Applications due Sept. 9, 2024
These instructions are for VU investigators. VUMC investigators should contact LSO@vanderbilt.edu for more information.
Vanderbilt University may submit two proposals to the VentureWell Ecosystem Futures Fellowship program. This new fellowship is an evolution of the VentureWell Course & Program Grants that focuses on scalable science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) innovation and entrepreneurship (I&E) ecosystem solutions through the lens of environmental and social sustainability and inclusive innovation. This program offers professional development, immersive learning experiences, and a supportive community of leaders. It enhances the role of faculty and higher education leaders as ecosystem builders in partnership with industry and government.
Overview
The VentureWell Ecosystem Futures Fellowship (referenced herein as the Fellowship) is a one-year experience that supports higher education leaders as they advance STEM I&E ecosystem growth centered in core themes of environmental and social sustainability and inclusive innovation. Fellowship teams consisting of at least one faculty member and one other institutional employee will create STEM I&E ecosystem growth plans that integrate sustainability as well as access and participation for traditionally underrepresented, underestimated, and emerging groups. This fellowship enhances both in-class and out-of-class student engagement and institutional culture by growing ecosystem networks. Teams of two will receive $35,000 in funding—a $10,000 award and $7,500 in travel stipends for each fellow—and 12 months of immersive programming and communities of practice.
The central goal of the fellowship is to build institutional support with faculty and university leadership to embed I&E in courses, co-curricular and extracurricular activities, and policies and structures. This will create a robust campus environment that offers multiple opportunities for student engagement, enhancing their learning in and outside the classroom and through various community settings. This approach will expand students’ pathways and participation in I&E activities, showcasing the inventive mindset of emerging talent in STEM.
During the fellowship year, fellows will:
- Analyze their campus STEM I&E ecosystem through the lens of equity and inclusion, and social and environmental sustainability
- Identify currently existing campus strengths, assets, gaps, and barriers to a robust STEM I&E ecosystem
- Create a STEM I&E ecosystem growth plan that addresses their campus gaps and barriers with the goal of strengthening their ecosystems, using a multistakeholder approach
- Prepare to apply for the VentureWell 2026 ecosystem impact challenge grant or other funding opportunities that will support fellows in executing their STEM I&E ecosystem growth plans
To ensure the best chance of facilitating meaningful change on your campus, VentureWell requires that fellowship applicants commit to full participation in all fellowship activities. If your fellowship team is selected, both members of your team will be required to actively participate in the following events:
- kickoff meeting (via Zoom) in March 2025 three on-campus immersive experiences
- VentureWell’s annual conferences
- at least eight community of practice sessions (via Zoom), beginning May 2025
Eligibility
Fellowship team eligibility requirements are as follows:
- Applications must include two team members with affiliation at one or more accredited United States–based college or university.
- At least one team member must hold a faculty position.
- The second team member may be faculty, an I&E administrator or staff member, a representative from the president’s or provost’s office, a dean, or other relevant higher education staff member.
See the guidelines for more information.
Internal Application Process
Interested faculty should visit this page to submit an application for the internal LSO competition and to find additional information about the opportunity. The deadline for the internal competition is Sept. 9, 2024.
Any questions about this opportunity or the LSO process may be directed to VU-LSO@vanderbilt.edu.
