Academically Based Community Service Course Development Grants Request for Proposals: April 13	Print Issue
February 21, 2012, Volume 58, No. 23

The Barbara and Edward Netter Center for Community Partnerships announces the availability of course development grants to promote Academically Based Community Service (ABCS) courses that integrate research, teaching, learning and service. Over 150 ABCS courses across Penn schools and departments engage students in real world problem-solving projects through partnerships with West Philadelphia university-assisted community schools, community based organizations, and communities of faith. Course development grants support University faculty in developing new courses or adapting existing courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level. Grants will be awarded for up to $5,000 per project. These funds can be used for graduate and undergraduate assistants, course operations and faculty salary.

See www.upenn.edu/ccp/abcs for a list of ABCS courses.

The following criteria will be used to evaluate proposals:  

1. Academic excellence
2. Integration of research, teaching and service
3. Partnership with schools, community groups, service agencies, etc.
4. Focus on Philadelphia, especially West Philadelphia
5. Evidence as to how the course activity will involve participation or interaction with the community as well as contribute to improving the community
6. Evidence as to how the course activity will engage undergraduate and/or graduate students in real-world problem-solving research opportunities
7. Potential for sustainability

Please format proposals as follows:

1. Cover Page
   1.1 Name, title, department, school, mailing address
   1.2 Title of the proposal
   1.3 Total amount of funding you would like to receive
   1.4 100-word abstract of the proposal (include a description of how the course will partner with a specific community entity and how all parties involved will derive benefit through the partnership)
2. One-page biographical sketch of applicant
3. Two-to-four-page mini-proposal
4. Budget detailing how you intend to use the requested funding

Please email proposals to Anne Schwieger at anneschw@pobox.upenn.edu by April 13.