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Consortia Grant Program
{{Expansion depth limit exceeded|ProgramName=Consortia Grant Program |ProgramType=Program |OrgSponsor=National Nuclear Security Administration |TopOrganization=Department of Energy |CreationLegislation=National Nuclear Security Administration Act |Purpose=The Consortia Grant Program supports Minority Serving Institutions by funding collaborative projects to enhance educational capacities in STEM disciplines critical to nuclear security. It aims to develop a diverse, skilled workforce for the Nuclear Security Enterprise through partnerships between institutions and DOE/NNSA laboratories. |Website=https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/minority-serving-institution-partnership-program |ProgramStart=2014 |InitialFunding=Not specified; varies by award cycle |Duration=Ongoing |Historic=false }} Consortia Grant Program (CGP) is an initiative under the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), part of the Department of Energy, designed to bolster STEM education at Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) through collaborative consortia. The program supports Minority Serving Institutions by funding collaborative projects to enhance educational capacities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines critical to nuclear security, aiming to develop a diverse, skilled workforce for the Nuclear Security Enterprise through partnerships with DOE/NNSA laboratories like Oak Ridge and Savannah River. Launched as part of the broader Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP), it fosters academic research and hands-on experience, addressing national security needs while promoting equity and educational excellence.
{{Expansion depth limit exceeded|url=https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/minority-serving-institution-partnership-program}}
Goals
- Enhance STEM education and research capabilities at Minority Serving Institutions.
- Build a diverse, highly skilled workforce for nuclear security through student training and development.
- Foster collaboration between MSIs and DOE/NNSA labs, targeting success metrics like graduate placement in STEM careers.
Organization
The Consortia Grant Program is managed by the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) within the Department of Energy. It operates by awarding competitive grants to consortia of MSIs, often Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), partnering with DOE/NNSA laboratories. Funding comes from federal appropriations through the DOE/NNSA budget, with awards varying by cycle—e.g., seven projects were funded in 2024. Governance involves NNSA oversight, with consortia led by a principal MSI responsible for project execution.
The leader of the program holds the title of MSIPP Program Manager, currently overseen by NNSA leadership under Undersecretary Jill Hruby as of 2025.
Partners
- University of New Mexico
- Florida Agriculture and Mechanical University
- Prairie View Agriculture and Mechanical University
- North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
- Tennessee State University
- South Carolina State University
- Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Savannah River National Laboratory
History
The Consortia Grant Program emerged from the Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program, initiated in 2014 to address workforce diversity gaps in nuclear security. It was authorized under the National Nuclear Security Administration Act of 2000, which established NNSA’s framework, with MSIPP formalized later to focus on MSIs. The program evolved with funding opportunities like DE-FOA-0003285 in 2024, awarding seven consortia for projects in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and nuclear security. It continues to expand, supporting long-term STEM capacity building.
Funding
Initial funding specifics are not publicly fixed, varying by award cycle; for instance, the 2024 cycle supported seven projects with undisclosed totals from DOE/NNSA appropriations. Funding began with MSIPP’s inception in 2014 and continues annually, with no set end date. Additional funding is authorized as needed, sourced from federal budgets, to sustain consortia activities and student development programs.
Implementation
The program is implemented through competitive grant awards to MSI-led consortia, which design projects integrating education, research, and lab collaboration. Strategies include student internships, workshops, and technical training in areas like cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. There is no defined end date; efforts focus on ongoing workforce development, with rollout phased by funding cycles (e.g., 2024 awards announced October 17).
Related
External links
- https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/minority-serving-institution-partnership-program
- https://www.energy.gov/nnsa/articles/nnsa-expands-minority-serving-institution-partnership-program-strengthen-workforce
Social media
References
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