U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Nuclear Education Grant Program Announcement of Opportunity, Fiscal Year 2009 | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the NRC Nuclear Education Grant Program (FY 2009) and what is its purpose?

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) Nuclear Education Grant Program Announcement of Opportunity for Fiscal Year 2009 is a discretionary grant program intended to strengthen the Nation's ability to support nuclear energy initiatives safely by investing in higher education. The core purpose is to build and improve educational infrastructure that prepares students and faculty in areas aligned with the NRC's regulatory mission, particularly nuclear safety, nuclear security, and nuclear environmental protection, as well as other nuclear-related fields identified by the Commission as mission-critical.

What is the central goal of this funding opportunity?

The central goal is to enhance what is taught and how it is taught in nuclear-related academic programs. The opportunity emphasizes improving curricula and increasing faculty teaching competencies so colleges and universities can better develop expertise needed for the nuclear workforce in mission-relevant areas.

Which nuclear-related topic areas does the NRC emphasize for this program?

The announcement highlights areas tied directly to the NRC's regulatory mission, especially nuclear safety, nuclear security, and nuclear environmental protection. It also references other nuclear-related fields that the NRC identifies as mission-critical.

What kinds of projects does the NRC want to fund under this program?

The NRC sought practical, education-centered projects that directly improve nuclear teaching and learning capacity at colleges and universities. Examples described in the announcement include developing new curricula, revising and modernizing existing courses, implementing improved instructional programs, and strengthening an institution's nuclear education infrastructure.

How broad can the curriculum development scope be?

The scope may range from creating stand-alone instructional modules to building full courses of study, complete curricula, individual courses, and supporting teaching materials. The emphasis is on outcomes that improve nuclear education delivery and capacity.

Does the program encourage innovative teaching methods?

Yes. The program encouraged proposals that incorporate innovative instructional approaches aimed at improving student outcomes, including distance education models and experiential learning opportunities (such as hands-on or applied learning experiences connected to nuclear topics).

Can funds be used to purchase equipment?

Limited equipment purchases are allowed when the equipment is directly tied to implementing the proposed curriculum or program improvements. Equipment support is not the main purpose of the grant, but it may be included when necessary to deliver the educational improvements described in the proposal.

What types of instructional materials can be produced with grant support?

Curriculum development projects may produce teaching resources such as course materials and instructor guides in print or electronic formats, as long as they support the educational improvements proposed.

Are there restrictions on using grant funds to create or publish textbooks?

Yes. The NRC specifically noted that grant funds cannot be used to prepare or publish traditional textbooks. Applicants are expected to focus on course content and instructional resources rather than textbook publishing.

Who is eligible to apply for this opportunity?

Eligibility is limited to postsecondary educational institutions as defined under Section 102 of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 USC 1002). This generally means accredited colleges and universities that meet the federal definition and accreditation-related requirements described under that statute.

Is cost sharing or matching required?

No. The announcement states there is no cost sharing or matching requirement, meaning institutions are not required to contribute a set percentage of non-federal funds to be eligible.

What is the funding instrument for this opportunity?

The funding instrument is a grant.

How much total funding did the NRC anticipate making available?

For this funding cycle, the NRC anticipated making up to $4.7 million available in total.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number and CFDA number for this program?

The Funding Opportunity Number is HR FN 1008 EDU3 and the CFDA number is 77.006.

What are the award ceiling and award floor for individual grants?

The announcement summary record lists both the award ceiling and award floor as zero. This typically indicates that specific per-award limits were not stated in the summary record and applicants would need to refer to the full announcement for details on expected award sizes and project durations.

When was the opportunity posted and when did it close?

The posted date is October 10, 2008. The original closing date was January 12, 2009, and it was extended to a current closing date of January 26, 2009.

When was the opportunity archived?

The opportunity was archived on February 27, 2009.

What does it mean that the closing date was extended?

Based on the information provided, it means the application deadline changed from the original closing date of January 12, 2009 to an extended closing date of January 26, 2009.

Who can applicants contact if they have trouble accessing the full announcement?

The NRC listed Kathleen Shino, Senior Grants Specialist, as the point of contact for applicants who had trouble accessing the full announcement. Phone: (301) 492-3636.

What is the program trying to strengthen in higher education?

The program is trying to strengthen educational infrastructure and instructional capacity in nuclear-related fields that support the NRC mission, with particular attention to improving curricula and faculty teaching competencies.

Is the program focused more on research or on education improvements?

Based on the description provided, the program focuses on education-centered efforts that improve nuclear teaching and learning capacity (curricula, instructional programs, faculty teaching competencies, and related educational infrastructure).

Can the project include distance education components?

Yes. The program explicitly encouraged innovative instructional approaches, including distance education models, when they are aimed at improving student outcomes.

Can the project include experiential learning?

Yes. The program encouraged experiential learning opportunities, including hands-on or applied learning experiences connected to nuclear topics, as part of improving student outcomes.

Is this opportunity still open?

No. The information provided indicates the opportunity closed on January 26, 2009 and was archived on February 27, 2009.

Where can I find details not shown in the summary (like typical award size and duration)?

The summary record indicates that applicants would need to refer to the full announcement for expected award sizes and project durations, since per-award ceiling and floor values were not stated in the summary record.