Federal and National Opportunities Week of March 4

U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Proposal Reviewers are needed for the NRC’s Fiscal Year 2024 Research Grants

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is looking for potential volunteers from academia who are willing to serve as technical reviewers to evaluate our FY 2024 research grant proposals.  Please submit the names of interested individuals and which subject areas (listed below) they can support the agency to Sarah.Shaffer@nrc.gov no later than March 20th.

 

This year, the NRC is expected to award approximately $8-9M and anticipates there may be up to 20 grants awarded.  The NRC’s grant program provides funding to support research and development for nuclear science, engineering, technology, and related disciplines to develop a workforce capable of supporting the design, construction, operation, and regulation of nuclear facilities and the safe handling of nuclear materials.  With your support we can ensure that grant proposals are properly evaluated and are relevant to the programmatic mission of the NRC.

 

At this time, we do not know how many reviewers will be needed.  We will not know until the Notice of Funding Opportunity closes (April 1st), and the number of eligible proposals is determined (there were 77 proposals reviewed last year).  Once determined, the proposals will be binned by technical area and review panels will be organized.  For planning purposes, the estimated timeframe for the review process is approximately 3 weeks. We anticipate the reviews to start the week of April 22nd.  Reviewers will have approximately 2 weeks to review proposals (April 22 – May 3) and then another week to participate in a review panel teleconference (estimated May 6-15).  We estimate 8-10 proposals to be assigned to each review panel.

 

Subject Areas:

Reviewed in 2023

  • Advanced Materials & Manufacturing for Nuclear Applications.
  • Aging/Degradation of Nuclear Plant Systems, Structures, and Components.
  • Digital Engineering/Analytics, Advanced Sensors, and Controls for Nuclear Applications (Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning and I&C).
  • Risk Analysis, Probabilistic Risk Assessment, and External Hazards for nuclear applications.
  • Fuels Analysis (Characterization of fresh and spent nuclear fuel for nuclear power plants).
  • Source Term and Radiation Protection Analysis.
  • Advanced technology approaches (e.g., Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning).
  • Thermal Hydraulics and Neutronics Analysis.

 

New areas of interest for the FY24 NOFO (potential proposals could be submitted):

  • Cybersecurity associated with digital instrumentation and controls, remote monitoring/control, wireless communications at high-consequence facilities.
  • Application of innovative and advanced technologies for space nuclear launches.
  • Additive (advanced) manufacturing for nuclear technologies.
  • Activities in the areas of neutronics, thermal hydraulics, and severe accident analysis will help validate the NRC’s scientific computer codes.

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Foreign Service Fellowship for HBCU Students | Meridian International Center

The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders is a fully-paid enrichment and training program seeking to expand awareness and access to Foreign Service careers to students from underrepresented communities across the United States. A partnership among Meridian International Center, the Una Chapman Cox Foundation, and Community Colleges for International Development, the Foreign Service Fellowship provides undergraduate students with insight into American diplomacy while underscoring educational, internship, and career paths within the U.S. Foreign Service. The program will spotlight the vital work of Foreign Service Officers, while also teaching the critical soft skills necessary to succeed in a diplomatic career. Fellows will enhance their understanding of diplomacy and international affairs through site visits while developing their career development skills through workshops and networking opportunities.

 

The Fellowship draws upon the Cox Foundation’s commitment to strengthen the U.S. Foreign Service, advances CCID’s work building pathways to global careers at community colleges, and leverages Meridian’s experience developing leadership and diplomatic training for emerging leaders around the world.

 

The Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship for Emerging Leaders will take place in Washington, DC, from Sunday, June 23 to Saturday, June 29, 2024. Activities will include a full-day visit to the U.S. Department of State, an interactive two-day diplomatic skills training course, a diplomacy simulation, panel discussions with representatives from the broader U.S. Foreign Service apparatus, and site visits. A tour of Washington monuments and cultural activities will also be included. The fellowship will also include at least one virtual workshop prior to and following the Washington program.

