Rescue Plan programs

Due to the high volume of applications and interest EDA has received for its six innovative programs funded through the American Rescue Plan, EDA is providing the following status update. EDA strongly recommends any entities actively working on an application to contact their local Economic Development Representative to discuss their region’s availability of funds.

Read more about EDA’s American Rescue Plan programs

EDA seeks additional applications for grants to support research of EDA’s American Rescue Plan, which aim to strengthen regional economies nationwide and support economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

EDA is currently reviewing applications for American Rescue Plan funding and has determined that it has received no or limited applications addressing critical areas of research into the following EDA American Rescue Plan programs – Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA); Indigenous CommunitiesTravel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation; and Statewide Planning.

EDA encourages new applications specifically focused on these research areas or entities that have already submitted applications to submit modifications to their proposals to encompass these additional research areas. Click here to view the Notice of Funding Opportunity and to submit an application.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. ET March 11.

Research awards – ranging from $200,000 to $600,000 each – should be national in scope and focus on one of the research areas identified above; and will support real-time data collection and understanding of the implementation of an identified American Rescue Plan program. Specifically, EDA is looking to fund research projects that will allow EDA to understand how the full suite of American Rescue Plan funding is being used, identify lessons learned about how the programs are being implemented, and ultimately support, facilitate, and encourage learning in real-time. No matching funds are required. However, provision of match is an evaluation criterion under the Research component and applications that propose matching share may be considered more competitive in the evaluation process.

Awards will provide critical, cutting-edge research and best practices to regional, state, and local practitioners in the economic development field, thereby enhancing understanding and implementation of economic development concepts throughout the country.

EDA will evaluate each application based on:

  • Organizational or applicant capacity and personnel;
  • Strategic approach;
  • Feasibility of the budget and financial match;
  • Feasibility of deliverables and timeline;
  • Sustainability, scalability, and dissemination; and
  • Cross-collaboration with other EDA and/or other economic development partners.

For more information, click here to view a webinar about the EDA American Rescue Plan Research & Networks program. (Webinar PPT slides here – PDF) For more information about EDA’s American Rescue Plan, programs visit: https://eda.gov/arpa/ Questions? Email research@eda.gov.

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is now accepting applications for its “Improving Pandemic Recovery Efforts in Education Agencies” grant program. The program seeks to counteract instructional and learning loss encountered by many learners during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing two research networks: one examining recovery activities in Pre-K through Grade 12, and the other examining recovery activities in community colleges. IES is particularly interested in supporting research that addresses learning acceleration and recovery for underrepresented student subgroups that were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2022. For more information, refer to the Request for Applications listed here or on grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Transportation

Funding Opportunities

The Department of Transportation (DOT) currently has three (3) Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) that will be open for the next two (2) months. We would like to make sure these NOFOs are circulated to HBCUs located in the following states noted below.  These NOFOs are being announced  to establish and support regional Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRC) to provide business training, technical assistance, and information to DOT grantees and recipients, prime contractors, and subcontractors.

DOT NOFO Funding Opportunities:

National Endowment for the Arts

Research Funding Opportunities. Guidelines are available for two funding programs offered through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Office of Research & Analysis:

  • Research Grants in the Arts funds research studies that investigate the value and/or impact of the arts, either as individual components of the U.S. arts ecology or as they interact with each other and/or with other domains of American life. Matching/cost share grants of $10,000 to $100,000 will be awarded.
  • NEA Research Labs funds transdisciplinary research teams grounded in the social and behavioral sciences, yielding empirical insights about the arts for the benefit of arts and non-arts sectors alike. Matching/cost share grants of $100,000 to $200,000 will be awarded. Application guidelines for the present round of funding are available on the Arts Endowment website. The upcoming deadline for both programs is March 28, 2022.
  •  Questions should be directed to the Office of Research & Analysis staff at nearesearchgrants@arts.gov.

NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations

The NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations are now open, with proposals due by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET.

The annual NASA SBIR and STTR Phase I solicitations are your invitation to join a community of NASA experts, small businesses, and research institutions who are researching and developing the technologies of tomorrow. If selected, you could be awarded up to $150,000 to further develop your technology idea. And Phase I is just your start…you can receive up to $1.15 million during your first three years, plus up to nearly $3 million or more through our Post Phase II opportunities. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your submission:

1. Carefully read the solicitation(s) you’re applying to, including:

  • Chapter 2, which has information about how to complete the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SAM.gov registration processes: SBIR | STTR
  • Chapter 9, which contains the Focus Area and Subtopics that you will need to choose from: SBIR | STTR

2. Attend the January 20th “Dissecting the Solicitations” webinar. A recording will be posted on the program’s website if you are unable to attend.

3. Consider applying for the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program and/or Technical and Business Assistance (TABA), which help small businesses commercialize their innovations through additional funding and other support. You’ll be able to indicate interest in either one when submitting your proposal.

4. Review other materials available on the NASA SBIR/STTR program website, such as:

  • The Firm Templates, which will get you familiar with required forms
  • The Resource Library, especially the “Preparing for a Phase 1 submission to increase likelihood of award” section We look forward to receiving your proposals by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET

U.S. Department of Agriculture

About the Farm to School Grant Program On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA’s Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts.

FY2022 Request for Applications (RFA) Now Available!

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Farm to School Grant Program RFA is now available through www.Grants.gov. Be sure to visit the Grant Applicants Resources page to access other helpful resources, including links to webinars that provide specific assistance on applying for a Farm to School Grant.

Application Period Opens for Rural Business Development Grants

The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.

Rural public entities are eligible to apply, including but not limited to: towns/local government, state agencies, authorities, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education, federally-recognized Tribes, and rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation).    RBDG funds must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more.

Applications must be submitted to Rural Development by February 28, 2022, 4:30 p.m. local time.

Stay Engaged!

Learn more about what we do at www.ed.gov/whhbcu. Have suggestions or comments? Send them to oswhi-hbcu@ed.gov 

If you wish for your organizations announcements to be included in our weekly distribution, please email: HBCUnewsletter@ed.gov

This newsletter contains resources that are provided for the user’s convenience. The inclusion of these materials is not intended to reflect its importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered. These materials may contain the views and recommendations of various subject matter experts as well as hypertext links, contact addresses and websites to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. The opinions expressed in any of these materials do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any outside information included in these materials.

National and Federal Opportunities for the week ending February 11, 2022

WHIHBCU seal

WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON ADVANCING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY, EXCELLENCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY THROUGH  HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Thank you for subscribing to the U.S. Department of Education, Initiative weekly newsletter. If you have questions about any of the opportunities listed or would like your organizations resources and events included in our next distribution, please email: HBCUnewsletter@ed.gov



the white house

The White House, Additional Resources to Access Free At-Home COVID Tests

The White House has launched a new resource to help individuals and families order free at-home COVID tests from COVIDtests.gov. Those who have difficulty accessing the Internet or need additional support placing an order can call 1-800-232-0233 to get help in English and many other languages. This call-line is open 8AM to midnight ET – 7 days a week. A TTY line (1-888-720-7489) is also available to support access to hearing impaired callers.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living (ACL) has also established additional resources. People with disabilities can reach out to the Disability Information and Assistance Line (DIAL) by calling 888-677-1199 or by emailing DIAL@usaginganddisability.org at any time. Older adults can call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or visit the Eldercare Locator website to access live chat assistance or to browse resources. More information on these COVID-19 resources can be found here.



HBCU Events!



Upcoming Virtual Opportunities



Initiative logo

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. The Initiative will host an informational meeting on February 16, 2022 a 12:00PM, ET. If you are interested in attending this meeting please RSVP to Elyse Jones: elyse.jones@ed.gov. A calendar invite will be sent to you!

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities



NTIA logo

Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions

NTIA will host broadband grant program public virtual listening sessions in connection with the five new broadband grant programs authorized and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program; the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program; and the Digital Equity Act Programs, which include the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, and Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. These public virtual listening sessions are designed to collect stakeholder input to help inform program development and implementation.

NTIA will hold the public virtual listening sessions based on the following schedule:

  1. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Programs Public Virtual Listening Session #5: Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. ET.

These listening sessions will be hosted via NTIA’s virtual platform and conducted as a live public listening session. NTIA will post the registration information on its BroadbandUSA website .

Federal Register Notice: Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions



HUD logo

U.S. Department for Housing and Urban Development

Rural Gateway Peer-to-Peer Web Conference Call Investing in Rural Prosperity Date: February 22, 2022 Time: 2:00 – 3:00 PM ET

The Office of Rural Housing and Economic Development (ORHED) invites you to take part in our next Peer-to-Peer Web Conference Call. Scheduled for February 22, 2022, this call will offer participants the opportunity to learn more about investing in rural and underserved communities.

Topics to be discussed

  • Investing in climate resilience
  • Supporting local entrepreneurship and small businesses
  • Advancing racial equity through rural development investments

Participant Instructions

You must pre-register to receive a joining link for the event.

If you have any questions, please call 1-877-RURAL-26 (1-877-787-2526).

Access funding alerts and learn more about innovative strategies. Rural Gateway resources include:



IRS

Internal Revenue Service

During the month of March 2022, several divisions from the Internal Revenue Service (including W&I, SBSE, LB&I, IT, RAAS, TAS, Appeals, Chief Counsel, TEGE, HCO) will be hosting information sessions every Thursday highlighting different IRS positions each session, which we anticipate multiple openings nationwide in FY2022. Also, there will be a session on Tuesday, March 29th. We are inviting students and alumni from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) to learn more about the work we do at the Internal Revenue Service and some of the great career opportunities to make the IRS a career choice.

IRS representatives will share insight into these exciting career opportunities along with how to apply for them.  These information sessions are your opportunity to speak to IRS employees to gain a better understanding of their day-to-day work.

To register for one of these sessions, please see the attached or RSVP using one of the links below.  Please note that capacity is limited for these sessions, so we advise you to register early.

Sessions will be held via Zoom, every Thursday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm Eastern Standard Time to discuss the following positions:

Date and Times

Title

Registration link

March 3, 2022 @4:00

IRS information sessions for HBCUs & Alumni-Tax Administration support and Advocacy careers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/261812898427

March 10, 2022 @4:00

IRS information sessions for HBCUs & Alumni-IT, legal & criminal investigation careers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262605509147

March 17, 2022 @4:00

IRS information session for HBCUs & Alumni- HR & Business Administration careers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262653643117

March 24, 2022 @4:00

IRS information session for HBCUs and Alumni about STEM careers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262683432217

March 29, 2022 @4:00

IRS information session for HBCUs & Alumni-Tax Compliance & Appeals careers

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262732749727

March 31, 2022 @4:00

IRS information session for HBCUs & Alumni Hiring Process & Resume tips

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/262767393347

Click here to learn more about our organization and some of our positions.  Make Your Future Count!  If you want to use your talents to make a difference for America, you’re looking in the right place. We want the IRS workforce to be excited about the future and, as one of the nation’s largest and most diverse institutions, we can give you an inside view of the world of finance that you can’t find anywhere else. So, when it’s time for you to enter the workforce, we’re hoping you’ll consider working with us.

For additional information and questions about the virtual information session or these positions, send an email to sbse.recruitment@irs.gov with your name and inquiry and we will be happy to answer your questions. Take some time and come check us out. Thank you.



Student Opportunities!



Initiative Logo

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. We are looking for the best and brightest HBCU student leaders to participate in this prestigious program! This highly competitive recognition program is open to current HBCU students of all majors and classifications. Students accepted into the program will work with the Initiative for one academic school year and be immersed in an intensive experience working closely with one another and Initiative partners from wide range of disciplines.

More information on the Initiatives recognition program and application requirements can be found by accessing the link below.

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities



Americorps logo

AmeriCorps

Learn the Value of AmeriCorps Service: Interested in addressing local challenges in communities across the country while developing job skills and earning money for school?

