Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS)

This program supports research and extension projects that have robust collaborations to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields that are relevant to USDA priorities identified by the Secretary: (i) Promotion of a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply for all Americans and for people around the world; (ii) Sustainable agricultural policies that foster economic viability for small and mid-sized farms and rural businesses, protect natural resources, and promote value-added agriculture; (iii) national leadership in climate change mitigation and adaptation; (iv) Building a modern workplace with a modern workforce; and (v) Support for 21st century rural communities. See http://www.usda.gov/documents/VilsackLetter.pdf. Legal authority for this program is contained in Section 7204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (Pub. L. 110-246), which amends Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925)

Special Notation

More information about the WAMS program

Who Is Eligible to Apply

1862 Land-Grant Institutions

1890 Land-Grant Institutions

1994 Land-Grant Institutions

For-profit Organizations Other Than Small Businesses

Hispanic-Serving Institutions

Individuals

Native American Tribal Govts (Federally Recognized)

Native American Tribal Orgs, not Federally recognized Tribal Governments

Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than Institutions of Higher Ed

Nonprofits without 501(c)(3) IRS status, other than Institutions of Higher Ed

Other or Additional Information (See below)

Private Institutions of Higher Ed

Small Business

State Agricultural Experiment Stations

State Controlled Institutions of Higher Ed

More Information on Eligibility

Eligible applicants are: (a) State agricultural experiment stations; (b) colleges and universities; (c) university research foundations; (d) other research institutions and organizations; (e) Federal agencies; (f) national laboratories; (g) private organizations or corporations; (h) individuals; or (i) any group consisting of 2 or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (a) through (h). See RFA for additional information.

Request for Application (RFA) | Apply: Electronic | Abstracts of Funded Projects

Solicitation Date (Opening)	March 12, 2012
Letter of Intent Due Date	None
Due Date (Closing)	April 12, 2012
Estimated Total Program Funding	$350,000.00
Range of Awards	$75,000.00 to $300,000.00
Percent of Applications Funded Last Fiscal Year	20%
Cost Sharing Requirements	A grant recipient is required to match USDA funds awarded on a dollar-for-dollar basis. See RFA.
For More Information Contact	Saleia Afele-Faamuli
Funding Opportunity Number	USDA-NIFA-WAMS-003711
CFDA Number	10.318 WOMEN AND MINORITIES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS FIELDS PROGRAM
Contact for Electronic Access Problems