Scientific Leadership Awards

Objective

In support of the Science and Technology Directorate's mission to build a pipeline of diverse talent knowledgeable in the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of University Programs administers the Scientific Leadership Awards (SLA) for Minority Serving Institutions (MSI). SLAs fund homeland security-related science, technology, engineering, and mathematics research at MSIs and supplement existing academic institution curricula with homeland security challenges to prepare MSI students for successful careers within the homeland security enterprise. OBJECTIVES: (1) provide advanced professional and research development opportunities for fellows, scholars and faculty in targeted areas; (2)increase the intellectual capacity, skills and talents, especially those of U.S. citizens in areas of relevance to homeland security; (3) to attract undergraduate and graduate students to obtain advanced degrees in disciplines of importance to homeland security; and (4) to increase the diversity of and highly talented cadre of new and emerging science and technology expertise working in areas of importance and need to homeland security.

Who Can Apply

• Specialized group (e.g. health professionals, students, veterans)

Applicants must be from accredited U.S. colleges and universities defined as "minority institutions" by subsection 365 (3) of the Higher Education Act (HEA)(20 U.S.C. subsection 1067K (3)). Student applicants must be U.S. citizens studying in a STEM field relevant to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's mission and objectives. US accredited MSIs are eligible to apply. Student recipients must be U.S. citizens studying in one of the following areas including: computer science, engineering, life sciences, math, physical sciences, psychology, social sciences. Students must have career and employment goals aligned with the mission and objectives of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Who Benefits

• Other private institution/organization
• Other public institution/organization

Undergraduate Student, Graduate Student, and Minority Serving Institution Faculty.

Assistance Types

• Cooperative Agreements

Program Contact

universityprograms@dhs.gov
(202) 254-5631