EDA encourages the submission of applications that will create and nurture regional economic ecosystems through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skill development, workforce training opportunities, applied research and development, technology commercialization, and targeted activities that cultivate entrepreneurship and improve regional economic development.
Through this NOFO, EDA will make awards totaling $7.4 million to the University Center Program. The Chicago and Philadelphia regions will receive a combined total of $2.5 million for the first year of awards under this competition. In previous competitions, the average University Center award was from $80,000 to $200,000, and each participating region has generally made 8 to 10 awards.
An informational webinar for prospective applicants will be conducted by EDA on Wednesday, April 7, at 3:00 pm ET. Registration for this event is not necessary. EDA will also host the first annual University Center Week, April 19-23, 2021. Current University Centers are encouraged to share their success stories via Twitter, using the #EDAUnivCenters hashtag.
For more information on EDA’s University Center program, please visit our University Center webpage.