Spectrum - Volume 21 Issue 02 September 3, 1998 - Outreach seeks proposals for ReachOUT Grants

A non-profit publication of the Office of the University Relations of Virginia Tech,
including The Conductor , a special section of the Spectrum printed 4 times a year

Outreach seeks proposals for ReachOUT Grants

By Clara B. Cox

Spectrum Volume 21 Issue 02 - September 3, 1998

The Office of the Vice Provost for Outreach is seeking proposals for the second annual ReachOUT Seed Grant program, which awards grants to encourage faculty members to develop outreach initiatives aimed at assisting Virginia, its agencies, businesses, people, and those beyond the state's borders to improve economic and social conditions.
"The program provides support for projects that extend the university's knowledge resources to new clients and partners and advance its instruction, research, and service missions. We're looking for projects that also assist colleges or departments in fulfilling the outreach component of the university's Academic Agenda," said Dixon B. Hanna, interim vice provost for outreach.
All full-time faculty members are eligible to compete in the ReachOUT program. The academic staff, including librarians and professional faculty members, as well as academic, Extension , and field faculty members may compete for the grants.
An informational session will be held 10:30-11:30 a.m., September 21 in 463 New Engineering Building to address questions from potential applicants and to explain grant criteria more fully.
Initial project start-up grants of up to $7,500 each will be awarded.
Proposals, which are due in the Office of the Vice Provost for Outreach September 28, should (1) have the potential to significantly advance the outreach mission of the academic unit(s) sponsoring the project; (2) initiate a new outreach program, service, or activity; (3) support at least one of the university's Cross-Cutting Initiatives; (4) have direct involvement in project development by external groups and the potential for building sustained partnerships and collaboration with such groups; (5) have the potential for financial sustainability beyond the grant period; (6) increase Virginia Tech's visibility in Virginia; and (7) contribute to the economic development and/or quality of life in Virginia.
"We're interested in projects that use innovative instructional technologies such as computer-enhanced instruction, two-way interactive video, Net.Work.Virginia, or other means of reaching individuals who cannot come to campus," Hanna said.
Additional information is available on the Internet at http://vt.edu/vt98/research/economic.html or by sending an e-mail message to vtout@vt.edu . Proposal forms will also be mailed soon to associate deans.