Grantee Research Project Results

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Research
CDAI Undergraduate Student Fellowships

CLOSED - FOR REFERENCES PURPOSES ONLY

1998 Culturally Diverse Academic Institutions (CDAI) Undergraduate Student Fellowships

Opening Date: October 27,1997
Closing Date: February 2, 1998

EPA /600/F-97/012

Introduction

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites fellowship applications for the Culturally Diverse Undergraduate Fellowship Program. This program was initiated in 1982 as a means to strengthen the capacity of Culturally Diverse Institutions to provide quality education to undergraduate students by encouraging and supporting their professional training toward advanced degrees in environmentally related fields. This program, operated by EPA's National Center for Environmental Research (NCER), provides financial assistance to students majoring in environmental science, physical sciences, biological sciences, computer science, environmental health, social sciences, mathematics, or engineering. EPA expects to support around 25 undergraduate fellows for their final two years of study beginning in 1998. As part of the two-year program, students must complete a 'Summer Internship' at an EPA facility between their junior and senior years.

Background

The mission of the EPA is to provide leadership in the nation's environmental science, research, education, and assessment efforts; make sound regulatory and program decisions; and carry out effective programs and policies to improve and preserve the quality of the national and global environment. Both the public and private sectors will need a steady stream of well-trained environmental scientists and engineers if our society is to meet the environmental challenges of the future. Through its Office of Research and Development, the EPA is anticipating that need by offering financial assistance for undergraduate study in academic disciplines relevant to its mission at Culturally Diverse Institutions.

Eligibility

Undergraduate Students must be enrolled at a Culturally Diverse Institution, with at least two years remaining from the start of the Fall semester (Fall 1998), before receiving a bachelor's degree.

Students must have at least a "B" average overall and major in environmental science, physical sciences, biological sciences, computer science, environmental health, social science, mathematics, or engineering.

Students must be citizens of the United States, its territories, or possessions or lawfully admitted to the United Sates for permanent residence.

Students must be enrolled full-time in a four-year accredited institution in a full-time curriculum, as defined by the institution, for a school year.

Special Requirement

The candidates must agree, in writing, to serve (if requested) for up to 12 weeks at an EPA facility as a Summer Intern in the EPA Culturally Diverse Summer Intern Program after their first year of EPA-supported academic training. Each Intern must complete a summer project that is designed to complement and enhance the training received under the fellowship program. Students receive up to $600 relocation support and up to $5,000 stipend to cover living expenses during the summer internship.

Stipend and Allowances

The fellowship covers full tuition, fees, a $250 book allowance plus a $1,125 stipend over a nine-month period. Support for tuition and fees will be paid directly to the institution. Awards are subject to availability of funds.

If You Have A Question

NCER's home page or the NCER Hotline: 1-800-490-9194 can be used to communicate with us about this announcement or individual concerns related to your application. Please specify in your message that you are seeking information about this particular announcement.

Application

A complete application consists of the following documents:

EPA Form 5770-2 (pages 1 and 2), "Fellowship Application," and "Objective Statement." The Fellowship Application, page 1, is self explanatory. The Objective Statement, Page 2, is explained in the "Additional Instructions" part of the application.

EPA Form 5770-3, "Fellowship Facilities and Commitment Statement." This form requires two signatures, the student's Sponsor and Head of Department.

EPA Form 5770-4, "Fellowship Applicant Qualifications Inquiry." - Recommendations from three faculty members are required.

EPA form 5700-49, "Debarment and Suspension Certification." This form should be signed by the applicant.

Academic records - Official Transcripts for the last five years of academic work, including high school.

Evaluation and Selection

Each applicant will be evaluated in terms of his/her potential for successful undergraduate study, as evidenced by academic records, training and research plans, faculty recommendations, and career goals and objectives.

Applications will be reviewed, on a competitive basis, by a panel convened by EPA. The Panel will include representation from academia, government, and the private sector.

Selections of awardees will be made by EPA based on the panel evaluations and the availability of funds. The written evaluation summarizing the review panel's findings will be made available to the applicant.

Where and When to Submit

Applications must be received by NCER no later than 4:00 p.m., EST on January 15, 1998. Applications may be submitted by regular mail, express/priority mail or uniformed courier services. If using regular mail, allow sufficient time for delivery since applications MUST be at the contact point by 4:00 p.m. EST on January 15, 1998.

If sending by regular U.S. Mail, send the Original and Six (6) Copies to:

CDI Undergraduate Fellowships

NCER (8723R)
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

401 M Street, S.W.

Washington, DC 20460

If sending by express mail or courier delivery U.S. Mail,
send the Original and Six (6) Copies to:

CDI Undergraduate Fellowship

NCER - 5th Floor

U.S. EPA - Ronald Reagan Building

1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Washington, DC 20004

A telephone contact number is necessary for most courier deliveries. You may use 202-564-6940 for that purpose. NOTE: This is not an appropriate contact number for other information.

Definition of Culturally Diverse Institutions
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU's), members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU's), and members of the American Indian Consortium for Higher Education (AICHE).

Fellowship Authority
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is authorized to award fellowships under the following statutes: (a) Section 103(b)(5) of the Clean Air Act, as amended (42 U.S.C. 7403(b)(5); (b)Section 104(b)(5) and (g)(3)(b) of the Clean Water Act, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1254(b)(5) and 1254(g)(3)(b); (c) Section 1442(d)(2) of the Safe Drinking Water Act, as amended (42U.S.C.300j-1(d)(2); and (d) Section 8001 of the Solid Waste Disposal Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 6981).

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You need the required forms to complete an application for this 1998 fellowship solicitation. The fellowship forms are available in Adobe Acrobat Portable Document Format (PDF) and can be downloaded, read on screen, and printed only if you have Adobe Acrobat Reader 2.1 or higher. The Forms can also be obtain via our Hotline automated FAX server (1-800-490-9194).