 

For more information, view the flyer here: Meridian-Cox Foreign Service Fellowship_One-Pager

2024 African Americans & the Arts: HBCU Edition

Join the Initiative and its esteemed federal and private partners this African American History Month in a jubilant celebration of African Americans and their profound contributions to the arts. Delight in the HBCU Edition, where throughout February, a rich tapestry of virtual and in-person events awaits, thoughtfully crafted to resonate with the vibrant HBCU community. Explore the calendar below for registration links and detailed event information.

Calendar for BHM

HBCU History in Photos- Video Series

Federal and National Opportunities Week of January 22nd

Appalachian Regional Commission ACRI

 

Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative (ACRI) applications due March 29, 2024.

ARC is seeking ACRI applicants for the fall 2024 semester. ACRI is an applied research training program for Appalachian college students to support economic development initiatives for their communities. Students of participating ACRI schools are enrolled in a for-credit academic course to design and lead research projects in Appalachian communities to address regional challenges. As a finale for the coursework, students and their faculty sponsors travel to Washington, D.C., to present their work to other student delegations, ARC leadership, and community leaders at the Appalachian Collegiate Research Initiative Capstone Symposium.

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Department of Labor Job Shadow Day

OASAM/OHR will be hosting a Job Shadow Day for students in February. The in person Job Shadow Day is scheduled for February 2nd from 11 am to 4 pm ET and will be limited to 105 students. The virtual Job Shadow Day is scheduled for February 5th from 1 pm to 4 pm ET.

 

Please share this information with your contacts and networks. This will be a great opportunity for students to learn about federal employment and the Department of Labor.

 

See below for additional information regarding both events. Students may sign up using the QR code in the attached flyer or by clicking this link. Students should register by Friday, January 26, 2024.

 

View the flyer here: Job Shadow Day Flyer

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U.S. Department of Transportation Mobility Equity Research Initiative

NOFO – Mobility Equity Research Initiative

 

Funding Opportunity Title: MOBILITY EQUITY RESEARCH INITIATIVE
Funding Opportunity Number:

Amount:

Type:

Eligibility:

MOBIL-EQU-RES

$2.97 million

Cooperative Agreement

Institutes of higher education and 501(c)3 nonprofits

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

https://grants.gov/search-results-detail/351698

 

 

Millions of Americans have few or no transportation choices. The design of our cities, towns, suburbs, and neighborhoods, and investments in transportation infrastructure heavily influence peoples’ access to mobility choices. Decisions that federal, regional, state, local, and Tribal governments have made— including ones made decades ago—have shaped our current transportation landscape and as a result, in many parts of the United States driving a personal vehicle is the only mobility option. These decisions have also often caused disproportionate environmental and health impacts on low-income, minority, and underserved communities and deprived them of investments in accessible, affordable, low-carbon transportation options.

 

Research and technology advancements are needed to address these longstanding mobility inequities. Bringing together progress in enabling technologies like telecommunications, data analysis, and clean energy with innovations in connectivity, business models, and service design creates new opportunities for people to get where they need to go, when they want to get there, safely and at a price they can afford. Research and development of such technologies can expand access and improve mobility for all Americans.

 

Through this NOFO, U.S. DOT seeks to advance research and technologies that support the Department’s goal of expanding accessibility and mobility to underserved communities, including people with disabilities, older Americans, and rural and disadvantaged communities. Further, U.S. DOT is seeking proposals that will produce research results and tools that build on or complement existing data and systems such as those found on https://equity-data.dot.gov/.

 

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EnergyTech University Prize Student Registration Deadline is February 1, 2024

There’s still time to compete in the EnergyTech University Prize 2024! Sponsored by the DOE Office of Technology Transitions, this $400,000+ collegiate competition challenges student teams to develop and present a business plan that leverages National Laboratory-developed or other emerging energy technologies. Plus, HFTO is proud to sponsor a $25,000 bonus prize to students presenting business plans around hydrogen and fuel cells.