Join us for a virtual information session to find out if a year or summer as an AmeriCorps member serving with the VISTA program could be right for you. We’ll share service opportunities, benefits, requirements, and more.

AmeriCorps VISTA: Get the Basics

Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2-3 p.m. ET

Register



Energy

U.S. Department of Energy

DOE’s Office of Science is now Accepting Applications for the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) Awards

Students Will Perform Graduate Thesis Research at National Laboratories, The Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Science is pleased to announce that the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program is now accepting applications for the 2022 Solicitation 1 cycle.  Applications are due 5:00pm Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 4, 2022.

The SCGSR program supports awards to outstanding U.S. graduate students to conduct part of their graduate thesis research at a DOE national laboratory or host site in collaboration with a DOE laboratory scientist — with the goal of preparing graduate students for scientific and technical careers critically important to the DOE Office of Science mission. The research opportunity is expected to advance the graduate students’ overall graduate theses while providing access to the expertise, resources, and capabilities available at the host DOE laboratories. SCGSR is open to current Ph.D. students in qualified graduate programs at accredited U.S. academic institutions, who are conducting their graduate thesis research in targeted areas of importance to the DOE Office of Science. Since its inception in 2014, the SCGSR program has provided support to over 780 graduate awardees from more than 150 different U.S. universities to conduct thesis research at all 17 DOE national laboratories across the nation.

The SCGSR program is sponsored and managed by the DOE Office of Science’s Office of Workforce Development for Teachers and Scientists, in collaboration with the eight Office of Science research and advanced technology program offices and the DOE national laboratories/facilities. Program administration support is provided by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). More information can be found at https://science.osti.gov/wdts.



Energy

U.S. Department of Energy

Minority Educational Institution Student Partnership Program (MEISPP)

Department of Energy Summer Internships, Student Stipend

  • Undergraduate- $650.00/ week
  • Graduate- $750.00/week
  • Housing- $240.00/week and up
  • Travel Allowance-up to $1,000.00

Join us for an Informational Session on:
February 16, 1pm EST or
Mar 8, 1pm EST

MEISPP@orise.orau.govA variety of disciplines that support the Department of Energy’s mission including science, technology, engineering, business, mathematics, policy, law and more. Professional and technical career experience with the guidance of a mentor.

Deadline: March 31, 2022
February 16th
March 8th
Department of Energy Summer Internships
https://www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/DOE-ED-MEISPP-2022



IES logo

Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

Applications are open for 4 IES Summer Research Methods Workshops. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is funding four research methods training programs that are holding workshops this summer. These workshops support the training of current education researchers to expand and upgrade their methodological skills. Participants include individuals located in colleges and universities, state and local education agencies, education-focused organizations, and companies that have developed and deployed education related products and services. The four training workshops include the following:

  • Evidence-based Intervention Training for Education: This program trains teams (2-6 people) working together on the use of Evidence-based interventions in school/educational settings. The teams may come from the same school or district and include research partners. The training will be held June 21-24 and follow-up coaching will be provided during the academic year. Applications are due by April 15. See https://u.osu.edu/ebitraining/.
  • Economic Analysis: This program will hold two workshops. The first is a 3-day training (July 6-8) designed for state and local analysts who support significant policy decisions and the allocation of educational resources within and across districts. The second is a 5-individuals located in colleges and universities, state and local education agencies, education-focused organizations, and companies that have developed and deployed education related products and services. The four training workshops include the following:
  • Evidence-based Intervention Training for Education: This program trains teams (2-6 people) working together on the use of Evidence-based interventions in school/educational settings. The teams may come from the same school or district and include research partners. The training will be held June 21-24 and follow-up coaching will be provided during the academic year. Applications are due by April 15. See https://u.osu.edu/ebitraining/.
  • Economic Analysis: This program will hold two workshops. The first is a 3-day training (July 6-8) designed for state and local analysts who support significant policy decisions and the allocation of educational resources within and across districts. The second is a 5-day training (July 11-15) designed for education researchers who are undertaking or planning to undertake cost-effectiveness and benefit-cost analyses in education.  Applications are due by noon on March 31. See https://www.cbcse.org/ies-methods-training.
  • Cluster-Randomized Trials: This program provides training on carrying out rigorous evaluations of the impact of education interventions including planning, implementing, and analyzing data for cluster-randomized trials randomized experiments. The workshop will be held June 20 – 30. Applications are due by March 18. See https://www.ipr.northwestern.edu/events/workshops-training/cluster-randomized-trials.html.
  • Meta-analysis: This program will train researchers in state-of-the-art meta-analytic techniques.  The workshop will be held July 24 -30.  Applications are due by March 31. See https://www.meta-analysis-training-institute.com/.


energy logo

U.S. Department of Energy

MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (MSIPP)POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

The Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) announces the establishment of a Postdoctoral Research Program. This program will provide fixed term postdoctoral research positions at National Laboratories that support the mission of EM. Postdoctoral candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists to solve complex challenges in areas of Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Deactivation & Decommissioning, Groundwater & Soil Remediation, Waste Treatment, and other Novel Materials Research.

For more information, please view the flyer here: DOE MSIPP POSTDOC FLYER.pdf


U.S. Department of Energy paid summer 2022 Internship opportunities for Minority Serving Institutions undergraduate/graduate students!

Apply Now!

Application deadline is February 17, 2022!

Event Calendar

energy flyer


SSA

Social Security Administration Fellowship and Grants Opportunities!

The Social Security Administration is offering various fellowship and grant opportunities for students in a variety of disciplines at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College https://crr.bc.edu/about-us/grant-programs/. Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis from now until the application period closes on January 31, 2022.

We are also offering opportunities in the Analyzing Relationships between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work (ARDRAW) Small Grants Program https://ardraw.policyresearchinc.org/. information webinar on January 13. 2022 and application due date is February 25, 2022 this and additional information is contained on the attached link.  Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis.



advisory council oh histric preservation

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation invites college students to join us for a four-part webinar series this spring semester, featuring interactive conversations with leaders in the field of historic preservation, as well as inspirational individuals who are engaged in preserving, restoring, interpreting, and discussing the history and heritage of African Americans in the United States through the power of historic sites.

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg

  • February 23, 5 p.m. ET — Interpreting Enslaved People’s History Into Historic Sites
  • March 30, 2 p.m. ET –Preserving African American Burial Sites
  • April 27, 5 p.m. ET- Natural Disasters and Their Threat to Historic Preservation

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg



 Employment Opportunities!



Optoro is Hiring!

Optoro is a fast-growing technology company that is revolutionizing the retail industry. Every year, more than 15% of retail goods are returned or simply never sell. This creates tons of unnecessary waste and costs retailers billions.

Our mission is to make retail more sustainable by eliminating all waste from returns. Our technology platform connects a seamless online returns experience with efficient supply chain processing and best in class reCommerce, so that retailers can improve outcomes across all points of the returns lifecycle.

Backed by some of the top investors in the country – including Kleiner Perkins, Revolution Growth, and UPS – Optoro is powered by its collaborative, unconventional, and resourceful employees who love solving big problems. We are looking for individuals with similar creativity and energy to help build a lasting company focused on the triple bottom line.

Account Associate

Senior Account Associate

Business Development Representatives (BDR)



Labor logo

U.S. Department of Labor

Department of Labor Job Opportunities

As of February 10, 2022, DOL, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management (OASAM/Office of Human Resources (OHR) reports a hiring surge for 213 career employment opportunities for federal employees, students, veterans groups, military spouses, Schedule A community, and Affinity groups. Direct application for all jobs must made via www.usajobs.gov.  All vacancy announcements have designated HR Specialist contact information.

The excepted service position has been posted on USAJOBS: Director of the Office of Strategic Operations(announcement number DOL-SES-OASAM-22-18) closes on March 7, 2022. If you are interested, please submit your application through USAJOBS as soon as possible.

Below is sampling of this weeks’ job announcement highlights. FULL list of application links for all DOL career opportunities can be found at https://www.usajobs.gov/Search?d=DL. .



IES logo

Institute for Education Sciences

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.  JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE: IES’ Office of Science is seeking professionals in education-related fields to join our team. The Office of Science, Standards and Review team is responsible for the scientific peer review of IES reports and for overseeing the scientific peer review of applications to research grant competitions. Information about the Office of Science is available here: https://ies.ed.gov/director/sro/index.asp.

Two excepted service position announcements have been posted on USAJOBS: Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0003) and Associate Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0004); both are 3-year term appointments with possible 3-year extensions. The Office of Science is particularly interested in mid-career candidates who meet the qualifications described in the Education Research Scientist announcement (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/633808700).

These positions opened on Friday, January 28, 2022, and will close on Monday, February 28, 2022 or as soon as 200 applications have been received, whichever is earlier. If you are interested, please submit your application through USAJOBS as soon as possible.



USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Career & Internship Vacancies

To view and apply for FWS positions, please click here: FWS Vacancy Announcements. If you have a question about a specific position vacancy, please contact the Human Resources point of contact listed at the bottom of the announcement.

For more information about FWS careers and available internship opportunities, please visit our FWS Recruitment Opportunities page. You can also explore and learn more about the careers we have at FWS and others within the Department of the Interior by clicking here.



African American Musuem

National Museum of African American History and Culture is Hiring!

Meaningful internships offering hands-on experience in digital preservation of African American history and culture.

Deadline is February 15, 2022. See attached flyer!



NASA logo

University Student Research Challenge (USRC)

Amendment 2 to the NASA ARMD Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2021 NRA has been posted on the NSPIRES web site.

University Student Research Challenge (solicitation NNH21ZEA001N-USRC) seeks to challenge students to propose new aeronautics ideas/concepts that are relevant to NASA Aeronautics.  USRC will provide students, from accredited U.S. colleges or universities, with grants for their projects and includes the challenge of raising cost share funds through a crowdfunding campaign.  The process of creating and implementing a crowdfunding campaign acts as a teaching accelerator – requiring students to act like entrepreneurs and raise awareness about their research among the public.

The solicitation goal can be accomplished through project ideas such as advancing the design, developing technology or capabilities in support of aviation, by demonstrating a novel concept, or enabling advancement of aeronautics-related technologies.

Notices of Intent (NOIs) are not required for this solicitation.  Three-page proposals for the next USRC cycle are due February 24, 2022. Proposals can also be submitted later and will be evaluated in the third cycle. The due date for the third cycle is June 23, 2022.



defense logo

U.S. Department of Defense

The DoD Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Summer Research Program is open for applications. Sponsored by the DoD HBCU/MI Program, the Summer Research Program provides a bridge between the classroom and real-world experiences and aims to increase the number of underrepresented scientists and engineers throughout the DoD. The summer program encourages students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, guides them toward advanced studies, and prepares them for careers in science and engineering fields important to the defense mission. Students, both undergraduate and graduate, will participate in the program for 11 weeks and will be placed in DoD facilities across the nation. Students conduct research relevant to the defense mission under the supervision of DoD scientists and engineers. The program is from May 31, 2022, to August 12, 2022.

Applications are open to full-time HBCU/MI students or recent graduates. The deadline to submit applications is February 15, 2022 at 11:59 PST. The application website is available here: https://www.dodhbcumiinternship.com/



National and Federal Opportunities!



Health Equity Research Network (HERN) on Disparities in Maternal-Infant Health Outcomes

Submit your pre-proposal by Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 3 pm Central Time The American Heart Association (AHA) has committed $20 million to establish a Health Equity Research Network — an opportunity to significantly advance our understanding of the factors underlying the disproportionate impact of maternal mortality and morbidity on Black women, Native American women, and those living in rural areas. Because heart and vascular issues account for about half of these deaths, the AHA is uniquely positioned to address this critical issue. Among the unique features of this grant mechanism:

  •  Focus on population(s) with documented disparities
  • Applicant teams will submit 3-5 projects
  • At least one project must incorporate the use of community-based participatory research (CBPR) into its research design.
  • Network proposals must originate from academic institutions that focus on educating individuals from groups who are under-represented in science

OR must partner with an institution focused on educating or serving under-represented individuals and communities (i.e., institution of higher learning focused on the education of Black/Hispanic/American Indian/non-White students or non-profit community hospital or other research/care institution that serves an underrepresented population).

