CoSTEM Student Organizations Support Initiative (SOSI) Grant

The CoSTEM Student Organizations Support Initiative (SOSI) grant is designed to provide CoSTEM students with funds to support their organizations' efforts. SOSI grants will fund student organization programming to help:

• Boost a healthy campus culture and environment

• Broaden student involvement and creativity

• Promote involvement in diverse student organizations

Grant Details

We recognize the invaluable contributions of our student organizations to APSU and are committed to supporting their efforts.

Eligibility

• All CoSTEM students are eligible to apply.
  
  

Timetable

The dean’s office will accept applications twice a year to support CoSTEM student organizations or fund new organizations.

• Application Deadline: October 18, 2024, by 11:59 p.m.

• Announcement of Grant Recipients: On or before October 25, 2024

• Project Commencement: 2024-2025 academic year

• Final Report Submission: Within two months of project completion
  
  

Criteria

Grants in amounts up to $500 will be awarded to CoSTEM student organizations that seek to:

• Grow their organizations

• Increase and enhance learning opportunities for their members, the APSU community, and local communities

Funds will support any creative ideas that provide opportunities for experiential learning through organizational events and outreach activities. Successfully funded projects will be innovative, creative, and capable of serving as a model for other student organizations. The project should complement at least one of the CoSTEM core values:

• Communication

• Creativity

• Critical Thinking

• Citizenship

• Collaboration

• Wellness

CoSTEM SOSI Funds Will Not Fund:

• Membership fees

• Gifts and awards

• Organizational banquets

• Scholarships

• Conference fees, travel, mission trips, etc.

• Gratuities

• Direct monetary contributions to charity

• Any expenses violating University Policy, the Student Code of Conduct, State or Federal Law

• Alcohol (even if over the age of 21), drugs, or anything banned in the Student Code of Conduct

• Ticketed events - All student-registered organization events must be free and open for students

• Software or services that would collect personal data

Application Process

Students and student organizations interested in applying for a grant may submit a two-page proposal, including the budget. Applications must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on October 18th, 2024. Please submit the proposal to biggersm@apsu.edu.

• Announcements of the grant recipients: On or before October 25th, 2024.

• Those receiving grants must agree to provide a brief evaluation of the project's value and impact. It is due via email to the dean within two months of the project's implementation.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact CoSTEM associate dean of student success, Dr. Allen Chaparadza.

Evaluation Criteria

Your application will be reviewed using the following criteria:

• Benefit to APSU Student Body: Is the project beneficial to the APSU student body?

• Engagement: Does the project engage not only individuals of the organization but the university community as a whole?

• Organization: Is the project well-planned, organized, and aimed toward success?

• Responsible Use of Funds: Will CoSTEM Student Organizations Support Initiative funds be used responsibly and effectively?

• Impact of Funding Loss: Will the organization be negatively affected by the loss of CoSTEM Student Organizations Support Initiative funding?

• Alignment with Mission and Plan: Is the project in keeping with the College mission and University Strategic Plan?

• Completeness and Accuracy: Has the organization filled out a complete and accurate application?