Innovation Micro Grant

1. Experiential Component Description (35%)
   1. How well does the proposed activity align with the description provided?
   2. Is the activity clearly defined, relevant to the course, and engaging for students?
2. Alignment with Learning Outcomes (30%)
   1. Does the activity effectively incorporate experiential learning principles (learning by doing, being, connecting, and reflecting)?
   2. How well does the activity enhance or support the course’s learning objectives?
3. Budget and Feasibility (25%)
   1. Is the funding request reasonable, and is the breakdown of expenses clear and justified?
   2. Is the activity achievable within the course structure and resources?
4. Community Engagement or Professional Connection (10%)
   1. Does the activity involve collaboration with community partners, alumni, or professionals?
   2. If applicable, is an MOU or agreement in place?

1. Experiential Component Description (35%):
   Score = [ ] x 0.35 = [ ]
2. Alignment with Learning Outcomes (30%):
   Score = [ ] x 0.30 = [ ]
3. Budget and Feasibility (25%):
   Score = [ ] x 0.25 = [ ]
4. Community Engagement or Professional Connection (10%):
   Score = [ ] x 0.10 = [ ]

Total Score: [ ] / 100

We have pulled from the Society for Experiential Learning and SUNY guidelines to establish a set of common criteria required for an activity to be considered Experiential Learning.

Experiential Learning Criteria:

1. The activity is structured, intentional, and authentic
2. The activity requires preparation, orientation, and training
3. Reflection is embedded in the activity
4. There will be monitoring and opportunity for continuous improvement
5. The activity will be accompanied by assessment and evaluation

Experiential Learning can happen in and outside of the classroom, and in a variety of different contexts. We have identified 6 current pathways in which ExL typically resides: Internships and Fieldwork; Research and Creative Works; Community-Engaged Learning; Project-Based Learning; Leadership & Student Employment; Study Abroad/Global Engagement 

The Innovation Micro-Grant was established to support innovative ways to get students actively engaged in their learning that may not include all of the Experiential Learning criteria. For this reason, it is loosely defined, and encourages your creativity in designing experiences that encourage your students’ learning by doing, connecting, being and/or reflecting (Flanagan et al., 2024).  

1. Learning by Doing: Engaging directly in authentic tasks to acquire practical skills and knowledge.
2. Learning by Being: Gaining knowledge and understanding through deep immersion in real-world environments and experiences.
3. Learning by Connecting: Enhancing understanding by building relationships and linking concepts, ideas, and experiences.
4. Learning by Reflecting: Critically analyzing personal experiences to derive insights and inform future actions.

 Eligible activities can take place in or outside of the classroom and should be an example of at least one of the above. Examples might include:

• Guest speakers for your classroom
• Case studies/collaborative projects with local employers
• Hack-a-thons
• Pitch competitions
• Subscriptions to software (project-based learning, simulations, etc.)
• Site visits/industry tours

*Please note that this is NOT an exhaustive list! We are excited to learn about innovative ideas you have, and how we can support them.  

Faculty cannot pay themselves or provide themselves with a stipend for this grant.

In general, this is not for use as salary for student interns or student employees.

“Ask for the funds that you think will best meet your needs! We will work with you as deliberatively as we can to identify a source for those funds. There may be some limitations based on SUNY and/or Brockport procurement policies”

The maximum amount of funding for the Innovation Micro-grant is $1000.

Up to ten grants allocated per year.

We will ask that you submit an itemized anticipated budget and only request those funds that are justified by your budget.

Complete the Application and Budget breakdown

If you need support in designing an activity or submitting an application, please email ExperientialLearning@brockport.edu 

Award funds are administered through the Scholarship, Research, & Sponsored Programs Office. Prior to incurring any expenses, booking travel or accommodations, or placing orders for supplies or materials, please contact Yvonne Trobe to ensure you complete the proper purchase request, travel, or other forms to ensure timely reimbursement of expenses. 

We expect funds to be used within 1 year of allocation. Should an award recipient need to revise their budget or request an extension, please complete this form.

No! Experiential Learning can and should happen in and outside of the classroom. Any professional staff leading an eligible experience is encouraged to apply.  

Establishing an internship with an employer in your field*; an engagement with a community-based organization or nonprofit related to your field; a leadership training or position; a faculty or staff-led global experience. Please note that all EL experiences should include all of the Experiential Learning criteria:

1. The activity is structured, intentional, and authentic
2. The activity requires preparation, orientation, and training
3. Reflection is embedded in the activity
4. There will be monitoring and opportunity for continuous improvement
5. The activity will be accompanied by assessment and evaluation

*Please note that these funds should be used for initial expenses in establishing EL opportunities, and should not be relied upon for ongoing expenses (ie. student salaries).

In-class simulations or role-plays; alumni panels or engagements; Industry tours or site-visits. We encourage your creativity – just focus on getting students engaged in application of their learning!