Pre-proposals are due via email to StrategicAwards@heart.org and must use the template provided.
Invited full proposals will be due by Thursday, April 21, 2022, 3 pm Central Time.



NRC

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission FY 2022 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Research and Development Grants

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) issued its Fiscal Year 2022 Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Research and Development grants.  The NOFO is now available at grants.gov and closes on April 5, 2022.  All institutions of higher education are encouraged to apply.  Feel free to forward this message to others that may be interested.

If you have questions regarding grants, please contact:

Nancy Hebron-Isreal; Program Manager, Sr. Grants Administrative Specialist , Program Management, Policy Development and Analysis, Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Nancy.Hebron-Isreal@nrc.gov; 301-415-6996



Education logo

U.S. Department of Education

Grant Opportunity for Minority Serving Institutions

The U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs is pleased to announce a grant opportunity related to the preparation of special education, early intervention, and related services personnel attending minority serving institutions (MSIs), including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Asian American and Pacific Islander Serving Institutions (AAPISIs).

The purpose of this priority is to increase the number of ethnically and racially diverse personnel who are fully credentialed to serve children, including infants, toddlers, and youth with disabilities.  Under this grant competition, the Department will fund high-quality projects within MSIs that prepare special education, early intervention, and related services personnel at the certification, bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, educational specialist degree, or clinical doctoral degree levels.

The purpose of the OSEP Personnel Development to Improve Services and Results for Children with Disabilities program is to:

  • help address State-identified needs for qualified personnel —in special education, related services, early intervention, and regular education— to work with infants, toddlers, and children with disabilities; and
  • ensure that those personnel have the necessary skills and knowledge, derived from practices that have been determined through scientifically-based research and experience, to be successful in serving those children.

We invite you to learn more about this grant opportunity. OSEP will post a pre-recorded webinar that can be found at  http://www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/osep/new-osep-grants.html by the end of the week (2/11/2022).  A recording of the webinar will be available at www2.ed.gov/fund/grant/apply/osep/new-osep-grants.html within five days after the pre-application webinar.

For more details on grant application requirements please review the notice informing applicants: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/02/04/2022-02392/applications-for-new-awards-personnel-development-to-improve-services-and-results-for-children-with . Lastly, prospective applicants can reach the OSEP point of contact for the grant program, Tracie Dickson at tracie.dickson@ed.gov(202) 245-7844 or (202) 987-0145.



EDA

U.S. Economic Development  Administration

EDA’s American Rescue Plan Programs, Status update on EDA’s, American Rescue Plan programs

Due to the high volume of applications and interest EDA has received for its six innovative programs funded through the American Rescue Plan, EDA is providing the following status update. EDA strongly recommends any entities actively working on an application to contact their local Economic Development Representative to discuss their region’s availability of funds.

Read more about EDA’s American Rescue Plan programs

EDA seeks additional applications for grants to support research of EDA’s American Rescue Plan, which aim to strengthen regional economies nationwide and support economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic.

EDA is currently reviewing applications for American Rescue Plan funding and has determined that it has received no or limited applications addressing critical areas of research into the following EDA American Rescue Plan programs – Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA); Indigenous CommunitiesTravel, Tourism & Outdoor Recreation; and Statewide Planning.

EDA encourages new applications specifically focused on these research areas or entities that have already submitted applications to submit modifications to their proposals to encompass these additional research areas. Click here to view the Notice of Funding Opportunity and to submit an application.

The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. ET March 11.

Research awards – ranging from $200,000 to $600,000 each – should be national in scope and focus on one of the research areas identified above; and will support real-time data collection and understanding of the implementation of an identified American Rescue Plan program. Specifically, EDA is looking to fund research projects that will allow EDA to understand how the full suite of American Rescue Plan funding is being used, identify lessons learned about how the programs are being implemented, and ultimately support, facilitate, and encourage learning in real-time. No matching funds are required. However, provision of match is an evaluation criterion under the Research component and applications that propose matching share may be considered more competitive in the evaluation process.

Awards will provide critical, cutting-edge research and best practices to regional, state, and local practitioners in the economic development field, thereby enhancing understanding and implementation of economic development concepts throughout the country.

EDA will evaluate each application based on:

  • Organizational or applicant capacity and personnel;
  • Strategic approach;
  • Feasibility of the budget and financial match;
  • Feasibility of deliverables and timeline;
  • Sustainability, scalability, and dissemination; and
  • Cross-collaboration with other EDA and/or other economic development partners.

For more information, click here to view a webinar about the EDA American Rescue Plan Research & Networks program. (Webinar PPT slides here – PDF) For more information about EDA’s American Rescue Plan, programs visit: https://eda.gov/arpa/ Questions? Email research@eda.gov.



IES logo

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is now accepting applications for its “Improving Pandemic Recovery Efforts in Education Agencies” grant program. The program seeks to counteract instructional and learning loss encountered by many learners during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing two research networks: one examining recovery activities in Pre-K through Grade 12, and the other examining recovery activities in community colleges. IES is particularly interested in supporting research that addresses learning acceleration and recovery for underrepresented student subgroups that were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2022. For more information, refer to the Request for Applications listed here or on grants.gov.



transportation logo

U.S. Department of Transportation

Funding Opportunities

The Department of Transportation (DOT) currently has three (3) Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) that will be open for the next two (2) months. We would like to make sure these NOFOs are circulated to HBCUs located in the following states noted below.  These NOFOs are being announced  to establish and support regional Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRC) to provide business training, technical assistance, and information to DOT grantees and recipients, prime contractors, and subcontractors.

DOT NOFO Funding Opportunities:



NEA logo

National Endowment for the Arts

Research Funding Opportunities. Guidelines are available for two funding programs offered through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Office of Research & Analysis:

  • Research Grants in the Arts funds research studies that investigate the value and/or impact of the arts, either as individual components of the U.S. arts ecology or as they interact with each other and/or with other domains of American life. Matching/cost share grants of $10,000 to $100,000 will be awarded.
  • NEA Research Labs funds transdisciplinary research teams grounded in the social and behavioral sciences, yielding empirical insights about the arts for the benefit of arts and non-arts sectors alike. Matching/cost share grants of $100,000 to $200,000 will be awarded. Application guidelines for the present round of funding are available on the Arts Endowment website. The upcoming deadline for both programs is March 28, 2022.
  •  Questions should be directed to the Office of Research & Analysis staff at nearesearchgrants@arts.gov.


NASA logo

NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations

The NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations are now open, with proposals due by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET.

The annual NASA SBIR and STTR Phase I solicitations are your invitation to join a community of NASA experts, small businesses, and research institutions who are researching and developing the technologies of tomorrow. If selected, you could be awarded up to $150,000 to further develop your technology idea. And Phase I is just your start…you can receive up to $1.15 million during your first three years, plus up to nearly $3 million or more through our Post Phase II opportunities. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your submission:

1. Carefully read the solicitation(s) you’re applying to, including:

  • Chapter 2, which has information about how to complete the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SAM.gov registration processes: SBIR | STTR
  • Chapter 9, which contains the Focus Area and Subtopics that you will need to choose from: SBIR | STTR

2. Attend the January 20th “Dissecting the Solicitations” webinar. A recording will be posted on the program’s website if you are unable to attend.

3. Consider applying for the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program and/or Technical and Business Assistance (TABA), which help small businesses commercialize their innovations through additional funding and other support. You’ll be able to indicate interest in either one when submitting your proposal.

4. Review other materials available on the NASA SBIR/STTR program website, such as:

  • The Firm Templates, which will get you familiar with required forms
  • The Resource Library, especially the “Preparing for a Phase 1 submission to increase likelihood of award” section We look forward to receiving your proposals by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET


USDA Logo

U.S. Department of Agriculture

About the Farm to School Grant Program On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA’s Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts.

FY2022 Request for Applications (RFA) Now Available!

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Farm to School Grant Program RFA is now available through www.Grants.gov. Be sure to visit the Grant Applicants Resources page to access other helpful resources, including links to webinars that provide specific assistance on applying for a Farm to School Grant.

Application Period Opens for Rural Business Development Grants

The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.

Rural public entities are eligible to apply, including but not limited to: towns/local government, state agencies, authorities, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education, federally-recognized Tribes, and rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation).    RBDG funds must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more.

Applications must be submitted to Rural Development by February 28, 2022, 4:30 p.m. local time.



DHS HBCU Symposium: The Path Forward: Campus Safety and Resilience

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Symposium

The Path Forward: Campus Safety and Resilience

 

This multi-agency event for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will focus on campus safety and resilience. Information about funding  opportunities and campus safety resources will be shared with symposium attendees.  HBCU faculty, staff, and administrators are encouraged to attend. Invited speakers span the public, private, and law enforcement sectors.

Date:  February 10, 2022

Time:  1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST

To access the program, use this  link:

Join ZoomGov Meeting

https://hq-dhs.zoomgov.com/j/1616074828?pwd=dEFJWDdJZWp3czFwcU9jbG5oM2RyUT09

Meeting ID: 161 607 4828

Passcode: 199654

One tap mobile

+16692545252,,1616074828# US (San Jose)

+16468287666,,1616074828# US (New York)

National and Federal Opportunities for the week ending February 4, 2022

WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON ADVANCING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY, EXCELLENCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY THROUGH  HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Thank you for subscribing to the U.S. Department of Education, Initiative weekly newsletter. If you have questions about any of the opportunities listed or would like your organizations resources and events included in our next distribution, please email: HBCUnewsletter@ed.gov



the white house

The White House, Additional Resources to Access Free At-Home COVID Tests

The White House has launched a new resource to help individuals and families order free at-home COVID tests from COVIDtests.gov. Those who have difficulty accessing the Internet or need additional support placing an order can call 1-800-232-0233 to get help in English and many other languages. This call-line is open 8AM to midnight ET – 7 days a week. A TTY line (1-888-720-7489) is also available to support access to hearing impaired callers.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living (ACL) has also established additional resources. People with disabilities can reach out to the Disability Information and Assistance Line (DIAL) by calling 888-677-1199 or by emailing DIAL@usaginganddisability.org at any time. Older adults can call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or visit the Eldercare Locator website to access live chat assistance or to browse resources. More information on these COVID-19 resources can be found here.



HBCU Events!



USAID logo

U.S. Agency for International Development

Earlier this week, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)Administrator Samantha Power visited Tuskegee University (TU) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under USAID’s Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) Partnership Initiative. The MOU will formalize USAID’s partnership with TU and provide a framework for applying TU’s expertise and renowned research capabilities to global challenges like global hunger and malnutrition.

Whileon campus, Administrator Power met with TU President Dr. Charlotte Morris,visited the burial sites of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, visitedTU’s goat farm, and hosted a student roundtable discussion, where sheheard from students about their development work and career aspirations.

USAIDis currently signing six MOUs with six Historically Black Colleges andUniversities under the MSI Partnerships Initiative. In late 2021, AdministratorPower visited Delaware State to sign an MOU with the university and will signfour more with Florida International University, Morehouse College, AlcornState University, and Florida A&M University.

Let us know if you want tokeep up-to-date on USAID’s work with MSI’s and more by emailing publicengagement@usaid.gov.



