Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS) | USDA NIFA WAMS 006350

Opportunity Information: Apply for USDA NIFA WAMS 006350

The Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS) is a discretionary grant program run by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) that funds research and extension projects designed to increase participation in STEM by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas. The central idea is not just general workforce development, but targeted, collaborative projects that broaden access to STEM education, training, and career pathways tied directly to USDA mission needs. Projects are expected to be built around robust partnerships, meaning proposals should show coordinated efforts among institutions and stakeholders rather than stand-alone activities.

WAMS focuses on STEM fields that align with USDA priorities identified by the Secretary. These priorities include strengthening a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply in the United States and globally; advancing sustainable agricultural policies that support the economic viability of small and mid-sized farms and rural businesses while protecting natural resources and promoting value-added agriculture; providing national leadership on climate change mitigation and adaptation; modernizing the workplace by supporting a modern workforce; and supporting the long-term resilience and prosperity of 21st century rural communities. In practice, that means a competitive project would typically connect recruitment and training of rural women and underrepresented minorities to real problems and opportunities in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, climate resilience, or rural economic development.

Eligible applicants are limited by statute. Under Section 7204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008, which amended earlier authorizing language in the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925), applications may be submitted only by specific categories of entities and individuals. Those eligible applicants include State agricultural experiment stations; colleges and universities; university research foundations; other research institutions and organizations; Federal agencies; national laboratories; private organizations or corporations; and individuals. The program also notes that priority is given to eligible institutions that operate continuing programs funded by the Secretary, which signals a preference for organizations with an established track record and ongoing USDA-supported capacity relevant to the program goals.

From the opportunity details provided, this funding opportunity was listed under CFDA 10.318, with an award ceiling of $100,000. The opportunity number is USDA NIFA WAMS 006350, and it was posted with a creation date of April 11, 2017, with an original closing date of June 8, 2017. The funding instrument type is a grant, and the activity category is agriculture, reflecting the expectation that funded efforts will connect STEM participation outcomes to agriculture and related USDA priority areas through research and extension work.

• The National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the agriculture sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 10.318.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2017-04-11.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2017-06-08. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $100,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: Others.

Apply for USDA NIFA WAMS 006350

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