Mini-Grant Program

NITIC is continually looking for ways to support expanding technician-level curriculum in emerging job clusters. This includes, but is not limited to, the following potential fields: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), IT Automation, Quantum Computing, DevOps, FinTech, Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Encryption Technologies. Some of these areas have seen incremental progress across community colleges, and others are newly emerging and require additional support as their demand grows.

NITIC will support the cultivation and development of new initiatives by offering emerging IT mini grants. Those colleges that are awarded should be planning for a future ATE proposal. NITIC will continue to support awarded colleges with writing new ATE proposals, while connecting them to ATE mentoring resources.

Annual
Open Call

Application opens September 10th. Deadline for submission is November 1st.
- Complete Online Application
- Submit narrative & budget information
Applications reviewed by NITIC leadership – by 2nd week of November
Questions/follow-up back to submitting teams – by 3rd week of November
Final award determined by NITIC leadership – 1st week of December
Award period: January 1 – December 31, 2025

Funding not awarded during annual open call can be awarded on a rolling basis based on merit and alignment to NITIC focus areas.

Emerging IT Mini-Grants

NITIC is pleased to announce this Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking innovative emerging technology projects for funding through mini-grants. We invite proposals from eligible organizations interested in advancing education solutions that address current challenges or enhance capabilities in various sectors.

While traditional areas of technology are increasing in demand, it is also critical for the Center to continually look forward to support expanding technician-level curriculum in emerging job clusters. Some of these areas have seen incremental progress across community colleges, but most have not been widely adopted. Others are newly emerging and require additional support as their demand grows.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants: Open to public community colleges in the United States that are members of NITIC IT Innovation Network (ITIN) community of practice.
Multiple Proposals: An institution may submit multiple proposals in a round as long as each proposal details a separate, unique project. Each project will require its own proposal.
Project Focus: Proposals must focus on technician-level projects in emerging technology areas such as (but not limited to): Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Internet of Things (IoT), IT Automation, Quantum Computing, Blockchain Technology, Encryption Technologies, Edge Computing, 5G, Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality, Renewable Energy Technology, Biotechnology and Healthcare Innovations, Fintech, Sustainable Agriculture Technologies, DevOps, Smart City Solutions, Other cutting-edge technology areas

Grant Information

Grant Size: Mini-grants of $10,000 will be awarded to single institutions.
Number of Grants: Approximately 6-8 grants will be awarded under this RFP.
Grant Duration: Projects should typically be completed within 12 months.

*Funding not awarded during annual open call can be awarded out on a rolling basis based on merit and alignment to NITIC focus areas

Mini-Grant Program

Annual
Open Call

Previous Grants Awarded

To be announced.

Mini-Grant Program

Annual Open Call

Previous Grants Awarded

To be announced.

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Annual
Open Call