NIH AREA Program Announcement Extended:

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has confirmed that it will extend the parent R15 Academic Research Enhancement Award (AREA) program announcement (which expired in January) until January 8, 2010. A new R15 parent announcement will be published later this year.

Applicants should note three immediate changes: beginning with the October 25, 2009 receipt date, the funding limit for AREA awards will be increased to $300,000 direct costs, plus applicable facilities and administrative costs, over a project period of up to three years. Applicants should use the modular budget for direct cost amounts up to $250,000 or the detailed budget for direct costs amounts above $250,000.

Eligible institutions are those that have received less than $6 million in funding from NIH. All other aspects of PA-06-042 remain unchanged. For additional information, contact Mary Ann Guadagno at 301/594-4786 or guadagma@od.nih.gov.

Site Merges Federal and Private Education Funding News:

The Foundation Center has launched a new online resource to maximize the impact of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) education funding by linking Department of Education activity with the support provided by private foundations. Foundations for Education Excellence tracks foundation activity in the area of school reform and provides interactive maps, events, and reports related to ED’s reform goals.

Engineering in K 12 Education:

Understanding the Status and Improving the Prospects of
Engineering education in K-12 classrooms is a small but growing phenomenon that may have implications for engineering and also for the other “STEM” subjects–science, technology, and mathematics. Specifically, engineering education may improve…

Award and Administration Guide:

The NSF has released an updated Award and Administration Guide, which will take effect in January 2010 – See report

HRSA Nursing – Health Resources and Services Administration:

ARRA-specific program that will provide $50 million for grants to purchase equipment to be used in health professions training.

Secretary Sebelius Releases $33 Million in ARRA Funds to Train Health Professionals:

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced awards totaling $33 million to expand the training of health care professionals.  The funds are part of the $500 million allotted to HHS’ Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to address workforce shortages under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).