Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program

Agency: National Institute of Food and Agriculture

10.318 -- Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields

Archived opportunityLast Updated: May 13, 2026

Description

The purpose of this program is to support research, education/teaching, and extension projects that increase participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM. NIFA intends this program to address educational needs within broadly defined areas of food and agricultural sciences. Applications recommended for funding must highlight and emphasize the development of a competent and qualified workforce in the food and agricultural sciences. WAMS-funded projects improve the economic health and viability of rural communities by developing research and extension initiatives that focus on new and emerging employment opportunities in STEM occupations. Projects that contribute to the economic viability of rural communities are also encouraged.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Miscellaneous

Other

Additional information

Eligibility Requirements As contained in Section 7204 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (FCEA) (Pub. L. 110-246 which amends Section 1672 of the Food, Agriculture, Conservation, and Trade Act of 1990 (7 U.S.C. 5925)), applications may only be submitted by the following eligible applicants: (a) State agricultural experiment stations; (b) colleges and universities; (c) university research foundations; (d) other research institutions and organizations; (e) Federal agencies; (f) national laboratories; (g) private organizations or corporations; and, (h) individuals or any group consisting of two or more of the entities described in subparagraphs (A) through (H). Applicants for the Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields (WAMS) program must meet all the requirements discussed in this RFA. Failure to meet the eligibility criteria by the application deadline may result in exclusion from consideration or, preclude NIFA from making an award. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process. Duplicate or Multiple Submission – submissions of duplicate (other than revisions) or predominantly overlapping applications is not allowed. In FY2023, An eligible applicant may submit up to two applications on behalf of multiple institution’s staff as long as they are not essentially duplications of the same project or portions of the same project to multiple programs. NIFA will disqualify both applications if an applicant submits duplicate submissions. For additional information or clarification please contact the NIFA POC listed in this RFA. For those new to Federal financial assistance, NIFA’s Grants Overview provides highly recommended information about grants and other resources to help understand the Federal awards process.

Grantor contact information

Description

NIFA Support Key Information: Business hours: Monday thru Friday, 7a.m. – 5p.m. ET, except federal holidays

Email

If you have any questions related to preparing application content.

grantapplicationquestions@usda.gov

Documents

File name	Description	Last updated
FY23-WAMS-RFA-508-CC.pdf	FY2023-Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program-RFA	Feb 17, 2023 05:59 PM UTC

Link to additional information

Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program

Archived: May 19, 2023

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$1,800,000

Program Funding

Expected awards

$--

Award Minimum

$200,000

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

USDA-NIFA-WAMS-009764

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

Yes

Funding instrument type:

Grant

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

Category of Funding Activity:

Agriculture

Category Explanation:

History

Version:

Posted date:

February 17, 2023

Archive date:

May 19, 2023