The Department of Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies invites applications for undergraduate research grants funded by a two-year Mellon Foundation Higher Learning grant. These research grants aim to elevate GWSS scholarship and create a more connected, experiential learning environment for our majors.
New Submission Deadline: March 15, 2024 (Extended from March 1)
Funding
GWSS Undergraduate Research Grants of up to $1,000 are intended to jumpstart projects aligned with the GWSS mission. Project outcomes may include, but are not limited to:
- scholarly essay for submission to a journal
- poster or talk for presentation (see below for possible venues)
- critical creative writing, art, or performance piece
- public scholarship workshop that bridges feminist theory and activism
Projects may be developed from:
- Final projects in any GWSS course
- Research initiated in GWSS 302: Feminist Theories and Methods
- Expansion of projects related to GWSS 494: GWSS Capstone
Eligibility
Open to current GWSS Majors and Minors, including students intending to graduate in June 2024.
Application Process
Submit the following via Google Forms:
- Proposal Narrative (limit: 750 words): project description including objectives, significance/relevance to GWSS, methodology, timeline for project completion, and format/venue for presenting your research.
- Annotated Bibliography (limit: 500 words): 5-7 works foundational to the proposed project with a brief annotation for each entry describing how it informs the proposed project.
- Budget: Prepare a budget itemizing specific project needs. Each line item should include a detailed description of the item, a rationale for why it is important for the success of the project, and a dollar amount.
Selection Criteria
A committee composed of GWSS faculty will evaluate projects based on:
- The strength and cohesiveness of the project description
- The feasibility of the timeline for completion
- The merits of the proposed budget.
Submission Deadlines
Applications will be reviewed in two submission cycles:
- March 15, 2024 Extended from March 1!
- October 15, 2024
Decision Announcements
First-round decisions will be announced by the beginning of Spring Quarter 2024; second-round decisions by the end of Fall Quarter 2024.
Presentation/Reporting Back
Funding for undergraduate research enables students to deepen their learning and share their knowledge with a range of audiences. Possible venues for presenting research include the UW Undergraduate Research Symposium, GWSS departmental colloquium series, and/or the upcoming UW GWSS Conference (Spring 2025). Details for the latter, also supported by the Mellon Foundation grant, will be forthcoming.
Grant recipients are required to:
- Submit a brief final report on the outcome of their research to the department.
- Present their findings at the Spring 2025 GWSS Conference mentioned above. Graduating students have the option of virtual participation if they graduate before the conference date.