Description
IU Kokomo Applied Learning Grants are awarded for the purpose of supporting instructional strategies, activities and learning experiences that engage students in real-world situations and allow them to directly apply the knowledge and skills they develop through academic coursework. Applied learning experiences take place in a variety of settings, including the classroom, the workplace, or the community, and involve students in authentic and motivating activities that connect course content to real situations and endeavors. Applied learning activities provide opportunities for students to demonstrate that they understand and can apply knowledge as well as personal, practical, and professional skills through critical thinking, reflection, problem-solving and collaboration. Ideally, applied learning activities simulate or occur in real-world contexts. Examples of applied learning activities include but are not limited to internships, capstone projects, undergraduate research, simulations, case studies, field trips, portfolios, games, design thinking, peer-tutoring, role-playing, creative performance, community partnership projects and initiatives, and service learning.
Eligibility
Applied Learning Grants are intended to benefit IU Kokomo students only. Applications for grants must be submitted by a faculty member on behalf of one or more currently enrolled students.
All IU Kokomo full- and part-time faculty are eligible to receive Applied Learning Grants. There is no limit to the number of Applied Learning Grants a faculty member may receive, however, attempts will be made each funding cycle to balance grant awards across academic units and disciplines.
Applied Learning Grants generally are for a maximum of $500, however, additional funds may be awarded if a compelling argument is made for greater need. When grant applications include two or more instructors and students in two or more separate courses/sections, each instructor is eligible for a grant.
Grant Funding Criteria
Applied Learning Grant requests will be evaluated using four criteria:
Design: The applied learning experience is well-constructed, realistic, interesting, and grounded in a real-world context or setting.
Outcomes: The applied learning experience is aligned with relevant and measurable learning outcomes, and assessments of student learning are clearly defined.
Learning: The applied learning experience engages students in higher level thinking and understanding including applying knowledge, making connections, analyzing, and synthesizing.
Impact: The applied learning experience enables students to gain practical, real-world experience within a profession, discipline, enterprise, or initiative.
Application Format
Applied Learning Grant applications should be in the form of a written narrative summary not to exceed four pages, which includes the following information and sections related to the applied learning activity for which funding is sought:
- Course Title, Instructor & Student Enrollment
- Name & Brief Description of Applied Learning Activity w/Timeline
- Alignment of Applied Learning Activity w/ Learning Outcomes
- Assessment of Student Learning
- Itemized Budget w/ Specific Funding Request
If applicable, documentation of community partnerships should be included. Funding or support for the applied learning activity from other sources should be noted. An Appendix of not more than two pages which provides supplemental materials which further describe or explain the applied learning activity also may be included. The complete application of not more than six pages should be in PDF format.
Review & Selection Process
Applications for Applied Learning Grants should be submitted to the Office of Academic Affairs (koacadem@iu.edu).
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout each fiscal/academic year and should be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the date the applied learning activity will occur.
Applications are reviewed by the IU Kokomo Applied Learning Grant Committee in the order received. A limited amount of grant funding is available each year, thus faculty are encouraged to plan ahead and submit applications as early as possible.
The Applied Learning Grant Committee makes funding recommendations to the Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, who makes final grant award decisions and notifies recipients.
Grant Conditions
Applied Learning Grant recipients must submit to the Office of Academic Affairs a brief final report within 30 days following completion of the applied learning activity supported with grant funds.
All durable goods purchased with Applied Learning Grant funds are considered university property and may not be left at a project site or kept by students and instructors.
Applied Learning Grant funds may not be used to purchase gift cards, unless approved by IRB.
Applied Learning Grant funds may not be used to pay for event sponsorship fees.
Office of Academic Affairs Fall 2024