State Department logo

U.S. Department of State

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Honors Black History Month

Please find the link to her video honoring Black History Month and encouraging the next generation of American diplomats to join our ranks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6FKfUs7QWM&list=PLNxLozf2cP4vMY9v8Xd8aTYc69z-gmhL4&index=1&t=9s



National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences

NIMHD to Host Seminar Exploring the Health Impact of Climate Change

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) will host a webinar exploring the health impact of climate change on February 9, 2022, at 12pm ET. The program, “Why Climate Change is a Health Threat,” will look at how the effects of climate change—such as access to clean water and air, shelter, and food—can greatly impact communities already experiencing health disparities. The discussion will also focus on how climate change worsens health disparities, generally causing people from racial and ethnic minority communities and people from low-income households to feel the impact of climate change first, worst, and longest. Details and registration information for the webinar can be found here.



Energy logo

U.S Department of Energy

Did You Know? The Office of Economic Impact & Diversity is partnering with the Idaho National Laboratory to bring stakeholders, education and workforce, more opportunities! Interested? See attached flyer and register for our upcoming event below!

February 9, 2022, 12:30-1:30PM, ET

Registration Link



uncf flyer

UNCF Alumni Leadership Virtual Summit

February 11-12, 2022

ALL HBCU Alumni & Students Welcome! See Flyer



NTIA logo

Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions

NTIA will host broadband grant program public virtual listening sessions in connection with the five new broadband grant programs authorized and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program; the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program; and the Digital Equity Act Programs, which include the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, and Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. These public virtual listening sessions are designed to collect stakeholder input to help inform program development and implementation.

NTIA will hold the public virtual listening sessions based on the following schedule:

  1. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Programs Public Virtual Listening Session #4: Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. ET; and
  2. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Programs Public Virtual Listening Session #5: Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. ET.

These listening sessions will be hosted via NTIA’s virtual platform and conducted as a live public listening session. NTIA will post the registration information on its BroadbandUSA website .

Federal Register Notice: Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions



DHS logo

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Symposium, The Path Forward: Campus Safety and Resilience

This multi-agency event for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will focus on campus safety and resilience. Information about funding opportunities and campus safety resources will be shared with symposium attendees.  HBCU faculty, staff, and administrators are encouraged to attend. Invited speakers span the public, private, and law enforcement sectors.

Date: February 10, 2022 from  1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST

To access the program, use this link

https://hq-dhs.zoomgov.com/j/1616074828?pwd=dEFJWDdJZWp3czFwcU9jbG5oM2RyUT09



Initiative logo

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. The Initiative will host an informational meeting on February 16, 2022 a 12:00PM, ET. If you are interested in attending this meeting please RSVP to Elyse Jones: elyse.jones@ed.gov. A calendar invite will be sent to you!

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities



US Chamber logo

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Join the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Equality of Opportunity Initiative for a virtual event on February 10 at 2:00pm ET, highlighting the impact of the Coalition’s efforts to develop Black-owned businesses and what developments are needed to fully leverage their potential. This program will provide resources for Black small business owners looking to take their next step, finding coaching, supplier diversity initiatives, and other resources available to them. Additionally, we’ll hear from leaders who are inspiring and cultivating the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs.

The Coalition is a multi-year initiative launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and American Express in September 2020 to support the long-term success and resilience of Black-owned small businesses. The program is a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the nation’s four major Black chambers, including the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and Walker’s Legacy. The Coalition is also funded through support by ADP, AIG Foundation, Altice USA, Dow, Shopify, S&P Global, and Stanley Black and Decker.



Student Opportunities!



Initiative Logo

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. We are looking for the best and brightest HBCU student leaders to participate in this prestigious program! This highly competitive recognition program is open to current HBCU students of all majors and classifications. Students accepted into the program will work with the Initiative for one academic school year and be immersed in an intensive experience working closely with one another and Initiative partners from wide range of disciplines.

More information on the Initiatives recognition program and application requirements can be found by accessing the link below.

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities



Labor logo

U.S. Department of Labor

17 vacancies: Hartford, CT; Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Arlington, VA

Recent Graduate-Equal Opportunity Specialist, Compliance Officer, GS-0360-7-9 , Closes: Thursday, February 10, 2022

  • Salary Range: $46,165 – $82,693
  • Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Recent graduates


IES logo

Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

Applications are open for 4 IES Summer Research Methods Workshops. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is funding four research methods training programs that are holding workshops this summer. These workshops support the training of current education researchers to expand and upgrade their methodological skills. Participants include individuals located in colleges and universities, state and local education agencies, education-focused organizations, and companies that have developed and deployed education related products and services. The four training workshops include the following:

  • Evidence-based Intervention Training for Education: This program trains teams (2-6 people) working together on the use of Evidence-based interventions in school/educational settings. The teams may come from the same school or district and include research partners. The training will be held June 21-24 and follow-up coaching will be provided during the academic year. Applications are due by April 15. See https://u.osu.edu/ebitraining/.
  • Economic Analysis: This program will hold two workshops. The first is a 3-day training (July 6-8) designed for state and local analysts who support significant policy decisions and the allocation of educational resources within and across districts. The second is a 5-individuals located in colleges and universities, state and local education agencies, education-focused organizations, and companies that have developed and deployed education related products and services. The four training workshops include the following:
  • Evidence-based Intervention Training for Education: This program trains teams (2-6 people) working together on the use of Evidence-based interventions in school/educational settings. The teams may come from the same school or district and include research partners. The training will be held June 21-24 and follow-up coaching will be provided during the academic year. Applications are due by April 15. See https://u.osu.edu/ebitraining/.
  • Economic Analysis: This program will hold two workshops. The first is a 3-day training (July 6-8) designed for state and local analysts who support significant policy decisions and the allocation of educational resources within and across districts. The second is a 5-day training (July 11-15) designed for education researchers who are undertaking or planning to undertake cost-effectiveness and benefit-cost analyses in education.  Applications are due by noon on March 31. See https://www.cbcse.org/ies-methods-training.
  • Cluster-Randomized Trials: This program provides training on carrying out rigorous evaluations of the impact of education interventions including planning, implementing, and analyzing data for cluster-randomized trials randomized experiments. The workshop will be held June 20 – 30. Applications are due by March 18. See https://www.ipr.northwestern.edu/events/workshops-training/cluster-randomized-trials.html.
  • Meta-analysis: This program will train researchers in state-of-the-art meta-analytic techniques.  The workshop will be held July 24 -30.  Applications are due by March 31. See https://www.meta-analysis-training-institute.com/.


energy logo

U.S. Department of Energy

MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (MSIPP)POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

The Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) announces the establishment of a Postdoctoral Research Program. This program will provide fixed term postdoctoral research positions at National Laboratories that support the mission of EM. Postdoctoral candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists to solve complex challenges in areas of Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Deactivation & Decommissioning, Groundwater & Soil Remediation, Waste Treatment, and other Novel Materials Research.

For more information, please view the flyer here: DOE MSIPP POSTDOC FLYER.pdf


U.S. Department of Energy paid summer 2022 Internship opportunities for Minority Serving Institutions undergraduate/graduate students!

Apply Now!

Application deadline is February 17, 2022!

Event Calendar

energy flyer


SSA

Social Security Administration Fellowship and Grants Opportunities!

The Social Security Administration is offering various fellowship and grant opportunities for students in a variety of disciplines at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College https://crr.bc.edu/about-us/grant-programs/. Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis from now until the application period closes on January 31, 2022.

We are also offering opportunities in the Analyzing Relationships between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work (ARDRAW) Small Grants Program https://ardraw.policyresearchinc.org/. information webinar on January 13. 2022 and application due date is February 25, 2022 this and additional information is contained on the attached link.  Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis.




logo

Office of Trade and Labor Affairs

Join our team as a Pathways Intern! Accepting applications January 19, 2022 – February 11, 2022

As an International Relations Intern-Student Trainee (GS 05-09) you will support the Office of Trade and Labor Affairs (OTLA) on programming, planning, and policy. You will be trained and given opportunity to work on:

  • Reviewing of technical assistance, engagement, grant solicitation, and/or remediation strategies and plans designed to advance workers’ rights, working conditions, and/or livelihoods for workers.
  • Develops an awareness of established analytical techniques to monitor and analyze countries’ routine/standard deficiencies, compliance, or policies and practices for enforcing their labor laws with respect to international labor standards.
  • Supporting colleagues in developing internal policy and making draft recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.

Attending meetings with senior staff to observe and gain experience with various interactions that involve negotiations, interagency discussions, or other external meetings in regards to policy and program areas.

Learn about ILAB’s Mission and Offices.



advisory council oh histric preservation

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation invites college students to join us for a four-part webinar series this spring semester, featuring interactive conversations with leaders in the field of historic preservation, as well as inspirational individuals who are engaged in preserving, restoring, interpreting, and discussing the history and heritage of African Americans in the United States through the power of historic sites.

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg

  • February 23, 5 p.m. ET — Interpreting Enslaved People’s History Into Historic Sites
  • March 30, 2 p.m. ET –Preserving African American Burial Sites
  • April 27, 5 p.m. ET- Natural Disasters and Their Threat to Historic Preservation

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg


advisory council oh histric preservation

ACHP Internship Opportunity for Newsletters

Are you, or do you know of, a student interested in the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation’s diverse historic resources? The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in Washington, D.C., has internship opportunities available for undergraduate or graduate students, as well as individuals at an early stage of their career and professional development. A small, independent federal agency, the ACHP oversees the historic preservation review process for federal projects and manages a variety of preservation programs dealing with national preservation policy and legislation, Native American interests, building a more inclusive preservation program, promoting public appreciation of cultural heritage, sustainability, community revitalization, economic development, and youth engagement.

Summer internships generally last 10 weeks/full-time or part-time and will be carried out remotely in 2022. Projects can be designed so that academic credit can be awarded, and professional staff members supervise all interns. The ACHP Foundation provides a stipend equivalent to $15/hour.

Interested applicants should apply using this form and a resume. Send to Judy Rodenstein, Internship Program Coordinator, at jrodenstein@achp.gov. The deadline to apply in Feb. 11, 2022.



 Employment Opportunities!



Labor logo

U.S. Department of Labor

Career Opportunities in Multiple Regions

Supervisory Equal Opportunity Specialist, Assistant District Director, GS-0360-13,Closes: Wednesday, February 16, 2022

  • 2 vacancies: San Diego, CA; Pittsburgh, PA
  • Salary Range: $97,378 – $138,171

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Regional Liaison), GS-0360-13, Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

  • 2 vacancies: Birmingham, AL; Miami-Dade County, FL; Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Nashville, TN
  • Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703.

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Regional Liaison), GS-0360-13, Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

  • 3 vacancies: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles County, CA; Orange County, CA; San Diego County, CA; San Francisco County, CA; Hawaii Island, HI; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA
  • Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Technical Expert), GS-0360-13, Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

  • 3 vacancies: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles County, CA; Orange County, CA; San Diego County, CA; San Francisco County, CA; Hawaii Island, HI; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA
  • Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703

Link to Apply- this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Regional Liaison), GS-0360-13,Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

  • 2 vacancies: Birmingham, AL; Miami-Dade County, FL; Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Nashville, TN
  • Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Regional Liaison), GS-0360-13,Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

  • 3 vacancies: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles County, CA; Orange County, CA; San Diego County, CA; San Francisco County, CA; Hawaii Island, HI; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA
  • Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,700

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Technical Expert), GS-0360-13, Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

  • 3 vacancies: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles County, CA; Orange County, CA; San Diego County, CA; San Francisco County, CA; Hawaii Island, HI; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA
  • Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service



IES logo

Institute for Education Sciences

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.  JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE: IES’ Office of Science is seeking professionals in education-related fields to join our team. The Office of Science, Standards and Review team is responsible for the scientific peer review of IES reports and for overseeing the scientific peer review of applications to research grant competitions. Information about the Office of Science is available here: https://ies.ed.gov/director/sro/index.asp.

Two excepted service position announcements have been posted on USAJOBS: Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0003) and Associate Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0004); both are 3-year term appointments with possible 3-year extensions. The Office of Science is particularly interested in mid-career candidates who meet the qualifications described in the Education Research Scientist announcement (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/633808700).