Collegiate student competitors are encouraged to bring their remaining questions to the final informational webinar on January 23 at 4 p.m. ET.

The deadline for student teams to submit a 200-word summary idea is February 1, 2024. Register a team today!

FACES-External-FY24

 

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Be the EPA Hiring Webinar

Be EPA Hiring Event

EPA is hosting a special hiring webinar on February 7 at 2:00 PM ET to support first-time applicants and those interested in learning about the federal hiring process. This event will feature EPA Deputy Administrator Janet McCabe, EPA hiring specialists, and other special guests.

 

The Be EPA Hiring Webinar is open to the public, and we encourage you to encourage faculty and administrators to invite their students by sharing this registration link with them: https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1465684/share_preview

 

For job seekers who have never applied for a federal job before, no problem! This event is for them and will cover all things hiring at EPA, including:

How to navigate USAJOBS.gov and the federal hiring process,
Making their application as competitive as possible,
Unique hiring pathways available for students and recent grads,
And a LIVE Q&A section where our hiring specialists will answer questions!

 

From tackling the climate crisis to advancing environmental justice, what happens here changes our world. There has never been a more critical moment to join our team and be the one who protects human health and the environment.

 

If prospective participants have any questions, please connect with our EPA Careers Team at careers@epa.gov.

 

RSVP Link:

https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/1465684/share_preview

 

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National Endowment for the Arts’ Grants for Arts Projects

Grants for Arts Projects provides expansive funding opportunities to strengthen the nation’s arts and culture ecosystem. Grants are available for arts projects in a wide variety of artistic disciplines. Visit the artistic disciplines webpage for each disciplines’ project types and accompanying application deadlines. Each discipline has identified the types of projects that are of greatest interest within this program as well as the characteristics of competitive proposals that provide the greatest opportunities for federal support to strengthen the nation’s arts and cultural ecosystem. Application Deadlines: February 15 and July 11, 2024 for projects taking place beginning in 2024.

Grants for Arts Projects guidelines
Applicant eligibility
Applicant resources

 

Please pass this information along to all faculty and staff involved with the arts within your university. Visit the artistic disciplines webpage to help guide who should join these important webinars. Our informational session on January 24 is specific to HBCUs and we look forward to having a conversation about the opportunities for funding at your historic institution.

 

Recent NEA Grants to HBCUs:

Alcorn State University   – Music – $15,000

To support musical performances and educational workshops at the Alcorn State University Jazz Festival.

 

Morgan State University – Design – $25,000

To support a youth design education program to promote design and math careers for youth.

 

Southern University at New Orleans – Visual Arts – $45,000

To support a retrospective exhibition of work by the artist and New Orleans native, Willie Birch (b. 1942).

 

Bring your questions to the informational session on Wednesday, January 24, 3:00 p.m. ET specifically for HBCUs considering applying for the Grants for Arts Projects opportunity. NEA staff will provide a brief overview of GAP and open up to questions from you. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session.

Register in advance

 

 

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Registration Now Open

The Annual National HBCU Week Conference is the nation’s premier convening of institution executive leaders, faculty, students, and supporters. It is implemented under the leadership of the Initiative, in close consultation with the Executive Office of the President and U.S. Department of Education. The event provides a unique occasion for federal agencies, private sector companies and philanthropic organizations to participate and provide useful information and successful models to improve instruction, degree completion and federal engagement, all of which strengthens the role of HBCUs.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

 

 

Scholarships and Resources for HBCU Students!

At BestColleges they believe that dream jobs start with dream schools, which is why we provide students with direct connections to schools and programs suited to their educational goals. As a trusted education advisor, they also host free college planning, financial aid, and career resources to help all students get the most from their education and prepare for life after college.

