Grantee Research Project Results
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Research and Development
National Center for Environmental Research
Culturally Diverse Academic Institutions Undergraduate Student Fellowships
CLOSED - FOR REFERENCES PURPOSES ONLY
1999 Culturally Diverse Academic Institutions Undergraduate Student Fellowships
EPA/600/F-98/024
Opening Date: October 19,1998
Closing Date: January 15, 1999
Introduction
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invites fellowship applications for the Culturally Diverse Academic Undergraduate Fellowship Program. This program was initiated in 1982 as a means to strengthen the capacity of Culturally Diverse Academic Institutions(CDAIs) to provide quality education to undergraduate students by encouraging 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 approximately twenty-five (25) undergraduate fellows for their final two years of study beginning in 1999. 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 seeking to fulfill that need by offering financial assistance for undergraduate study in academic disciplines relevant to its mission at Culturally Diverse Academic Institutions.
Eligibility
Applicants must be a citizen of the United States, its territories, or possessions or lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence
Students must be enrolled in a four-year accredited CDI in a full-time curriculum, as defined by the institution.
Students must have two (2) years remaining from the start of the Fall semester (Fall 1999), before receiving a bachelor's degree. Students must have a "B" average overall and major in environmental science, physical sciences, biological sciences, computer science, environmental health, social science, mathematics, or engineering
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. EPA will provide 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, $250 towards the purchasing of books 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.
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, career goals and objectives, and faculty recommendations.
Applications will be reviewed, on a competitive basis, by a panel of experts from the appropriate degree fields.
Selections of awardees will be made by EPA based on the panel evaluations and the availability of funds.
Where and When to Submit
Applications must be received by NCER no later than 4:00 p.m., EST on January 15, 1999. Applications may be submitted by regular mail, express/priority mail or 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 15,1999.
If sending by regular or priority U.S. Mail, send the original AND SIX (6) COPIES to:
CDAI Undergraduate Fellowships Peer Review Division(8703R) Use this address ONLY for U.S. mail! U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 401 M Street, S.W. Washington, DC 20460If sending by courier, deliver the original AND SIX (6) COPIES to:
CDAI Undergraduate Fellowships Peer Review Division(8703R) Use this address ONLY for courier mail! US EPA - Ronald Reagan Building Room B-10105 1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, DC 20004A telephone contact number is necessary for most courier deliveries. You may use 202-564-6939 for that purpose. NOTE: This is not an appropriate contact number for other information.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
For additional information or assistance in preparing your application, EPA maintains a toll-free Help Line which is available Monday-Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., EST. For Help Line assistance, dial 1-800-490-9194.
Each application MUST include three reference letters from individuals who are knowledgeable about your academic record. If you have a sponsor or advisor in the program, one of these letters should come from that individual.
Definition of Culturally Diverse Institutions
The following institutions are considered Culturally Diverse Institutions:
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), members of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACUs), and members of the American Indian Consortium for Higher Education (AICHE).
Fellowship Authority
The 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).
Required Forms are available in PDF format. Research Funding Opportunities: How to Apply and Required Forms
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.