These positions opened on Friday, January 28, 2022, and will close on Monday, February 28, 2022 or as soon as 200 applications have been received, whichever is earlier. If you are interested, please submit your application through USAJOBS as soon as possible.



USFWS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Career & Internship Vacancies

To view and apply for FWS positions, please click here: FWS Vacancy Announcements. If you have a question about a specific position vacancy, please contact the Human Resources point of contact listed at the bottom of the announcement.

For more information about FWS careers and available internship opportunities, please visit our FWS Recruitment Opportunities page. You can also explore and learn more about the careers we have at FWS and others within the Department of the Interior by clicking here.



energy logo

Clean Energy Corps

The Department of Energy has launched the Clean Energy Corps to help support the implement of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law . The Clean Energy Corps will enlist more than 1,000 new employees to take DOE’s efforts to usher in a clean-energy revolution to the next level. The Clean Energy Corps is a diverse group of talented individuals committed to public service and with a mission of supercharging the clean energy revolution.  This is YOUR opportunity to join us in making that future a reality. Regardless of whether you are new to clean energy, or have been doing this work for years — we want YOU as part of our Clean Energy Corps.



African American Musuem

National Museum of African American History and Culture is Hiring!

Meaningful internships offering hands-on experience in digital preservation of African American history and culture.

Deadline is February 15, 2022. See attached flyer!



NASA logo

University Student Research Challenge (USRC)

Amendment 2 to the NASA ARMD Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2021 NRA has been posted on the NSPIRES web site.

University Student Research Challenge (solicitation NNH21ZEA001N-USRC) seeks to challenge students to propose new aeronautics ideas/concepts that are relevant to NASA Aeronautics.  USRC will provide students, from accredited U.S. colleges or universities, with grants for their projects and includes the challenge of raising cost share funds through a crowdfunding campaign.  The process of creating and implementing a crowdfunding campaign acts as a teaching accelerator – requiring students to act like entrepreneurs and raise awareness about their research among the public.

The solicitation goal can be accomplished through project ideas such as advancing the design, developing technology or capabilities in support of aviation, by demonstrating a novel concept, or enabling advancement of aeronautics-related technologies.

Notices of Intent (NOIs) are not required for this solicitation.  Three-page proposals for the next USRC cycle are due February 24, 2022. Proposals can also be submitted later and will be evaluated in the third cycle. The due date for the third cycle is June 23, 2022.



National and Federal Opportunities!



IES logo

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is now accepting applications for its “Improving Pandemic Recovery Efforts in Education Agencies” grant program. The program seeks to counteract instructional and learning loss encountered by many learners during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing two research networks: one examining recovery activities in Pre-K through Grade 12, and the other examining recovery activities in community colleges. IES is particularly interested in supporting research that addresses learning acceleration and recovery for underrepresented student subgroups that were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2022. For more information, refer to the Request for Applications listed here or on grants.gov.



HUD logo

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD Awards More Than $51 Million in Housing Counseling Grants

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Monday awarded $51.4 million in housing counseling grants to 177 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and intermediary organizations. The funding supports housing counseling agencies in their critical work to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on housing, maintain housing stability by helping families with foreclosure and rental eviction prevention, and help families make more informed housing choices. The awards also include funding to further training and education to attract and retain more housing counseling professionals. Read more information about the grants, including a list of grantees, here.



NSF logo

National Science Foundation

Present Your Work at the 2022 STEM for All Video Showcase on Access, Inclusion & Equity: Feb 11 Deadline to Register as a Presenter

The 2022 STEM for All Video Showcase presenter registration is open until February 11th. From May 10-17, 2022, thousands will visit the virtual showcase from around the world, reviewing short videos of federally funded projects to improve STEM teaching and learning.  Presenters will have the opportunity to showcase their work in a short video and connect with researchers, educators, policymakers, and parents. See some previous NSF INCLUDES project examples. Registration is mandatory for this event.



ARC logo

Appalachian Regional Commission

Appalachian Regional Commission Seeks Applicants Addressing Substance Use Disorder Recovery-to-Work Efforts. $10 million available for ARC INSPIRE Initiative Grants to Help Appalachian Communities and Economies Thrive

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 24, 2022—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership working to strengthen economic growth and community development in 13 Appalachian states, issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its INvestments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE)

Initiative. The grant program addresses the region’s substance use disorder crisis with investments of $10 million in the creation and expansion of a recovery ecosystem that helps facilitate workforce entry and re-entry.

Letters of Intent (LOI) for implementation grants up to $500,000 and planning grants up to $50,000 under INSPIRE are due March 3, 2022. The deadline for final applications is March 24, 2022. Award announcements are anticipated to be made in early August 2022. Additional information regarding the application process is available at arc.gov/sud-how-to-apply/.



defense logo

U.S. Department of Defense

The DoD Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Summer Research Program is open for applications. Sponsored by the DoD HBCU/MI Program, the Summer Research Program provides a bridge between the classroom and real-world experiences and aims to increase the number of underrepresented scientists and engineers throughout the DoD. The summer program encourages students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, guides them toward advanced studies, and prepares them for careers in science and engineering fields important to the defense mission. Students, both undergraduate and graduate, will participate in the program for 11 weeks and will be placed in DoD facilities across the nation. Students conduct research relevant to the defense mission under the supervision of DoD scientists and engineers. The program is from May 31, 2022, to August 12, 2022.

Applications are open to full-time HBCU/MI students or recent graduates. The deadline to submit applications is February 15, 2022 at 11:59 PST. The application website is available here: https://www.dodhbcumiinternship.com/



transportation logo

U.S. Department of Transportation

Funding Opportunities

The Department of Transportation (DOT) currently has three (3) Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) that will be open for the next two (2) months. We would like to make sure these NOFOs are circulated to HBCUs located in the following states noted below.  These NOFOs are being announced  to establish and support regional Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRC) to provide business training, technical assistance, and information to DOT grantees and recipients, prime contractors, and subcontractors.

DOT NOFO Funding Opportunities:



EDA logo

Economic Development Agency

Good Jobs Challenge

EDA’s American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge aims to get Americans back to work by building and strengthening systems and partnerships that bring together employers who have hiring needs with other key entities to train workers with in-demand skills that lead to good-paying jobs. Through the Good Jobs Challenge, EDA is allocating $500 million to collaborative skills training systems and programs.

EDA encourages efforts to reach historically underserved populations and areas, communities of color, women, and other groups facing labor market barriers such as persons with disabilities, disconnected youth, individuals in recovery, individuals with past criminal records, including justice impacted and reentry participants, serving trainees participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and veterans and military spouses. These systems and partnerships will create and implement industry-led training programs, designed to provide skills for and connect unemployed or underemployed workers to existing and emerging job opportunities. Ultimately, these systems are designed to train workers with the skills to secure a union job or a quality job that provides good pay, benefits, and growth opportunities.

GOOD JOBS CHALLENGE APPLICATIONS NOW DUE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 11:59P.M. ET. – https://eda.gov/arpa/good-jobs-challenge/



NEA logo

National Endowment for the Arts

Research Funding Opportunities. Guidelines are available for two funding programs offered through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Office of Research & Analysis:

  • Research Grants in the Arts funds research studies that investigate the value and/or impact of the arts, either as individual components of the U.S. arts ecology or as they interact with each other and/or with other domains of American life. Matching/cost share grants of $10,000 to $100,000 will be awarded.
  • NEA Research Labs funds transdisciplinary research teams grounded in the social and behavioral sciences, yielding empirical insights about the arts for the benefit of arts and non-arts sectors alike. Matching/cost share grants of $100,000 to $200,000 will be awarded. Application guidelines for the present round of funding are available on the Arts Endowment website. The upcoming deadline for both programs is March 28, 2022. The NEA will conduct a live webinar on February 9, at 2:00 pm Eastern Time (ET) featuring an overview presentation followed by a Q&A session. Register for the webinar; an archive will be added to the Applicant Resources page. Questions should be directed to the Office of Research & Analysis staff at nearesearchgrants@arts.gov.


NASA logo

NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations

The NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations are now open, with proposals due by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET.

The annual NASA SBIR and STTR Phase I solicitations are your invitation to join a community of NASA experts, small businesses, and research institutions who are researching and developing the technologies of tomorrow. If selected, you could be awarded up to $150,000 to further develop your technology idea. And Phase I is just your start…you can receive up to $1.15 million during your first three years, plus up to nearly $3 million or more through our Post Phase II opportunities. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your submission:

1. Carefully read the solicitation(s) you’re applying to, including:

  • Chapter 2, which has information about how to complete the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SAM.gov registration processes: SBIR | STTR
  • Chapter 9, which contains the Focus Area and Subtopics that you will need to choose from: SBIR | STTR

2. Attend the January 20th “Dissecting the Solicitations” webinar. A recording will be posted on the program’s website if you are unable to attend.

3. Consider applying for the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program and/or Technical and Business Assistance (TABA), which help small businesses commercialize their innovations through additional funding and other support. You’ll be able to indicate interest in either one when submitting your proposal.

4. Review other materials available on the NASA SBIR/STTR program website, such as:

  • The Firm Templates, which will get you familiar with required forms
  • The Resource Library, especially the “Preparing for a Phase 1 submission to increase likelihood of award” section We look forward to receiving your proposals by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET


USDA Logo

U.S. Department of Agriculture

About the Farm to School Grant Program On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA’s Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts.

FY2022 Request for Applications (RFA) Now Available!

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Farm to School Grant Program RFA is now available through www.Grants.gov. Be sure to visit the Grant Applicants Resources page to access other helpful resources, including links to webinars that provide specific assistance on applying for a Farm to School Grant.

Application Period Opens for Rural Business Development Grants

The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.

Rural public entities are eligible to apply, including but not limited to: towns/local government, state agencies, authorities, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education, federally-recognized Tribes, and rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation).    RBDG funds must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more.

Applications must be submitted to Rural Development by February 28, 2022, 4:30 p.m. local time.



National and Federal Opportunities for the week ending January 21, 2022

WHITE HOUSE INITIATIVE ON ADVANCING EDUCATIONAL EQUITY, EXCELLENCE AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITY THROUGH  HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Thank you for subscribing to the U.S. Department of Education, Initiative weekly newsletter. If you have questions about any of the opportunities listed or would like your organizations resources and events included in our next distribution, please email: HBCUnewsletter@ed.gov

Upcoming Events!

Making Public Service Loan Forgiveness Work for Us!!

Join the NAACP, U.S. Department of Education and the White House Initiative on HBCUs to learn about recent changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Borrowers who qualify for PSLF may have their student loan debt reduced to $0.

RSVP and get more information: Making Public Service Loan Forgiveness Work for Us | NAACP

HBCU Tax Preparation Session

On January 25, 2022 from 4-5PM, EST, The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through HBCU’s federal agency partner, the Internal Revenue Service, will be hosting a session to teach HBCU students the ins and outs of filing their taxes.

About this event. Join the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans (WHIEEAA) and the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHIHBCU) for our upcoming session to teach HBCU students the ins and outs of filing their taxes. The session will also discuss ways that your HBCU can offer free income tax preparation to students and the community on campus.

REGISTER

Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions

NTIA will host broadband grant program public virtual listening sessions in connection with the five new broadband grant programs authorized and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program; the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program; and the Digital Equity Act Programs, which include the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, and Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. These public virtual listening sessions are designed to collect stakeholder input to help inform program development and implementation.

NTIA will hold the public virtual listening sessions based on the following schedule:

  1. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Programs Public Virtual Listening Session #3: Wednesday, January 26, 2022, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. ET;
  2. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Programs Public Virtual Listening Session #4: Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. ET; and
  3. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Programs Public Virtual Listening Session #5: Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. ET.

These listening sessions will be hosted via NTIA’s virtual platform and conducted as a live public listening session. NTIA will post the registration information on its BroadbandUSA website .

