SAS Language Teaching Innovation Grant

Penn Language Center provides language educators at the University of Pennsylvania the opportunity to enhance their instruction with an SAS Language Teaching Innovation Grant. Deadlines and categories for the next grant cycle are announced every October.

Submit your application. Be sure to have your language program coordinator's written approval.

1.   Materials Development (up to $1000) 

• Enrichment or expansion of course materials for an existing language course.
• Redesign of a language course that fulfills the Penn language requirement.
• Development of materials for languages for a specific purpose.

2.   Development of a Proficiency Test (up to $1000)

Development or redesign of a language proficiency test

3.   Research (up to $2000)

We invite original, methodologically and empirically sound studies that focus on learner outcomes. Projects can include studies of AI tools, learner use of AI, instructor transparency regarding the use of AI, with a focus on effective integration.

4.    Professional Development (up to $500) 

This grant strand supports registration fees and travel for participation in or presentation at a conference, seminar, or workshop. Preference given to opportunities that focus on digital pedagogy, assessment, universal design, and proficiency.

5.    Organization of a Conference, Seminar, or Workshop (up to $1000) 

Grants in this strand fund the hosting of in-person or online conferences, seminars, and workshops. Proposals must include goals, themes, format, intended audience, and a detailed budget.

6. Language and Culture Enrichment and Community Engagement (up to $500) 

Grants in this strand supplement departmentally-supported off-campus activities such as trips to museums, cultural centers, and performances, etc. to engage students with the wider target language community. Applications must include clearly articulated learning objectives, curricular integration, pre and post activities, and a detailed budget. Preference given to Penn Language Center lecturers.

7.  Summer Grants for Lecturers B (up to $1000) 

Same categories as above but with the following notable dates:

• May 1 - Deadline to apply
• May 8 - Announcement of grants
• May 15 - Grant accounts become available
• August 31 - Deadline to complete project and submit final report

This year's workshop for those interested in submitting a grant proposal will take place on November 6 in WILL 440 and via Zoom. Topics to be covered include budget and administration, research services at Penn, and technical details of a grant proposal. This is a great opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and gain feedback about your project.

See our Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.