Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS) | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS)?

WAMS is a discretionary grant program run by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). It is designed to broaden participation in STEM by focusing specifically on women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas, supporting projects that connect STEM participation to USDA-relevant challenges in areas like agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural development.

What is the main purpose of WAMS funding?

The core purpose is to support research and extension projects that strengthen pathways into STEM fields for the target populations, while also addressing practical needs tied to USDA mission areas. The program emphasizes projects built around strong, active collaborations rather than isolated efforts.

What does WAMS mean by “strong, active collaborations”?

Based on the announcement summary, applicants are expected to demonstrate real partnerships and coordinated efforts. This means the project approach should reflect genuine collaboration among participants or organizations, rather than a set of standalone activities led by a single party without clear coordination.

Which populations are specifically targeted by WAMS?

WAMS focuses specifically on women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas, with the goal of increasing participation and persistence in STEM pathways connected to USDA mission priorities.

What kinds of projects does WAMS support?

WAMS supports research and extension projects. The program framing indicates it is not limited to classroom instruction alone and may include integrated approaches such as experiential learning, mentorship networks, outreach and recruitment strategies, and partnership-driven training models, as long as they measurably increase participation and persistence of the target populations in USDA-relevant STEM pathways.

What USDA mission areas should WAMS projects connect to?

The program is aimed at strengthening pathways into STEM fields that connect directly to USDA mission areas and practical needs in agriculture, food systems, natural resources, and rural development.

What USDA priority areas are WAMS-funded projects expected to align with?

WAMS-funded projects are expected to align with USDA priority areas identified by the Secretary, including: improving the safety, sufficiency, and nutritional quality of the food supply (in the United States and globally); advancing sustainable agricultural policies that help small and mid-sized farms and rural businesses remain economically viable while conserving natural resources and encouraging value-added agriculture; providing national leadership on climate change mitigation and adaptation; building a modern workplace supported by a modern workforce; and supporting the long-term success of 21st century rural communities.

Can projects address topics like climate-smart agriculture, food security, or rural workforce development?

Yes. The opportunity description encourages projects that expand STEM participation while connecting to real-world USDA-relevant problems, with examples such as resilient farming systems, food security, resource stewardship, climate-smart agriculture, and rural workforce development.

What is the Funding Opportunity Number for this WAMS notice?

The Funding Opportunity Number listed is USDA NIFA WAMS 004209.

How much total funding is available under this opportunity?

The estimated total program funding listed is $400,000.

What is the award size range for individual grants?

Individual awards range from a minimum (floor) of $75,000 to a maximum (ceiling) of $300,000.

Is there a cost-sharing or matching requirement?

Yes. The opportunity includes a cost-sharing or matching requirement, so applicants are expected to plan for non-federal contributions as part of the project budget and overall financing approach.

Who is eligible to apply for WAMS funding?

Eligibility is broad and includes: public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations that are not federally recognized governments; nonprofit organizations (with or without 501(c)(3) status, as described in the notice); small businesses; and individuals.

Can a single organization apply, or is a partnership required?

The eligibility narrative states that applications may be submitted by a single eligible applicant or by a collaborative network or partnership at the state, tribal, local, or regional level. Separately, the program purpose emphasizes strong, active collaborations, so proposals are expected to demonstrate real partnerships and coordinated efforts.

What types of entities are listed as examples of eligible applicants or participants?

Examples listed include state agricultural experiment stations; colleges and universities; university research foundations; other research institutions and organizations; federal agencies; national laboratories; private organizations or corporations; individuals; and any group made up of two or more of these types of entities.

Are federal agencies or national laboratories mentioned as possible participants?

Yes. The examples of eligible entities include federal agencies and national laboratories.

Does the notice mention any preference or priority among eligible applicants?

Yes. The notice states that priority will be given to eligible institutions that carry out continuing programs funded by the Secretary, suggesting preference for organizations with established, ongoing USDA-supported activities and infrastructure.

What is the CFDA number associated with WAMS?

The CFDA number associated with the program is 10.318, which corresponds to the Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields program.

What activity areas does this funding opportunity cover?

The opportunity is categorized across public-purpose areas including agriculture; business and commerce; community development; education; employment and workforce training; environment and natural resources; regional development; and science and technology/research and development (R and D).

What were the key dates for this specific funding notice?

The original posting date was March 26, 2013. The application closing date was April 29, 2013. The opportunity was later archived on May 29, 2013.

Is this specific notice current or historical?

The dates provided indicate this specific notice is historical and was archived on May 29, 2013, though the summary reflects the structure and intent described in that announcement.

Where can applicants get help accessing the full announcement or resolving technical issues?

The notice directs applicants to the NIFA Help Desk at 202-401-5048 for assistance with accessing the full announcement or for technical issues.

What are the NIFA Help Desk hours listed in the notice?

The listed hours are Monday through Friday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm Eastern Time (ET), excluding federal holidays.

Is there a contact for questions about preparing the application content?

Yes. The announcement notes there is a contact point for questions related to preparing application content and indicates applicants were expected to follow NIFA proposal preparation requirements and could seek guidance on submission and content development.