Federal Register Notice: Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions

Exploring Career and Professional Development Opportunities in the Arts, Humanities, Museums, Libraries, and History Sectors

Feb 1, 2022 1:00 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Host: The Federal HBCU Interagency Working Group on Arts, History, Humanities & Culture.

Learn about career/job opportunities in the arts, humanities, history, museum, and library spaces as well as the ways the federal government supports professional development for HBCU faculty and leadership working in these areas. Despite economic hardships faced by the sector during COVID-19, creative and cultural occupations and industries have a history of growth and resilience. During the webinar, participants will hear from young professionals working in these fields and learn about resources for internships, fellowships, and project work that students can engage in right now.

Register in advance for this webinar. Closed captioning is available.

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Join the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday, January 25 at 2:00 p.m. ET for

Equality of Opportunity in Action: Inclusive Infrastructure Investment. Disparities in public infrastructure have profound costs on communities of color. Past decisions on highway placement in decades past continue to separate minority neighborhoods from commercial districts. Today, fewer transit options and longer commutes from minority neighborhoods to job centers can make it more difficult to maintain employment and balance family obligations. The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act recently signed into law by President Biden provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to close the opportunity gaps that exist in our nation’s core infrastructure. Featuring policy experts, this program will examine this historic investment and the opportunities it presents for minority-owned businesses and communities of color.

REGISTER HERE

Student Opportunities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. We are looking for the best and brightest HBCU student leaders to participate in this prestigious program! This highly competitive recognition program is open to current HBCU students of all majors and classifications. Students accepted into the program will work with the Initiative for one academic school year and be immersed in an intensive experience working closely with one another and Initiative partners from wide range of disciplines.

More information on the Initiatives recognition program and application requirements can be found by accessing the link below.

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Environmental Protection Agency

There are a few Student Trainee Opportunities at Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, D.C.

The following vacancy announcement has been posted to USAJOBS and will be accepting applications through February 7th, 2020

Announcement Number/Link:  CIN-HG-OII-2022-0002

Peace Corps

Bringing the World to Your Campus: Education, Service, and Career Pathways with the Peace Corps, February 8, 2022, 2:00-3:00 PM EST

Join us to learn more about how to engage with various Peace Corps programs to enhance your efforts to build the intercultural competencies of your students! In this session, you will find out more about Peace Corps and how its mission can help to bring global, diverse perspectives to your campus.

See Bringing the World to Your Campus.pdf.

Office of Trade and Labor Affairs

Join our team as a Pathways Intern! Accepting applications January 19, 2022 – February 11, 2022

As an International Relations Intern-Student Trainee (GS 05-09) you will support the Office of Trade and Labor Affairs (OTLA) on programming, planning, and policy. You will be trained and given opportunity to work on:

  • Reviewing of technical assistance, engagement, grant solicitation, and/or remediation strategies and plans designed to advance workers’ rights, working conditions, and/or livelihoods for workers.
  • Develops an awareness of established analytical techniques to monitor and analyze countries’ routine/standard deficiencies, compliance, or policies and practices for enforcing their labor laws with respect to international labor standards.
  • Supporting colleagues in developing internal policy and making draft recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.

Attending meetings with senior staff to observe and gain experience with various interactions that involve negotiations, interagency discussions, or other external meetings in regards to policy and program areas.

Learn about ILAB’s Mission and Offices.

Social Security Administration Fellowship and Grants Opportunities!

The Social Security Administration is offering various fellowship and grant opportunities for students in a variety of disciplines at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College https://crr.bc.edu/about-us/grant-programs/. Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis from now until the application period closes on January 31, 2022.

We are also offering opportunities in the Analyzing Relationships between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work (ARDRAW) Small Grants Program https://ardraw.policyresearchinc.org/. information webinar on January 13. 2022 and application due date is February 25, 2022 this and additional information is contained on the attached link.  Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation invites college students to join us for a four-part webinar series this spring semester, featuring interactive conversations with leaders in the field of historic preservation, as well as inspirational individuals who are engaged in preserving, restoring, interpreting, and discussing the history and heritage of African Americans in the United States through the power of historic sites.

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg

  • January 26, 7 p.m. ET – Find a Career in Historic Preservation and Related Fields
  • February 23, 5 p.m. ET — Interpreting Enslaved People’s History Into Historic Sites
  • March 30, 2 p.m. ET –Preserving African American Burial Sites
  • April 27, 5 p.m. ET- Natural Disasters and Their Threat to Historic Preservation

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg

ACHP Internship Opportunity for Newsletters

Are you, or do you know of, a student interested in the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation’s diverse historic resources? The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in Washington, D.C., has internship opportunities available for undergraduate or graduate students, as well as individuals at an early stage of their career and professional development. A small, independent federal agency, the ACHP oversees the historic preservation review process for federal projects and manages a variety of preservation programs dealing with national preservation policy and legislation, Native American interests, building a more inclusive preservation program, promoting public appreciation of cultural heritage, sustainability, community revitalization, economic development, and youth engagement.

Candidates should have an interest in historic preservation and may come from a wide variety of disciplines, such as history, architectural history, archaeology, planning, law, architectural design, cultural resource management, communications, or education. Selected interns complete projects contributing to or broadening awareness of the work of the ACHP nationwide. Specific assignments are developed based on current agency needs and the skills and interests of selected interns. Interns become familiar with the full range of work of the agency through orientation, training, and by participating in meetings to observe the development and implementation of federal historic preservation policy, as well as in programs with others interning at related agencies and organizations. Advisory Council members, staff, and the ACHP Foundation assist interns with networking and advice.

Summer internships generally last 10 weeks/full-time or part-time and will be carried out remotely in 2022. Projects can be designed so that academic credit can be awarded, and professional staff members supervise all interns. The ACHP Foundation provides a stipend equivalent to $15/hour.

Interested applicants should apply using this form and a resume. Send to Judy Rodenstein, Internship Program Coordinator, at jrodenstein@achp.gov. The deadline to apply in Feb. 11, 2022.

 Employment Opportunities!

PGA Works Fellowship Middle Atlantic Section Job Opportunity

“The PGA WORKS Fellowship is a program that offers access to individuals from diverse backgrounds—whether by gender, age, race or color, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, disability, religion or Veteran status—into the golf industry to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry.”

If this is something that may interest you, please see attached to find out more about how to apply and deadline.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife

Career & Internship Vacancies

To view and apply for FWS positions, please click here: FWS Vacancy Announcements. If you have a question about a specific position vacancy, please contact the Human Resources point of contact listed at the bottom of the announcement.

For more information about FWS careers and available internship opportunities, please visit our FWS Recruitment Opportunities page. You can also explore and learn more about the careers we have at FWS and others within the Department of the Interior by clicking here.

U.S. Department of Labor

168 Career Opportunities at DOL! Below is sampling of this weeks’ job announcement highlights. FULL list of application links for all DOL career opportunities can be found at https://www.usajobs.gov/Search?d=DL

DIRECT application must be made via www.usajobs.gov      As of 1/20/22 there are 168 DOL agency career opportunities!. List changes daily! Check it out!        

Summer 2022 Student Internships – https://www.dol.gov/general/jobs/students-and-recent-grads

Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

Special Agent Career Opportunities with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

Please view the ATF SA Annoucements Jan 2022.pdf for a wealth of resources as well as information regarding two ATF Special Agent Job Openings that will post this month. The ATF is also hosting several information sessions with hopes of providing answers to any questions regarding this challenging yet rewarding career. You do not need a criminal justice degree to qualify for this position. The “recent graduates” announcement is entry level and will post on January 31, 2022. It will give students within 9 months of graduating as well as those that graduated within the last two years the best chance at qualifying.

National Museum of African American History and Culture is Hiring!

Meaningful internships offering hands-on experience in digital preservation of African American history and culture.

Deadline is February 15, 2022. See attached flyer!

University Student Research Challenge (USRC)

Amendment 2 to the NASA ARMD Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2021 NRA has been posted on the NSPIRES web site.

University Student Research Challenge (solicitation NNH21ZEA001N-USRC) seeks to challenge students to propose new aeronautics ideas/concepts that are relevant to NASA Aeronautics.  USRC will provide students, from accredited U.S. colleges or universities, with grants for their projects and includes the challenge of raising cost share funds through a crowdfunding campaign.  The process of creating and implementing a crowdfunding campaign acts as a teaching accelerator – requiring students to act like entrepreneurs and raise awareness about their research among the public.

The solicitation goal can be accomplished through project ideas such as advancing the design, developing technology or capabilities in support of aviation, by demonstrating a novel concept, or enabling advancement of aeronautics-related technologies.

Notices of Intent (NOIs) are not required for this solicitation.  Three-page proposals for the next USRC cycle are due February 24, 2022. Proposals can also be submitted later and will be evaluated in the third cycle. The due date for the third cycle is June 23, 2022.

U.S. Department of Energy

Omni Technology Alliance Internship Program

The DOE Omni Technology Alliance Internship Program provides paid 10-week summer internships for up to three consecutive summers for talented undergraduate and graduate students in Cybersecurity, Information Technology, and other related fields.

Interns will hold appointments at DOE national laboratories, Power Marketing Administrations (PMAs), plants, DOE Headquarters, and other approved sites.

Interns will receive hands-on experience in an immersive environment that provides them with an understanding of the mission, operations, and culture of DOE. Moreover, interns will be mentored by leading scientists, engineers, and other top professionals to address cybersecurity and information technology challenges while gaining valuable, real-world experience to complement their education and open opportunities for careers within the federal government.

For more information, click here: https://orise.orau.gov/doe-omni/index.html

2021 U.S.-Brazil Innovation Fund Grant Competition

All higher education institutions in the United States are invited to apply for a grant competition with SENAI (Brazilian National Service of Industrial Training) Higher Education Schools and Innovation Institutes. The competition is sponsored by the 100,000 Strong in the Americas Initiative. Proposals must promote academic exchange and training for students in the fields of: i) Internet of Things (IoT), ii) Cloud Computing, iii) Big Data, iv) Cybersecurity, v) Artificial Intelligence, vi) Environment & Climate Solutions, vii) Human Rights and Public Policy, viii) Health Sciences and Public Health, ix) Education (Technology & Distance/Virtual Ed), x) Biotechnology, xi) Business Development, xii) Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH), xiii) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). The intent of this Innovation Fund grant competition is to award up to six (6) Innovation Fund Grants of up to US$34,250 each to selected proposals co-developed by teams of U.S. and Brazilian eligible institutions (SENAI Higher Education Schools and Innovation Institutes), pending the proposal evaluation and selection process.

Application Period: October 14, 2021 – March 28, 2022

For more information, visit: http://www.100kstrongamericas.org/grants/

National and Federal Opportunities

Coca-Cola HBCU Grant Opportunity

$40K and production focused programs.The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences is facilitating this opportunity for Coca-Cola. They reached out to me because they were not getting any responses from HBCUs to give this money to.

See this letter you can share and the Academy point of contact.

National Endowment for the Arts

Research Funding Opportunities. Guidelines are available for two funding programs offered through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Office of Research & Analysis:

  • Research Grants in the Arts funds research studies that investigate the value and/or impact of the arts, either as individual components of the U.S. arts ecology or as they interact with each other and/or with other domains of American life. Matching/cost share grants of $10,000 to $100,000 will be awarded.
  • NEA Research Labs funds transdisciplinary research teams grounded in the social and behavioral sciences, yielding empirical insights about the arts for the benefit of arts and non-arts sectors alike. Matching/cost share grants of $100,000 to $200,000 will be awarded. Application guidelines for the present round of funding are available on the Arts Endowment website. The upcoming deadline for both programs is March 28, 2022. The NEA will conduct a live webinar on February 9, at 2:00 pm Eastern Time (ET) featuring an overview presentation followed by a Q&A session. Register for the webinar; an archive will be added to the Applicant Resources page. Questions should be directed to the Office of Research & Analysis staff at nearesearchgrants@arts.gov.

