The Joint Center for Deployment and Research in Earth Abundant Materials (JCDREAM) and the Instructional Resources for Material Science Technology Education (MatEdU) announce a request for project proposals to support the creation of instructional modules addressing earth abundant materials, critical materials, supply chain issues for each such as human or environmental impact, and critical material solutions like recycling or reduction in use of critical materials.

Successful module proposals will address challenges articulated by the following JCDREAM objectives: This initiative may only address and be responsive to the last bullet but demonstrated awareness and ability to address other objectives will enhance competitiveness.

• Ensure clean energy and transportation technologies are aligned with sustainable critical material supply chains.
• Connect WA State researchers, industry, and government around JCDREAM issues.
• Promote, facilitate, and fund research in earth abundant material alternatives to critical materials including rare earths and recycling of conflict mineral.
• Conduct educational outreach concerning earth abundant materials solutions and critical material issues to students, educators, the general public, policy makers, legislators, and industry decision makers.

 JCDREAM and MatEdU seek to expand educational programs around earth-abundant material solutions to critical materials and rare earths, and materials science solutions to clean energy and transportation challenges. JCDREAM and MatEdU aim to enhance workforce development through educational programs that improve awareness of critical material issues, recycling or minimizing use of critical materials, and earth abundant material solutions.

What is Materials Washington (MatWA)? The overarching goal of MatWA is to recruit educators and faculty statewide to develop instructional modules suitable for educational environments and publication. MatWA seeks proposals from educators and faculty in secondary and post-secondary institutions as well as industry professionals. Through this initiative, MatWA wants to reach the critical mass that is needed to inspire a groundswell of public awareness and engagement around the importance of critical material issues, and the potential of earth-abundant materials and recycling to enable unfettered growth of clean energy and transportation technology in the future.

CARE, LEARN, SOLVE: Through the modules developed by instructors statewide using the model developed, we can reach more people who: CARE enough to get involved; we need them to passionately LEARN about material options; and we need them to embrace the imagination required to SOLVE these problems with innovative alternatives. Together, we can prime this pipeline with effective education and training events that encourage these individuals of all ages and walks of life to imagine a better future and commit to making a difference. 

 

FAQ’s 

AWARD SIZE $2,500 per curriculum module (applicants may apply for a maximum of two modules at $2,500 per module for a total funding request of $5,000).

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE All modules must be completed, submitted and ready for publication, using the established MatEdU module template, no later than May 6, 2022. The template may be found at http://materialseducation.org/educators/submit-modules/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION No indirect costs (overhead cost) may be recovered under the JCDREAM Program. Funds are restricted to the creation of instructional modules. Personal Service Contracts directly with the proposer and issued through Edmonds College, will be used as the compensation method.

 WHO MAY APPLY? Eligible individuals with the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to develop instructional modules. Individuals from underrepresented groups as well as individuals with disabilities are always encouraged to apply.

LIMITATIONS ON SUBMISSIONS Each faculty member may lead a project to develop one to two curriculum modules.

 

Submission Guidelines

Proposals for funding, must include the following elements:

1. Module Description, Sustainability & Dissemination Plan (400-word maximum)
2. Impact & Merit (500-word maximum)
3. Alignment to JCDREAM Objectives (200-word maximum)
4. Collaboration & Team (300-word maximum)

The following section addresses each category and how it will be weighted in the review process. Please note – word counts will be enforced. Submissions exceeding the allowable word counts will not be considered and will be returned without review.

Evaluation Criteria

Module Description, Sustainability & Dissemination Plan (30 points) 400 word maximum

MatWA is looking for module proposals that demonstrate an understanding of critical and abundant materials. Applicants should concisely describe the module, or modules, and explain how funding, will support their creation, sustainability and dissemination.

Impact & Merit (40 points) 500 word maximum

MatWA is looking for projects that will make positive and long-lasting impacts. Applicants should demonstrate that they have considered how their work can positively impact workforce education efforts.

Alignment (20 points) 200 word maximum

We are seeking projects clearly aligned to JCDREAM objectives. This includes a strong link to earth abundant solutions to critical materials issues and the state of Washington. To learn more about JCDREAM objectives, visit JCDREAM.org and reference About JCDREAM, Director’s Message and Our Strategy.

Collaboration & Team (10 points) 300 word maximum

MatWA, JCDREAM, and MatEdU value and encourage collaboration. Identify team members and their roles, including any industry collaboration that will take place to develop the module or modules.

PROPOSAL SUBMISSION

Due Date: December 10, 2021, 5:00pm PST

Submit Proposal Directly to Ann Avary at ann.avary@skagit.edu – receipt of each proposal will be acknowledged. Use the submission template below.

Questions regarding financial processes should be directed to Mel Cossette at mel.cossette@edcc.edu.

Questions regarding the proposal review processes should be directed to Ann Avary at ann.avary@skagit.edu.

Successful proposals will be notified by mid-January 2022.

Click "Download Submission Template" below for instructions on how to submit your proposal.