Community-Focused STEM Learning Initiatives in Utah

Target Outcomes for Utah's HBCU STEM GrantsUtah is home to a diverse economy with a strong presence of technology and research institutions. When evaluating grant proposals under the Grants to Strengthen STEM Undergraduate Education and Research at HBCUs program, Utah's priorities will focus on outcomes that enhance the state's existing STEM ecosystem. The Utah State Board of Education and the Utah Higher Education Coordinating Commission will be key state agencies overseeing the implementation of these grants.The state's priorities will be shaped by its unique demographic and geographic features. Utah has a relatively low percentage of Black and Indigenous residents, but the state is actively working to increase diversity in its STEM fields. One of the primary target outcomes for this grant program will be to increase the number of underrepresented minority students pursuing STEM degrees at Utah's institutions of higher education, such as Utah State University and the University of Utah.### Enhancing Research Capacity in UtahAnother key priority will be to enhance research capacity in Utah's STEM fields, particularly in areas related to the state's economic development priorities, such as life sciences and information technology. Grantees will be expected to demonstrate how their projects will contribute to the state's research infrastructure and help to build partnerships between HBCUs and Utah's research institutions. For example, collaborations between HBCUs and Utah's universities could focus on areas like biomedical research, data analytics, or cybersecurity, leveraging the state's strong industry presence in these areas.Utah's unique geography, with its mix of urban and rural areas, will also shape the state's priorities for this grant program. Proposals that address the needs of rural communities or that demonstrate innovative approaches to STEM education and research in non-urban settings will be highly competitive. For instance, projects that utilize online or hybrid learning models to reach students in rural areas could be particularly effective in Utah's context, given the state's large geographic size and dispersed population.The state's priorities will also be influenced by its existing grant landscape. Utah has a range of grant programs supporting small businesses, women, and arts organizations, including the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development's small business grants and the Utah Arts Council's grants for arts and museums. Grantees will be expected to demonstrate how their projects complement or build upon these existing initiatives, enhancing the overall impact of the state's grant investments.In terms of specific metrics, the Utah Higher Education Coordinating Commission will track outcomes such as the number of underrepresented minority students enrolled in STEM programs, the number of research collaborations between HBCUs and Utah's research institutions, and the development of new STEM curricula or programs. Grantees will be expected to report on these metrics annually, providing data that will help to inform future grantmaking decisions in the state.Applicants should be aware that the Banking Institution, as the funder, has a specific interest in supporting projects that demonstrate strong potential for long-term impact. While this is not a formal requirement, proposals that show a clear understanding of the state's priorities and that demonstrate a commitment to building sustainable partnerships and programs will be highly competitive.For Utah-based applicants, it is essential to understand the state's unique context and priorities. The following FAQs address some of the most common questions from Utah applicants:Q: What types of STEM programs are most likely to be funded in Utah? A: Utah is likely to fund STEM programs that align with the state's economic development priorities, such as life sciences and information technology. Applicants should demonstrate how their programs will contribute to the state's research infrastructure and help to build partnerships between HBCUs and Utah's research institutions, such as the University of Utah and Utah State University. Successful applicants will also need to show how their programs will address the needs of underrepresented minority students in Utah, potentially leveraging resources like the Utah Arts Council's grants for arts and museums to support STEM education.Q: How can HBCUs in Utah collaborate with other institutions to enhance their research capacity? A: HBCUs in Utah can collaborate with other institutions by forming partnerships with the state's research universities, such as the University of Utah and Utah State University. They can also leverage online or hybrid learning models to reach students in rural areas and participate in statewide initiatives, such as those supported by the Utah Governor's Office of Economic Development's small business grants. By building these partnerships, HBCUs can enhance their research capacity and contribute to the state's STEM ecosystem, ultimately supporting the state's goals for increasing diversity in STEM fields.Q: What role will the Utah State Board of Education play in evaluating grant proposals? A: The Utah State Board of Education will play a key role in evaluating grant proposals, assessing how well they align with the state's STEM education priorities and how effectively they will support underrepresented minority students. Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate a clear understanding of the state's priorities and to show how their projects will contribute to Utah's STEM ecosystem, potentially drawing on resources like the state's grants for women and small businesses to support their initiatives.