Agriculture Business Innovation Center at an HBCU – Up to $2,000,000- Due January 13th, 2022

Sponsored by United States Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture

Focus:   Agriculture Education, Community Involvement, Equity and Diversity, Financial/Entrepreneurial Ed, Professional Development, Technology Equipment/Devices, Underserved Populations/At Risk

Grade Level(s):  Higher Ed

Content Area(s):             Science

State(s):              National

Description:       The US Department of Agriculture invites proposals from Historically Black Colleges or Universities (HBCUs) to administer, coordinate, and manage all aspects of Agriculture Business Innovation Centers designed to provide multidisciplinary and multi-institutional initiatives of regional and national scope related to agriculture and business development.

Proposals are accepted in the following categories:

• Teaching and education to build the current and future food and agricultural sciences workforce in the United States. Examples of eligible activities are curriculum development, faculty development, formal classroom instruction, innovative teaching methodologies, instructional materials and equipment, laboratory instruction, practicum experiences, and student recruitment and services.

• Outreach projects to deliver science-based informal educational programs for a range of community-based to national audiences. Examples of eligible activities are certification programs, innovative instructional methodologies, and instructional materials and equipment.

• Integrated projects combining teaching, education, and outreach.

Eligible applicants are US institutions of higher education designated as HBCUs with established business programs, agriculture expertise, or collaborations within the agribusiness community. While proposals may be submitted individually, proposals from a consortium of HBCU institutions are encouraged. Multidisciplinary faculty participation is required. Partnerships are accepted with non-HBCU institutions or nongovernmental organizations to support administrative and coordination responsibilities. Input is expected from relevant community-based organizations, industry, and government entities. Cost sharing and matching funds are not required. Applications must be submitted online.

Contact:              Maurice Smith, Jr., PhD, National Program Leader

Division of Community and Education

National Institute of Food and Agriculture

US Dept. of Agriculture

PO Box 419205 MS 10000

Kansas City, MO 64141-6205

Phone: 816.518.1754

Email: Maurice.smith2@usda.gov; grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Keesha Corbin, Program Specialist

Phone: 816.469.9958

Email: keesha.corbin@usda.gov

Website:             https://nifa.usda.gov/funding-opportunity/agriculture-business-innovation-center-hbcu-institution