The Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS) for Fiscal Year 2025, administered by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), supports projects aimed at increasing participation by women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in STEM fields. With a total anticipated funding of $1,800,000, this program seeks to create a pipeline of skilled individuals in the agricultural workforce, fostering educational equity and economic development in rural communities. Applications must be submitted electronically by 5:00 PM Eastern Time on February 27, 2025. The program does not require a letter of intent.

The primary purpose of the WAMS program is to integrate educational and outreach efforts to enhance STEM participation among K-14 students—those in kindergarten through the second year of post-secondary education. Projects focusing on four-year undergraduate or higher-level studies are not eligible. Funded projects should align with objectives such as addressing climate change, advancing racial equity, enhancing food and agricultural science education, and fostering leadership and professional development among participants. The program also emphasizes the incorporation of soft skills, traditional ecological knowledge, and leadership development to prepare students for STEM careers in agriculture.

Eligible applicants include state agricultural experiment stations, colleges, universities, research institutions, private organizations, corporations, federal agencies, and individuals. Collaborative partnerships are encouraged to maximize impact. Projects must align with one or more of the defined Educational Need Areas, such as student experiential learning, recruitment and retention programs, or curriculum development. Each project must include measurable objectives, an evaluation plan, and clearly articulated outcomes that contribute to educational or community development.

Funding awards range from $25,000 to $200,000 for projects spanning 24 to 36 months. The program mandates a 1:1 match of non-federal funds unless a waiver is granted under specific circumstances. Budgets must be detailed and reasonable, with up to 10% of the grant funds allowed for independent evaluation. Indirect costs are capped at 30% of the total federal funds awarded. Applications are limited to two per institution, with a maximum of one award per institution as the lead applicant.

Applications must include a detailed project narrative, a data management plan, and a mentoring plan for student support activities. Evaluation criteria emphasize the project’s potential for advancing STEM education quality, the soundness of the proposed approach, institutional capacity, and cost-effectiveness. Proposals will undergo a scientific peer review to ensure relevance, merit, and alignment with program goals. Successful projects are expected to contribute to USDA's strategic goals of fostering economic development in rural areas and building an engaged, diverse workforce.

For further information, applicants can contact program representatives or access resources via Grants.gov. A pre-application webinar is available, and accommodations for language accessibility are provided. This program represents an opportunity to address the critical needs in STEM education and workforce development for women and minorities in rural communities.