Scientific Leadership Awards
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
* Continued supporting 6 MSIs from the 2021 SLA.
* Provided scholarships to qualified students majoring in STEM-related fields.
Provide scholarships /stipends to qualified students majoring in STEM-related fields.
former undergraduate student supported by the SLA program - University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is now in the process of completing a graduate program at University of Texas at Austin with a prestigious fellowship.
Program Objective
In support of the Science and Technology Directorate's mission to build a pipeline of diverse talent knowledgeable in the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of University Programs administers the Scientific Leadership Awards (SLA) for Minority Serving Institutions (MSI). SLAs fund homeland security-related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research at MSIs and supplement existing academic institution curricula with homeland security challenges to prepare MSI students for successful careers within the homeland security enterprise. OBJECTIVES: (1) provide advanced professional and research development opportunities for fellows, scholars and faculty in targeted areas; (2)increase the intellectual capacity, skills and talents, especially those of U.S. citizens in areas of relevance to homeland security; (3) to attract undergraduate and graduate students to obtain advanced degrees in disciplines of importance to homeland security; and (4) to increase the diversity of and highly talented cadre of new and emerging science and technology expertise working in areas of importance and need to homeland security.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Specialized groups
Applicants must be from accredited U.S. colleges and universities defined as "minority institutions" by subsection 365 (3) of the Higher Education Act (HEA)(20 U.S.C. subsection 1067K (3)). Student applicants must be U.S. citizens studying in a STEM field relevant to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's mission and objectives. US accredited MSIs are eligible to apply. Student recipients must be U.S. citizens studying in one of the following areas including: computer science, engineering, life sciences, math, physical sciences, psychology, social sciences. Students must have career and employment goals aligned with the mission and objectives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Beneficiaries
- 18
- 8
Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student, and Minority Serving Institution Faculty.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Applications are reviewed by subject matter experts (SMEs). Awards are made based on agency priorities and available funding.
Refer to program guidance document.
Program details & compliance
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Support is provided to Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to develop capacity in HS-STEM and provide financial support and career guidance to students. This support is provided in the form of cooperative agreements.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements