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Grant Information

The Service-Learning /Community-Based Undergraduate Research Grant 2015 will fund action research, case studies, community-based research, and service-learning undergraduate projects within the Laredo community and surrounding areas. Purchases can include research materials, data collection materials, and technology equipment for service-learning projects.

The maximum individual grant award will be $2,000.00. All full-time faculty and instructors are eligible to apply for the Service-Learning / Community-Based Research Grant 2015. *If you have already received the award, you will only be eligible for $1,000.

Faculty working on multidisciplinary research projects and courses are encouraged to apply. In order to receive the award, winners must attend the Service-Learning & Community-Based Research Summer Seminar on May 22-24, 2017. The seminar will give faculty an opportunity to finalize their service-learning project.

Applicants should submit the application found below and a project description by 5 p.m. on November 11, 2016 for Spring 2017 courses.
The project description, no more than 1500 words, should include the following:

  • Topic/theme you would like to explore in your course
  • Possible service-learning class & learning outcomes
  • Potential community organization
  • Significance of project
  • Budget

Please follow this template.


Students in SL Projects

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions regarding the FOSS Service-Learning Grant.

If you have additional questions or need more information, please contact Service-Learning Center at servicelearning@tamiu.edu or call 956.326.3135.


What are the requirements to be eligible for the grant?

In order to qualify for the grant, you must teach a credit-bearing course with a service-learning component tied to the class or a community-based research project. This means your students need to perform service with a community organization related to your course content or perform research in the community. All full-time and adjunct instructors are eligible to apply. In addition, you must participate in the Service-Learning Summer Seminar 2017.

The goal of service-learning is to integrate academic content and service activities to promote academic, civic, and personal growth in our students. To foster this growth, you can provide critical reflection activities throughout your course. Service-Learning Center can help you identify community partners, figure out the logistics of the project, and support with reflection assignments. Please schedule a consultation for your service-learning class.

Although not a requirement for eligibility, we ask that you encourage your students to participate in the Service-Learning Expo to showcase their work to the TAMIU and Laredo community. The Fall and Spring Expos provide an opportunity for your students to share with others what they have learned and practice professional communication skills.


How can I use grant money?

Grant money can be utilized to purchase an array of items to help you implement your service-learning project. Below is a list of items typically purchased through the FOSS grant. If your project requires items not on the list, please do not hesitate to contact Service-Learning Center and ask if your materials qualify.

Please keep in mind that materials purchased should be used by the students to enhance their learning.

  • Research materials: Books, Journals, surveys, questionnaires...
  • Lab equipment
  • Computer hard drives to store data
  • Computer programs
  • Recording Devices
  • iPads, Computers, and educational apps (Please request a quote from OIT for technology purchases)
  • Classroom materials: Writing materials (pens, pencils, markers, crayons...), books, dictionaries, etc...
  • Cameras or video recording equipment
  • Specialized materials for your course (e.g. Assessment tools including toys, for a speech disorder class working with children; lamination equipment for a teaching class, etc..)

Items that DO NOT qualify include:

  • Travel money for you or students Faculty stipends
  • Student stipends Participant stipends for research projects
  • Food for students or events
  • Incentives for participants/community partners or giveaways
  • Logos or branding of any kind

I want to learn more about service-learning, do you have any development opportunities?

Yes! Service-Learning Center has monthly meetings with service-learning faculty to share ideas and experiences. Details coming soon.

Consultations to help the development of your service-learning class are offered throughout the year. Schedule a meeting by contacting us at servicelearning@tamiu.edu or 956.326.3135.