GRAD STUDENT PROJECTS

The Graduate Assistant project proposals should address a critical issue facing the Western Region.  View the list of Western priorities.   The faculty advisor and student should apply together.  PhD. Students must have passed their qualifying exams to apply.  The budget is $36,000. You can find more information below. 

Graduate Student Grant Program

The Western Rural Development Center (WRDC) funds proposals that present innovative research and educational outreach to advance rural development in the Western U.S. Only full-time graduate students enrolled at accredited land grant universities in the Western region are eligible to apply. At the time of proposal submission, the student must be considered full-time and must have passed their qualifying or preliminary exam.  

This grant program aims to obtain results that address critical issues in Western rural development and enhance the quality of life of rural communities. It emphasizes research issues affecting underserved communities, understudied geographic locations, or unexplored topics.  

Graduate students will work with their advisor and the WRDC staff to pursue impactful research and outreach education that directly benefits rural communities in the Western Region. Students will have access to various WRDC resources and support services during their contract. This may include assistance with project planning and implementation, opportunities for professional development, and access to a network of experts and practitioners in rural development. Additionally, the WRDC might provide additional funding for graduate students to present their research at national conferences. Students are encouraged to disseminate their findings and share best practices through WRDC’s communication channels, such as newsletters, webinars, website articles, and conferences, to amplify the impact of their work. The center will support the students in their work to construct research and policy briefs based on their research studies.  

Each Ph.D. student is awarded $36,000, which can be used to cover various project-related expenses. These may include salary support, fringe benefits, travel costs for fieldwork or conferences, and other project-related expenses. The student will receive $18,000 annually during the two (2) year award. This program does not allow a carryforward balance from year 1 to year 2. Thus, the student must expend the $18,000 budget before August 31 each year.  

All proposals must contain the following:

Submission Checklist

  • Cover page  
  • Project Narrative  
  • Bibliography & References Cited  
  • Project Team Members and Roles   
  • Biographical Sketches of all team members  
  • Letters of Stakeholder Support  
  • Budget and Budget Justification  
  • Timeline  
  • Subrecipient form  
  • Statement of responsibility

Download Proposal Materials (in development)

Proposals are submitted by email at wrdc@uidaho.edu.