U.S. Department of Commerce

Request for Comments on the Execution of the FY 22/26 Learning Agenda

Agency: Office of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, U.S. Department of Commerce. Action: Request for information. In accordance with the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 (the Evidence Act), Public Law 115-435,[1] the Department of Commerce has developed a draft Learning Agenda for FY 2022 to FY 2026. The Learning Agenda lists significant priority evidence/evaluation questions that will be researched over the next four years to help achieve the Department’s Strategic Objectives. The final plan will be published in February 2022 and will be reviewed annually for possible updates and improvements. Research questions in the plan cover a broad range of topics reflecting the wide-ranging authorities and programs across the Department. One common theme across many bureaus, and consistent with the Administration’s focus on equitable economic growth, is the extent to which programs are reaching traditionally underserved communities and populations and meeting their needs. These questions are listed in the Supplementary Information.

General comments are invited but input is particularly requested on:

  • Strategies to best engage with underserved communities and populations on research methodology
  • Data sets maintained by states, localities, regional organizations, or non-profits that could support the research
  • Recent significant research most relevant to the Learning Agenda questions

The information provided will be used to develop and refine the approach used to conduct research. This includes identifying organizations and individuals who will be included in focus groups.

Dates: Comments must be received by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time on January 31, 2022. Written comments in response to the RFI should be submitted according to the instructions in the Addresses sections below. Submissions received after that date may not be considered.

Address: Comments must be submitted via email to EvaluationOfficer@doc.gov. Attachments to the email will be accepted only in ADOBE® portable document format or MICROSOFT WORD® format. All submissions, including attachments and other supporting materials, will become part of the public record and subject to public disclosure. The Department of Commerce reserves the right to publish relevant comments publicly, unedited, and in their entirety. Personal information, such as account numbers or Social Security numbers, or names of other individuals, should not be included. Do not submit confidential business information or otherwise sensitive or protected information.

For Further Information Contact: For questions regarding this notice please call 202-604-5634 or email EvaluationOfficer@doc.gov.

The NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations are now open, with proposals due by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET.

The annual NASA SBIR and STTR Phase I solicitations are your invitation to join a community of NASA experts, small businesses, and research institutions who are researching and developing the technologies of tomorrow. If selected, you could be awarded up to $150,000 to further develop your technology idea. And Phase I is just your start…you can receive up to $1.15 million during your first three years, plus up to nearly $3 million or more through our Post Phase II opportunities. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your submission:

1. Carefully read the solicitation(s) you’re applying to, including:

  • Chapter 2, which has information about how to complete the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SAM.gov registration processes: SBIR | STTR
  • Chapter 9, which contains the Focus Area and Subtopics that you will need to choose from: SBIR | STTR

2. Attend the January 20th “Dissecting the Solicitations” webinar. A recording will be posted on the program’s website if you are unable to attend.

3. Consider applying for the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program and/or Technical and Business Assistance (TABA), which help small businesses commercialize their innovations through additional funding and other support. You’ll be able to indicate interest in either one when submitting your proposal.

4. Review other materials available on the NASA SBIR/STTR program website, such as:

  • The Firm Templates, which will get you familiar with required forms
  • The Resource Library, especially the “Preparing for a Phase 1 submission to increase likelihood of award” section We look forward to receiving your proposals by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET

Institutes for Education Sciences (IES) Invites Applications for The Community College Recovery Research Network

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is encouraging applications from eligible postsecondary education agencies , community college systems, and researchers to the Improving Pandemic Recovery Efforts in Education Agencies grant program (84.305X), to examine recovery activities in community colleges. This grant program seeks to address disruptions caused by COVID-19 which have led to significant reductions in overall enrollments for learners at community colleges, stressed the existing support systems that community colleges use for meeting learners’ academic and non-academic needs, and highlighted existing disparities between community colleges and four-year institutions. IES encourages applicants to proposed projects that address the needs of student subgroups that have disproportionately been affected by COVID-19 including low-income students, racial/ethnic minority students, students experiencing homelessness, students with disabilities, migrant students, and students with low English proficiency.

More information about applying to this grant program can be found at the Funding Opportunities at IES web page. Interested applicants should consult the Request for Applications for the full set of eligibility and application requirements. Some key dates and resources are as follows:.

  • January 31, 2022: Deadline for submitting a prospectus (not required) of your project plan to the program officer (by midnight). The program officer will review prospectuses and provide written feedback by COB on February 11, 2022.
  • March 10, 2022, by 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time: Applications are due.
  • September 1, 2022: Approved projects will start.

If you have questions about the Community College Recovery Research Network, please feel free to email the program officer responsible for this competition: James.Benson@ed.gov

Joint IES and NSF Funding Opportunity for National Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes

IES has partnered with the National Science Foundation (NSF) in a new funding initiative to encourage scientists to focus on research and development of AI-driven innovations to radically improve human learning and education.

As a result of this partnership, IES is providing partial funding for NSF’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research Institutes – Accelerating Research, Transforming Society, and Growing the American Workforce (Solicitation 22-502) under Theme 6: AI-Augmented Learning to Expand Education Opportunities and Improve Outcomes. This theme has two tracks associated with the two IES Research Centers:

  • Theme 6 Track A: AI-Driven Digital Platforms to Expand and Accelerate STEM Learning in PreK-12 Settings. Under Track A, NSF and the National Center for Education Research intend to fund an institute that will advance AI research on digital learning platforms and create next-generation architectures for preK-12 STEM learning. Through this track, researchers are invited to propose to study the design and implementation of AI technologies (such as intelligent/cognitive tutors) that support highly adaptable, personalized, and distributed systems to expand access, equity, and depth of learning across diverse learners, institutions, and settings.
  • Theme 6 Track B: AI-Augmented Learning for Individuals with Disabilities. For Track B, NSF and the National Center for Special Education Research intend to fund an AI Research Institute that will advance AI-driven research and innovations for learners (birth through postsecondary) with or at risk for physical, cognitive, or social and behavioral disabilities, aiming to transform identification, assessment, and support for these learners. This institute will be funded through the American Rescue Plan and proposals must discuss how the work will respond to the needs of learners with or at risk for a disability in an area where the COVID-19 pandemic has further widened existing gaps and/or resulted in decreased access and opportunities for students with disabilities to learn and receive support services.

We strongly encourage education and special education researchers to consider applying to this funding opportunity by establishing partnerships with experts in the field of AI to design a research-based approach to meet the goals of Theme 6.

Please review the full solicitation for more information about each track and additional requirements for this AI Institute. Additional program-related announcements and resources, including information about an upcoming webinar and FAQs, can be found here. Note the following important dates:

  • The deadline for required preliminary proposals is January 14, 2022
  • The deadline for full proposals is May 13, 2022
  • Projects can start as early as June 1, 2023 (For the work focused on students with disabilities (Track B) the start date can be as early as January 1, 2023)

The Institute of Education Sciences is the independent research, evaluation, and statistics arm of the U.S. Department of Education. Visit the IES website, sign up for the IES news flash or follow IES on Twitter and Facebook to learn more.

IES Invites Applications for the PreK-12 Education Recovery Research Network

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is encouraging applications from eligible education agencies and researchers to the Improving Pandemic Recovery Efforts in Education Agencies grant program (ALN 84.305X), to examine recovery activities in preK through grade 12. This grant program will support research to counteract instructional and learning loss encountered by many learners during the COVID-19 pandemic; identify, explore, and evaluate state and local programs and policies designed to accelerate learning and recovery of those learners; and provide evidence to state and local agencies to improve learner engagement, reengagement and achievement through recovery activities. The specific research questions posed by the research teams should be determined by the education agencies partnering in the application. IES encourages applicants to propose projects that address the needs of student subgroups that have disproportionately been affected by COVID-19 including low-income students, racial/ethnic minority students, students experiencing homelessness, children and youth in foster care, students with disabilities, migrant students, and students with low English proficiency.

The network will have a Lead and 5 research teams. You may apply for either one. More information about applying to this grant program can be found at the Funding Opportunities at IES web page. Interested applicants should consult the Request for Applications for the full set of eligibility and application requirements. Some key dates and resources are as follows:

  • March 10, 2022, by 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time: Applications are due.
  • September 1, 2022: Approved projects will start.

If you have questions about the PreK-12 Education Recovery Research Network, please feel free to email the program officers responsible for this competition: Corinne.Alfeld@ed.gov and Allen.Ruby@ed.gov.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

About the Farm to School Grant Program On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA’s Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts.

FY2022 Request for Applications (RFA) Now Available!

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Farm to School Grant Program RFA is now available through www.Grants.gov. Be sure to visit the Grant Applicants Resources page to access other helpful resources, including links to webinars that provide specific assistance on applying for a Farm to School Grant.

Application Period Opens for Rural Business Development Grants

The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.

Rural public entities are eligible to apply, including but not limited to: towns/local government, state agencies, authorities, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education, federally-recognized Tribes, and rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation).    RBDG funds must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more.

Applications must be submitted to Rural Development by February 28, 2022, 4:30 p.m. local time.

Stay Engaged!

Learn more about what we do at www.ed.gov/whhbcu. Have suggestions or comments? Send them to oswhi-hbcu@ed.gov 

If you wish for your organizations announcements to be included in our weekly distribution, please email: HBCUnewsletter@ed.gov

This newsletter contains resources that are provided for the user’s convenience. The inclusion of these materials is not intended to reflect its importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered. These materials may contain the views and recommendations of various subject matter experts as well as hypertext links, contact addresses and websites to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. The opinions expressed in any of these materials do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of the U.S. Department of Education. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any outside information included in these materials.

White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Partners with NASA to Foster Innovation and Opportunity for HBCU Scholars

by Arthur McMahan, Senior Associate Director for the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

In 2021, Janine Jackson, an HBCU Scholar from Morgan State University, participated in the Mini Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation Tech Transfer Idea Competition (MITTIC), part of the HBCU Scholar Recognition Program run by the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative). “The Mini-MITTIC experience was intense, competitive and rewarding,” Janine shared with me. “I am grateful to the Initiative staff and friendly folks at NASA for bringing us all together literally across space and time zones to work together on this experience. I thoroughly enjoyed brainstorming with my team to come up with a product and a pitch. The experience confirmed that diverse perspectives are useful and meaningful when we take time to listen to one other. It also verified how well HBCU students collaborate and create when we link up.”

We, at the Initiative, are excited for more students to have experiences like Janine Jackson’s, which is why we’re formalizing a partnership with NASA to foster innovation and hands-on experiences for HBCU Scholars. Since the inception of the Initiative’s student programming in 2014, NASA has been at the forefront of engaging with cohorts of HBCU Scholars and providing access to NASA networks, trainings, resources, and partners. Now, as we deepen our relationship with NASA, our Scholars will have the opportunity to work closely with NASA throughout the duration of the program, expanding upon a previous one-time event per cohort.

The partnership will officially make the MITTIC program part of the Initiative’s HBCU Scholar Recognition Program, starting with this year’s cohort of student Scholars. The program will support students in developing ideas to commercialize technology derived from NASA Intellectual Property. Scholars will have the opportunity to present their team pitches during the National HBCU Week Conference each September.

Our relationship with NASA exemplifies the Biden-Harris Administration’s and the Initiative’s commitment to enhancing STEM at HBCUs. This opportunity provides our outstanding HBCU Scholars with the tools and experiences needed to succeed in the 21st Century economy and beyond.

