Curriculum Improvement Partnership Award for the Integreation of Research into the Undergraduate Curriculum (CIPAIR) 2010 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the CIPAIR 2010 grant opportunity?

The Curriculum Improvement Partnership Award for the Integration of Research into the Undergraduate Curriculum (CIPAIR) 2010 is a NASA Headquarters discretionary grant opportunity. It is designed to help eligible minority-serving institutions strengthen STEM academic departments and technical programs by improving undergraduate curricula and student outcomes.

What is the main purpose of CIPAIR?

The core purpose is to improve both the breadth and quality of undergraduate STEM curricula while increasing student success and persistence, with a particular focus on underrepresented and underserved populations. A related goal is to increase the number of students earning STEM degrees and the number who pursue careers connected to NASA and the broader aerospace sector.

Who is this program intended to benefit?

The program is intended to benefit undergraduate students at eligible two-year and four-year minority-serving institutions, especially students from underrepresented and underserved populations, by strengthening STEM education and improving persistence and degree completion.

What types of institutions are eligible to apply?

Eligibility is limited to minority institutions that appear on the U.S. Department of Education lists of postsecondary institutions as of 12/31/2008 or later. Applicants must also be established within the 50 United States or U.S. territories.

Are both two-year and four-year institutions eligible?

Yes. The opportunity is designed to help eligible two-year and four-year minority-serving institutions strengthen their STEM departments and programs.

How can an institution confirm it is eligible?

The announcement notes that institutions with questions about eligibility should confirm their status before submitting a Notice of Intent by contacting the CIPAIR Project Manager. This is presented as an early step to avoid disqualification later in the process.

What does CIPAIR mean by integrating research into the undergraduate curriculum?

CIPAIR emphasizes integrating research and real-world readiness into the undergraduate experience rather than simply adding more courses. The intent is to modernize and enhance curricula to reflect current scientific and engineering practice, including applied and hands-on learning that links classroom concepts to professional workflows.

What kinds of activities or projects does CIPAIR support?

Examples described in the opportunity include developing an undergraduate minor in areas such as computerized measurements and instrumentation, and establishing capacity-building structures like a Bioscience Improvement Center. These examples indicate support for substantive curricular development as well as institutional hubs that enable sustained improvements in STEM education and student training.

Does the program focus only on adding new STEM courses?

No. A defining feature is the focus on integrating research and job readiness into existing undergraduate experiences, including applied, hands-on learning and curriculum modernization aligned with real scientific and engineering practice.

What is the role of project management in this opportunity?

A major priority in the 2010 announcement is the deliberate integration of project management methodology into STEM education. The program emphasizes that NASA-like environments require more than technical knowledge, including interdisciplinary teamwork, schedules, budgets, risk management, and systems thinking.

How can project management be incorporated under CIPAIR?

The opportunity supports developing new project management curricula and/or infusing project management methods into existing STEM courses, with the aim of preparing students to plan, execute, and deliver results in structured project settings.

What student outcomes does NASA expect from CIPAIR-funded work?

The intended outcomes include student confidence and competence in STEM conceptual frameworks alongside practical capabilities to manage projects, implement solutions, and improve efficiency and productivity in ways that mirror expectations in NASA and aerospace industry careers.

Does this grant require cost sharing or matching funds?

No. The opportunity states that cost sharing or matching funds are not required.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this announcement?

The Funding Opportunity Number is NNH10ZNE007N.

What type of funding instrument is CIPAIR 2010?

The opportunity is categorized as a grant.

What is the funding activity area for this opportunity?

It is listed under the broader funding activity area of science and technology and other research and development.

When was the opportunity posted?

The posted date is May 13, 2010.

What is the application closing date?

The application closing date is June 28, 2010.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date is July 28, 2010.

Who is the contact for access issues related to the full announcement?

For access issues related to the full announcement, the listed point of contact is Dr. William M. Whitney, Deputy Section Manager and University Affairs Officer in the Education Office at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology.

Where can applicants look for additional CIPAIR information?

The notice indicates that additional CIPAIR information could be obtained through the sources referenced in the announcement materials.

Is this opportunity run by NASA Headquarters?

Yes. The description identifies it as a NASA Headquarters discretionary grant opportunity.

What is the broader career connection emphasized by the program?

Beyond increasing STEM degree attainment, the program specifically aims to increase the number of graduates who go on to pursue careers connected to NASA and the broader aerospace sector.