Pursuing a college degree is a costly proposition for most students, but it can be disproportionately expensive for Black students. Many Black students at historically Black colleges and universities(HBCUs) face hardships beyond their white peers, including increased student debt and less available institutional aid. However, making these students aware of scholarships, internships, and fellowships can make higher education more affordable for students attending HBCUs!

BestColleges.com created a scholarship guide specifically for HBCU students! Their guide covers:

  • Financial Considerations for HBCU Students
  • Excellent Scholarships for HBCU Students
  • Grants for HBCU Students
  • Additional Resources for Financial Assistance

Review our HBCU Scholarship guide below:
https://www.bestcolleges.com/resources/hbcu/scholarships-and-grants/

Sharing this information will have a lasting impact on the community. Connect individuals with these financial resources by placing the above link on your site.

Thank you for your consideration. If you have additional questions about HBCU scholarships, submit your questions to our education experts on our Ask a College Advisor page!

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.

AmeriCorps is recruiting students for paid internships this summer!

AmeriCorps, the federal agency whose mission is “to improve lives, strengthen communities, and foster civic engagement through service and volunteering,” is hiring current undergraduate and graduate students for paid virtual internships this summer. Anticipated internship dates are from June 7, 2021 – August 20, 2021 and may be flexible depending on office needs and intern schedules. More information, including potential roles, is available via USAJobs available here. The application deadline is April 18, 2021.

 

Opportunities with the U.S. Department of Energy

Introduction to the U.S. Department of Energy

Science, Technology and Policy Program for Post-Masters and Post-Doctoral

Register Now for an Earth Week Webinar! Bioenergy: Growing America’s Energy Future

Save the Date for an Earth Week Webinar! Bioenergy: Growing America’s Energy Future

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO) will host a dynamic webinar on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 from 1 p.m.–2 p.m. ET. The webinar, Bioenergy: Growing America’s Energy Future, will feature BETO leadership detailing BETO’s research and development efforts to enable the U.S. bioeconomy.

The panel of speakers includes BETO’s:

  • Dr. Valerie Sarisky-Reed, Acting Director
  • Dr. Jay Fitzgerald, Chief Scientist
  • Dr. Reyhaneh Shenassa, Chief Engineer

Join the panel as they discuss high priority BETO topics including:

  • Bioenergy Program Overview
  • Plastics recycling initiatives
  • Waste-to-energy efforts
  • Engaging farmers as clean energy partners
  • CO2 utilization
  • Advancements in marine and aviation biofuels.

Register here!

 

April is Financial Capability Month!

See our featured events below.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation

A Virtual Town Hall with FDIC!
Thursday, April 29, 2021
5:30-7:00PM, ET
REGISTER HERE

Are you looking for ways to better manage your money or lower your student debt? Are you anxious about what your first paycheck will cover? Let’s Plan For Your Financial Future?

The FDIC, a federal banking regulator, is partnering with the White House Initiative on HBCUs to help you take control of your financial education and financial future. HBCU alumni, who are current FDIC employees, will share their personal stories and life lessons to help you avoid common money mistakes. You will learn about:

  • Managing student loans,
  • Eliminating debt,
  • Budgeting, and
  • Transitioning financially from a student to a professional.

Join us and  REGISTER HERE !

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD’s Strong Families Initiative invites you and your staff to join us for a weekly webinar series during Financial Capability Month.

Every Tuesday in April, we will feature a panel of experts providing informational sessions on how you can help HUD-assisted families access and manage their American Rescue Plan economic impact payments.

No pre-registration necessary! Just download the calendar invites for the sessions you’re interested in below. The calendar invites include the WebEx information.

Weekly webinars from 2 pm – 3:30 pm ET include:

April 20Predatory Practices Impacting Elders and People with Disabilities

Add to your calendar!

April 27Engaging HUD-Assisted Residents in Financial Empowerment

Add to your calendar!

To learn more about National Financial Capability Month, see the President’s recent Proclamation. To learn more about HUD’s Strong Families Initiative, visit HUD.gov/StrongFamilies.