My colleague and counterpart at NASA, Torry Johnson, is thrilled to get started with a new group of HBCU scholars with our upcoming application season this month. As she told me, “Since 2018, MITTIC has provided students at Minority Serving Institutions a glimpse into NASA’s Technology Transfer Program and a unique opportunity to explore their entrepreneurial interests using NASA’s technology portfolio. NASA is excited to formalize our participation in the White House Initiative’s HBCU Scholar Recognition Program with the Mini MITTIC program. “

Executive Order on White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

Presidential Executive Order 14041

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws
of the United States of America, and in order to advance equity in economic and
educational opportunities for all Americans, including Black Americans, strengthen the
capacity of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to provide the
highest-quality education, increase opportunities for these institutions to participate in and
benefit from Federal programs, and ensure that HBCUs can continue to be engines
of opportunity, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Policy. HBCUs have a proud history and legacy of achievement. In the face
of discrimination against Black Americans by many institutions of higher education, HBCUs
created pathways to opportunity and educational excellence for Black students throughout our
Nation. That legacy continues. Today, more than 100 HBCUs, located in 19 States, the
District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, serve nearly 300,000 students
annually. HBCUs vary in size and academic focus and serve a range of diverse
students and communities in urban, rural, and suburban settings.

HBCUs play a vital role in providing educational opportunities, scholarly growth, and a
sense of community for students. HBCU graduates are barrier breaking public servants,
scientists, artists, lawyers, engineers, educators, business owners, and leaders. For
generations, HBCUs have been advancing intergenerational economic mobility for Black
families and communities, developing vital academic research, and making our country more
prosperous and equitable. HBCUs are proven means of advancement for people of all
ethnic, racial, and economic backgrounds, especially Black Americans. HBCUs produce
nearly 20 percent of all Black college graduates and 25 percent of Black
graduates who earn degrees in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and
math.

HBCUs’ successes have come despite many systemic barriers to accessing resources and
opportunities. For example, compared to other higher education institutions, on average
HBCUs educate a greater percentage of lower- income, Pell-grant eligible students, while
receiving less revenue from tuition and possessing much smaller endowments. Disparities in
resources and opportunities for HBCUs and their students remain, and the COVID–19
pandemic has highlighted continuing and new challenges. These challenges include
addressing the need for enhanced physical and digital infrastructure in HBCU communities
and ensuring equitable funding for HBCUs as com- pared to other institutions of
higher education. The Federal Government must promote a variety of modern
solutions for HBCUs, recognizing that HBCUs are not a monolith, and that the opportunities
and challenges relevant to HBCUs are as diverse as the institutions themselves and the
communities they serve.

It is the policy of my Administration to advance educational equity, excellence, and
economic opportunity in partnership with HBCUs, and to ensure that these vital
institutions of higher learning have the resources and support to continue to thrive for
generations to come.

Sec. 2. White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic
Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

(a) In furtherance of the policy set out in section 1 of this order, there is established in
the Department of Education (Department), the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational
Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and
Universities (Initiative), led by an Executive Director designated by the
President and appointed consistent with applicable law. The Executive Director
shall manage the day-to-day operations of the Initiative, in consultation with
the Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement as
appropriate, and coordinate with senior officials across the Executive Office of
the President, who shall lend their expertise and advice to the Initiative.

(b) The Initiative, in coordination with senior officials across the Executive Office of
the President, shall provide advice to the President on advancing equity, excellence,
and opportunity at HBCUs and for the communities they principally serve by
coordinating a Government-wide policymaking effort to eliminate barriers HBCUs face
in providing the highest-quality education to a growing number of students. The
Initiative’s recommendations shall include advice on advancing policies, programs, and
initiatives that further the policy set out in section 1 of this order.

(i) To support implementation of this Government-wide approach to breaking down
systemic barriers for HBCU participation in Federal Government programs, the Director of
the Office of Management and Budget and the Assistant to the President for
Domestic Policy shall coordinate closely with the Secretary of Education (Secretary),
the Assistant to the President and Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, the
Executive Director, and the Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs (as
established in section 3 of this order) to ensure that the needs and voices of HBCUs,
their faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the communities they principally serve are
considered in the efforts of my Administration to advance educational equity, excellence, and
opportunity.

(ii) The Initiative shall also perform the following specific functions:

(A) supporting implementation of the HBCU Propelling Agency Relation- ships Towards a New Era
of Results for Students Act (Public Law 116– 270) (PARTNERS Act);

(B) working closely with the Executive Office of the President on key Administration
priorities related to advancing educational equity, excellence, and economic
opportunity through HBCUs, in partnership with HBCU leaders, representatives, students,
and alumni;

(C) working to break down barriers and expand pathways for HBCUs to access Federal
funding and programs, particularly in areas of research and development, innovation, and
financial and other support to students;

(D) strengthening the capacity of HBCUs to participate in Federal pro- grams, access
Federal resources, including grants and procurement opportunities, and partner with Federal
agencies;

(E) advancing and coordinating efforts to ensure that HBCUs can respond to and recover from
the COVID–19 pandemic and thoroughly support students’ holistic recovery, from
academic engagement to social and emotional wellbeing;

(F) developing new and expanding pre-existing national networks of individuals,
organizations, and communities to share and implement administrative and programmatic
best practices related to advancing educational equity, excellence, and opportunity at
HBCUs;

(G) fostering sustainable public-private and philanthropic partnerships as well as
private-sector initiatives to promote centers of academic research and program excellence at HBCUs;

(H) strengthening capacity to improve the availability, dissemination, and quality
of information about HBCUs and HBCU students for the American public;

(I) partnering with private entities, elementary and secondary education providers, and
other stakeholders to build a pipeline for students that may be interested in
attending HBCUs, facilitate HBCU modernization, address college affordability, and
promote degree attainment;

(J) addressing efforts to promote student success and retention, including college affordability,
degree attainment, campus modernization and infra- structure improvements, and the
development of a student recognition program for high-achieving HBCU students;

(K) encouraging the development of highly qualified, diverse, culturally responsive
educators and administrators reflective of a variety of communities and backgrounds in
order to ensure that students have access to educators and administrators who
celebrate, cultivate, and comprehend the lived experiences of HBCU students and effectively
meet their learning, social, and emotional needs;

(L) establishing clear plans to strengthen Federal recruitment activities at HBCUs to
build accessible and equitable pathways into Federal service and talent programs;

(M) meeting regularly with HBCU students, leaders, and representatives to address matters
related to the Initiative’s mission and functions; and

(N) hosting the National HBCU Week Conference, for HBCU executive leaders, faculty,
students, alumni, supporters, and other stakeholders to share information, innovative
educational tools and resources, student success models, and ideas for Federal engagement.

(c) The head of each ‘‘applicable agency,’’ as defined in section 3(1) of
the PARTNERS Act, shall submit to the Secretary, the Executive Director, the Committee
on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions of the Senate, the Committee on
Education and Labor of the House of Representatives, and the President’s Board of
Advisors on HBCUs (as established in section 3 of this order) an Agency Plan, not later than February 1 of each year, describing
efforts to strengthen the capacity of HBCUs to participate or be eligible to
participate in the programs and initiatives under the jurisdiction of such applicable agency.
The Agency Plans shall meet the requirements established in section 4(d) of the PARTNERS Act.

(i) In addition, the Agency Plan shall specifically address any changes to
agency policies and practices that the agency deems necessary or appropriate to
ensure that barriers to participation are addressed and removed. Each Agency Plan
shall include details on grant and contract funding provided to HBCUs and, where the
agency deems necessary or appropriate, describe plans to address disparities in furtherance
of the objectives of this order.

(ii) The Executive Director shall monitor and evaluate each agency’s progress
towards the goals established in its Agency Plan and shall coordinate with each
agency to ensure that its Agency Plan includes measurable and action-oriented goals.

(d) There is established an Interagency Working Group, which shall be chaired by the
Executive Director and composed of liaisons and representatives designated by the
heads of each applicable agency as defined in the PARTNERS Act to help advance and
coordinate the work required by this order. Additional members of the Interagency
Working Group shall include senior officials from the Office of the Vice
President, the White House Domestic Policy Council, the White House Gender Policy
Council, the Office of Management and Budget, the White House Office of Science and
Technology Policy, the White House Office of Public Engagement, and representatives
of other components of the Executive Office of the President, as the Executive
Director, in consultation with the Secretary and the Assistant to the President and
Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, considers appropriate.

The Interagency Working Group shall collaborate regarding resources and opportunities available

across the Federal Government to increase educational equity and opportunities for HBCUs.

The Executive Director may establish subgroups of the Interagency Working Group.

(e) The Department shall provide funding and administrative support for the Initiative
and the Interagency Working Group, to the extent permitted by law and within existing
appropriations. To the extent permitted by law, including the Economy Act (31 U.S.C.
1535), and subject to the availability of appropriations, other agencies and offices
represented on the Interagency Working Group may detail personnel to the Initiative, to assist
the Department in meeting the objectives of this order.

(f) To advance shared priorities and policies that advance equity and economic
opportunity for underserved communities, the Initiative shall collaborate and coordinate
with other White House Initiatives related to equity and economic opportunity.

(g) On an annual basis, the Executive Director shall report to the President through
the Secretary, with the support and consultation of the Assistant to the President and
Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement as appropriate, on the Initiative’s
progress in carrying out its mission and function under this order.

Sec. 3. President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
(a) There is established in the Department the President’s Board of Advisors on
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Board). The Board shall fulfill the
mission and functions established in section 5(c) of the PARTNERS Act. The
Board shall include sitting HBCU presidents as well as leaders from a variety of sectors,
including education, philanthropy, business, finance, entrepreneurship, innovation, science
and technology, and private foundations.

(b) The President shall designate one member of the Board to serve as its Chair,
and may designate another member of the Board to serve as Vice Chair. The
Department shall provide funding and administrative support for the Board to the extent
permitted by law and within existing appropriations.

(c) The Board shall be composed of not more than 21 members appointed by the
President. The Secretary of Education and Executive Director of the Initiative or
their designees shall serve as ex officio members.

(d) Insofar as the Federal Advisory Committee Act, as amended (5 U.S.C. App.), may
apply to the Board, any functions of the President under that Act, except that of
reporting to the Congress, shall be performed by the Chair, in accordance with
guidelines issued by the Administrator of General Services.

(e) Members of the Board shall serve without compensation, but may receive
travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, as authorized by law for
persons serving intermittently in the Government service (5 U.S.C. 5701–5707).

Sec. 4. Administrative Provisions. (a) This order supersedes Executive Order 13779 of
February 28, 2017 (White House Initiative To Promote Excellence and Innovation at
Historically Black Colleges and Universities), which is hereby revoked. To the
extent that there are other Executive Orders that may conflict with or overlap
with the provisions in this order, the provisions in this order supersede those
prior Executive Orders on these subjects.

(b) As used in this order, the terms ‘‘Historically Black Colleges and
Universities’’ and ‘‘HBCUs’’ shall mean those institutions listed in 34 C.F.R. 608.2.

(c) The heads of executive departments and agencies shall assist and provide
information to the Initiative and Board established in this order, consistent with
applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out the functions of the Initiative and the Board.

(d) Each executive department and agency shall bear its own expenses of participating in
the Initiative established in this order.

Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to
impair or otherwise affect:
(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head
thereof; or
(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to
budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the
availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit,
substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party
against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers,
employees, or agents, or any other person.

THE WHITE HOUSE,
September 3, 2021.

 

 

[FR Doc. 2021–19579
Filed 9–8–21; 8:45 am] Billing code 3295–F1–P

IMPORTANT UPDATE – HBCU 2021 Event GOING VIRTUAL

The Biden Administration, out of an abundance of caution for health and safety concerns related to COVID-19, has cancelled the in-person portion of the 2021 HBCU Week Conference. In lieu of the in-person sessions the White House Initiative on HBCUs will present all virtual programing that will reflect this year’s theme of Exploring Equity.

Your in-person registration is being converted to a virtual attendee and no further action is needed. This will serve as confirmation for virtual attendance.
 

We will be sending out more specifics about the virtual conference within the next week.

Thank you for your continued support, please continue to remain safe! We will be connecting with you soon.