Innovation Grant Program

The National University System launched an Innovation Grant Program that encourages faculty and staff to develop innovative strategies and approaches to support exceptional student experience and student success.

Program Details

• Status: Active (launched September 2016)
• Geographic Scope: National University System network (includes National University, John F. Kennedy University, and City University of Seattle)
• Focus Areas:
  • Mentorship projects
  • Veteran student support
  • Classroom design and learning improvements
  • Technology-enhanced learning
  • Student success initiatives
  • Professional development

Eligibility

• Required: Project lead must be a full-time faculty or staff member
• Encouraged: Employee engagement at all levels, student and alumni involvement, cross-system collaboration

Example Award Projects

• Active Learning Classroom: Partnership with Steelcase Education to create ergonomic, contemporary learning environments
• ACCELERATE: Program promoting academic success among Veteran students during transition to civilian life; includes events, family involvement, and military cultural competency training
• Center for Advanced Technology: Multi-affiliate initiative engaging university students and alumni as mentors for high school students in STEM fields
• Professional Development for Lifelong Success: Workshops co-facilitated by faculty and alumni covering leadership, team building, communication management

Strategic Alignment

• Aligns with National University System's 2020 Strategic Plan
• Core value: Innovation
• Builds on National University's founding principles (established 1971) of serving adult learners through innovative formats

Administration

• Led by: Office of Strategy and Innovation
• Full support from: Board of Trustees, Office of the Chancellor, Affiliate Presidents
• Vice Chancellor of Strategy and Innovation: Dr. Mario Martinez
• Chancellor: Dr. Michael R. Cunningham

Application Process

Application Requirements:

• Project lead must be a full-time faculty or staff member
• Formal proposal submission required
• Proposals evaluated through rigorous evaluation process

Project Development:

• Selected awardees gather for official project development kickoff
• Encouragement for cross-system collaboration and engagement with students and alumni
• Focus on scalable, best-practice approaches

Note: The extracted content does not provide detailed step-by-step application procedures, required materials list, narrative questions, or specific submission format. Contact the Office of Strategy and Innovation for detailed application instructions.