Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS): Supplemental Funding to Current BIO Awards to Broaden Participation in the Biological Sciences

The Directorate for Biological Sciences (BIO) will fund supplements to current BIO awards that:

• Foster interest in the pursuit of studies in the Biological Sciences; and
• Broaden participation of high school students, particularly those who are women, underrepresented minorities, and persons with disabilities.

The establishment of Research Assistantships for High School Students (RAHSS): Supplemental Funding to Current BIO Awards to Broaden Participation in the Biological Sciences reflects the continuing effort by BIO to promote increased participation of women, underrepresented minority students, and those students who are persons with disabilities.

ELIGIBILITY INFORMATION

Organization Limit: Only currently funded BIO grantees are eligible to submit requests for supplemental funding under this initiative.
PI Eligibility Limit: The Principal Investigator must be the PI of an active BIO award.
Limit on Number of Proposals:

• None

AWARD INFORMATION

• Awards will be made as supplements to active BIO awards;
• Maximum supplemental award amount: $6,000 per student, including administrative allowance, for a total duration of no more than one year;
• Administrative allowance limited to 25% of the participant stipend support only (in lieu of indirect costs);
• Awards subject to the availability of funds.

PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

Proposal Preparation Instructions. Proposals submitted in response to this Dear Colleague Letter must be prepared and submitted according to the instructions for submitting supplemental funding requests in the Award Administration Guide (AAG)( http://www.nsf.gov/pubs/policydocs/papp/aag_1.jsp#ie3 Chapter 1, Section E, Number 4: Supplemental Support). Requests must be made through FastLane via the �Supplemental Funding Request.� (see https://www.fastlane.nsf.gov/NSFHelp/flashhelp/fastlane/FastLane_Help/supplemental_funding_request_introduction.htm for more detail)

The Project Description is limited to 3 pages, single spaced, and must include the following components:

1. Clear description of the meaningful and challenging activities in which the high school student(s) will be involved;
2. Brief biographical sketch of candidate student(s);
3. Description of plans to encourage advancement of RAHSS student(s) beyond participation in the research program;
4. Budget, with justification of the funds requested; and
5. Identification of individuals responsible for supervising and mentoring student(s). Their roles must be clearly articulated.

Budgetary Information. Budgets for RAHSS supplemental proposals may not exceed $6,000 per student, for a total duration of no more than one year.
Deadline Dates. There are no deadlines for RAHSS supplemental requests, but requests should be made as early as possible in the fiscal year.

PROPOSAL REVIEW INFORMATION

Proposals for supplemental funding submitted in response to this Dear Colleague Letter will be reviewed internally by the cognizant Program Director of the existing NSF award.

CONTACT PERSONNEL

Questions about this letter should be directed to the cognizant Program Director of the existing BIO award.

Dr. Jim Collins
Assistant Director
Directorate for Biological Sciences