The National Science Foundation has recently awarded Enabling Partnerships to Increase Innovation Capacity (EPIIC) grants to 48 higher education institutions across the United States. The grant program aims to help colleges and universities expand their innovation capacities through building partnerships, securing external funding, and tapping into their regional innovation ecosystems. This year’s cohort of EPIIC awardees includes four historically Black colleges and universities.
Hampton University in Virginia has received a $400,000 grant to establish an innovative partnership with Georgia Piedmont Technical College, aiming to enhance the research capabilities of both institutions. The funding will support the development of three collaborative symposiums, as well as a toolkit for other HBCUs and minority-serving institutions to use as a guideline when formalizing institutional partnerships.
Tuskegee University in Alabama, in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College, Youngstown State University, Madison Area Technical College, and Owens State Community College, has received a $394,791 grant program to create partnerships, develop capacity, and secure future funding to support ongoing efforts in emerging technology fields and regional innovation ecosystems across all five institutions. Tuskegee University will lead the project to establish the Center for the Future of Work, which will study contemporary challenges facing employers.
The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Arkansas Tech University have received a $400,000 grant to support their Bolstering University Infrastructure for Leading Development in Research project. The program aims to create a robust research development enterprise, leading to a revitalized rural economic ecosystem in central and southeastern Arkansas, inclusive STEM workforce growth, and strengthened regional economic competitiveness.
Winston-Salem State University in North Carolina has received a $370,000 grant to support their Strategic University Practices to Expand Research project with North Arkansas College, Middle Georgia State University, and St. Vincent College. The institutions will work together to grow industry partnerships, improve alignment of program curricula with the need of industry partners, and enhance students educational experiences.
