UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Office of the Vice Provost for Educational Equity (OVPEE) is accepting proposals for its new Equity Discovery Grant for Excellence (EDGE) program.
EDGE provides annual funding for pilot projects and existing initiatives that advance equity, belonging and opportunity across Penn State. Faculty and staff, as well as students working in partnership with a faculty or staff primary investigator, may propose projects that address equity gaps and strengthen belonging across the University.
The deadline to submit proposals for fiscal year 2028 funding is Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2027.
EDGE aligns with Penn State’s strategic plan by investing in innovative ideas developed across campuses, colleges and units. Proposals will be reviewed by volunteers representing a broad range of University locations and functional areas. Both new and returning primary investigators are encouraged to apply.
Faculty and staff who previously received funding through OVPEE’s Equal Opportunity Planning Committee (EOPC) or Campus Access and Success Grant (CASG) programs and are seeking continued support must apply through the EDGE competition. The EOPC and CASG programs will conclude following the fiscal year 2027 grant cycle.
Since 2018, OVPEE seed grant programs have funded more than 250 initiatives focused on areas such as campus climate, curriculum development, leadership development, faculty, staff and student success, and organizational change. These investments have supported projects at most Penn State campuses.
Proposal workshop
OVPEE will host a one-hour virtual EDGE Proposal Writing Workshop at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 27. The session will cover funding priorities, proposal requirements, and the submission and review process. Advance registration is recommended, and a Zoom link will be provided before the workshop.
Additional resources are available on the EDGE website, including a link to the Office of Planning, Assessment, and Institutional Research workshops, such as “Quick Start to Program Assessment,” and AI at Penn State.
OVPEE will also review proposal drafts and provide feedback before the submission deadline as time and capacity permit. Through InfoReady, applicants can save drafts, return to their proposals, and submit them when complete.
To submit a proposal, visit the EDGE Fiscal Year 2028 application page. For more information, contact Sheila Barlock, EDGE administrator, at sdc108@psu.edu.