General Information

The Atlanta University Center (AUC) Data Science Initiative is committed to supporting innovations in data science across Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). With support from Microsoft, the Microsoft-AUC Data Science Mini-Grants Program seeks to promote research innovation at HBCUs that provides societal benefits or opportunities. To catalyze new research, preference of funding will be given to those with little to no research funding.

All proposals should address important challenges in data science. The Program has two tracks: Track 1 Improving Data Science Education and Track 2 Advancing Data-driven Discovery. The proposed work is expected to take place over one calendar year, make a significant institutional impact, and generate new knowledge in data science.

Proposals will only be accepted from HBCUs.

Request for Proposals - Application Info

Read the complete Guidelines by clicking HERE.
  • Application Deadline: May 30, 2024
    • Awardees will be notified by August 15, 2024
    • Project Dates: September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2025
    • Mid-year Report Due Date: March 1, 2025
    • Final Report Due Date: September 30, 2025
  • Depending on the availability of funding, the Program will fund up to 10 one-year awards of up to $18,000 paid directly to eligible institutions.
  • Update: Awardee institutions may include a facilities and administrative (F&A) cost at a rate of 8 percent of modified total direct cost (MTDC) as defined in 2 CFR Section 200.1.
  • Awardees will participate in mandatory professional development sessions, a podcast series, and a site visit to support the proposed work.
Submitted applications should include an uploaded PDF with the following information:
  1. Cover Sheet - Demographic Information, including track.
  2. Abstract (250 words) - Narrative overview of the proposed project for a non-specialist audience and suitable for general publication, such as the AUC Data Science Initiative website. Clearly state why the work is important in data science and what will be accomplished.
  3. Proposal Description (6 pages max) - Include sections:
    • Proposing Principal Investigator(s) (up to 5)
    • Objectives and Significance of the Project
    • Plan and Methodology
    • Project Outcomes, Deliverables, Timeline
    • Anticipated Impacts
    • Dissemination Plan
    • Project Assessment
    • Sustainability Plan
  4. References Cited - Format may vary according to the norms of the discipline.
  5. Curriculum Vitae (3 pages max) - Must be supplied for all senior personnel.
  6. Budget (1 page max) - Itemized statement of expected costs and a subtotal of these costs, along with a subtotal for the reassigned time if requested. Note that funds must be spent by the project end date.
  7. Budget Justification (2 pages max) - A narrative explanation of the budget where each cost should be listed, briefly described, and justified. Include why each item is needed, its purpose, and how the dollar total was determined.
  8. Statement on Research Funding (1 page max)
This opportunity has been made possible by Microsoft.

This is a program of the AUC Data Science Initiative and any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material do not necessarily reflect the views of Microsoft. The AUC Data Science Initiative adheres to the AUC Consortium Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

If you have questions, please contact:
Dr. Talitha Washington
AUC Data Science Initiative, Director
twashington@aucenter.edu

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