The State of STEM Faculty Funding in 2024

Those working in Black, Indigenous, People of Color and located in may meet the eligibility criteria for this grant. To browse other funding opportunities suited to your focus areas, visit The Grant Portal and try the Search Grant tool.

# Measurement in Research & Evaluation for STEM Equity Grant

Defining Effective Measurement for Research & Evaluation

The Research & Evaluation sector plays a critical role in assessing the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at promoting equity and advancing the professional development of underrepresented groups in STEM fields. For the Banking Institution's Grant to Foster the STEM Research Workforce, measurement involves tracking progress toward specific outcomes and evaluating the impact of funded projects. To be eligible, applicants must demonstrate a clear understanding of the measurement requirements and how they will collect and report data to assess the success of their projects.

A concrete regulation that applies to this sector is the requirement to comply with the National Science Foundation's (NSF) data management and sharing policies. NSF grantees are expected to develop a data management plan that outlines how they will share their research data, making it accessible to others in the research community. This requirement is critical in ensuring the reproducibility and integrity of research findings.

One verifiable delivery challenge unique to the Research & Evaluation sector is the need to balance the rigor of evaluation designs with the practical realities of implementing programs in diverse settings. For instance, assessing the impact of a STEM education program on student outcomes may require complex statistical analysis and data collection methods, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

Trends and Priorities in Measurement for STEM Equity

The NSF's emphasis on broadening participation in STEM fields has led to an increased focus on evaluating the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion. As a result, there is a growing need for researchers and evaluators to develop innovative methods for measuring the impact of these initiatives. Additionally, the use of NSF SBIR funding has become increasingly popular, with many small businesses and research institutions leveraging these grants to develop innovative technologies and solutions. The Banking Institution's grant program prioritizes projects that demonstrate a commitment to rigorous evaluation and a willingness to adapt to emerging trends and findings.

The current landscape is characterized by a growing emphasis on using data to inform decision-making and drive improvement. As such, applicants must be prepared to collect and analyze data on a range of metrics, including participant demographics, program outcomes, and career advancement. For example, grantees may be required to track the number of underrepresented students who participate in STEM programs, as well
as their subsequent academic and professional outcomes. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant program is another key source of funding for research and development projects, and applicants should be aware of the opportunities and requirements associated with these grants.

Operationalizing Measurement in Research & Evaluation

To deliver effective measurement and evaluation, applicants must have a clear understanding of the operational requirements and challenges associated with this work. This includes staffing, resource allocation, and workflow management. Grantees will be expected to have a dedicated evaluation team or partner with an external evaluator who has experience in designing and implementing rigorous evaluations. The team should have the necessary skills and expertise to collect and analyze data, as well as to report on findings and recommendations for improvement. In terms of resource requirements, grantees should plan for the costs associated with data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as any necessary software or equipment. The National Institute of Health funding opportunities may also be relevant for research and evaluation projects, particularly those focused on health-related topics.

In terms of risk, applicants should be aware of the potential eligibility barriers and compliance traps associated with the grant program. For example, failure to comply with NSF's data management and sharing policies could result in delays or termination of funding. Additionally, applicants should be aware that the grant program is not intended to support general operational costs or overhead, but rather specific projects or initiatives that align with the program's goals and objectives. The Christopher Reeves Foundation grants may be a relevant resource for applicants working in the area of spinal cord injury research.

Q: How do I determine the most appropriate evaluation design for my project? A: The choice of evaluation design will depend on the specific goals and objectives of your project, as well as the resources and data available. It is recommended that you work with an experienced evaluator to determine the most suitable approach.

Q: What are the reporting requirements for grantees, and how often will I need to submit reports? A: Grantees will be required to submit regular progress reports, which will include updates on project activities, outcomes, and any challenges or issues that have arisen. The specific reporting requirements and schedule will be outlined in the grant agreement.

Q: Can I use grant funds to support the development of new measures or assessment tools? A: Yes, grant funds can be used to support the development of new measures or assessment tools, provided that they are necessary to achieve the project's goals and objectives and are aligned with the program's priorities.