This opportunity is currently closed.
The Gulf of Mexico is a vital ecosystem, economic engine, and source of cultural and spiritual significance. However, many UF undergraduates, even those from nearby areas, have had little exposure to the diverse challenges and opportunities the Gulf presents. Communities along the Gulf are facing complex environmental, health, and social challenges – all of which are exacerbated by climate change.
UF Gulf Scholars, housed at the UF Bob Graham Center for Public Service, aims to prepare students from diverse academic backgrounds with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to address these complex and dynamic challenges. As the program launches, we invite faculty to apply for the UF Gulf Scholars Course Development Grant. The course will first be taught in the 2025-2026 academic year.
Recipients will receive:
- $4,000 for developing new undergraduate courses related to the Gulf of Mexico.
- $2,000 for enhancing existing undergraduate courses related to the Gulf of Mexico.
Please note: taxes and fringe will be deducted from these payments.
We are also excited to help integrate eligible new and existing courses into UF Quest 1 or Quest 2. Visit the following link for more information: UF Quest Faculty Information
To see examples of our funded courses, visit: Spring 2024 UF Gulf Scholars Course Development Grant Recipients
Background
In 2023, UF was one of five universities selected as a host institution for the third cohort of the Gulf Scholars Program, a five-year, $12.7 million pilot program funded by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The program aims to prepare undergraduate students to address pressing environmental, social, health, energy, and infrastructure challenges in the Gulf of Mexico region. Former UF President Ben Sasse awarded an additional $414,000 in strategic funds from the state legislature to bolster the $475,000 grant.
The UF Gulf Scholars Program includes:
- Development and enhancement of Gulf-related courses.
- Experiential and place-based learning (research, internships, field excursions).
- Faculty-mentored Gulf Impact Projects.
- Public programming focused on Gulf issues.
Students can engage at any level—by taking individual courses, attending events, or participating fully in the program. Those who complete all components before graduation will earn a UF Gulf Scholars medallion. Enrollment in the medallion program opens in 2024. To meet the requirements before graduation, students should have at least four semesters remaining. Courses funded through this grant will play a key role in fulfilling medallion requirements. We are also working toward a Gulf Studies minor or certificate.
Focus Areas (Gulf Streams)
We are particularly looking for courses, research opportunities, internships, and more related to our program pathways, or Gulf Streams:
- Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability
- Cultural Heritage, History, and Storytelling
- Resilient Built Environments and Economies
- Policy and Advocacy
- Public Health
With a focus on civic engagement, public service, and leadership, UF Gulf Scholars will explore the Gulf’s environmental, social, economic, and cultural dimensions, equipping them to promote stewardship, resilience, and innovation as they enter the workforce. Learn more in our web story.
Note that we also have funding available to support student experiential learning opportunities (research, internships, field excursions, etc.). Read more.
Student learning outcomes
Aligned with the Gulf Research Program’s focus on community health, environmental protection, and energy safety, key learning outcomes include:
- Deepening knowledge of the Gulf region.
- Fostering interdisciplinary learning.
- Promoting intercultural competence.
- Encouraging social responsibility and ethical reasoning.
- Cultivating innovation and entrepreneurial thinking.
For more details, visit: UF Gulf Scholars Program Student Learning Outcomes
Eligibility
We welcome applications from tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty with renewable appointments across all disciplines. Courses at any level are encouraged, though upper-level courses should remain accessible to students outside specific majors.
For this program, the Gulf region includes a diverse range of communities, from Florida to Texas, each facing unique challenges. Our courses aim to help students explore the Gulf’s social and ecological connections beyond the coastline.
Grant Requirements
Grant recipients will submit a student roster at the beginning of the semester and anonymized evaluation data on student learning outcomes at the end.
Application Requirements
For new courses:
- A two-page course description, outlining Gulf-related themes and learning outcomes, potential audience, student learning outcomes, and any experiential learning components.
For course enhancement:
- A brief course description.
- Existing syllabus.
- Description of proposed changes.
To view the complete application, view the PDF.
Timeline
- November 17, 2024: Applications close.
- December 2024: Recipients notified of selection.
- Spring 2025: Recipients receive funds.
- Spring – Summer 2025: Recipients develop courses.
- Fall 2025-Spring 2026: Funded courses are taught for the first time.
Deadline
Submit your application by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 17, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and recipients will be notified in Fall of 2024. Disbursements to recipients will be made in Spring 2025.
To apply
Submit your application at the following link: UF Gulf Scholars Course Development/Enhancement Grant Application
Contact
Rebecca Burton, UF Gulf Scholars Coordinator
Bob Graham Center for Public Service
rlburton@ufl.edu | (352) 846-4723