Penn Language Center is pleased to announce a new cycle of SAS Language Teaching Innovation Grants. We encourage participation from all language educators to ensure a variety of grant proposals.
Please note: Penn Language Center received authorization from the SAS business office to make grant funds payable directly to language teaching faculty. Payments will be disbursed in full with February 2021’s salary.
Important dates:
Ready to apply? Click here to skip ahead to the application
For this grant cycle, five types of grants are available:
1. Summer Asynchronous Language and Culture Course* (up to $2500) – 3 grants
This strand funds the creation of a new asynchronous language and culture course to be offered Summer 2021 for the duration of 6 or 8 weeks. Proposals should include a description of the design of online learning environments when students are not interacting with the instructor or with each other in real time. Description of active learning in this course may include:
2. Summer Synchronous and Asynchronous Language Course in LCTLs and Languages for a Specific Purpose* (up to $1500) – 3 grants
Grants in this strand would support the creation of a new synchronous and asynchronous language and culture course to be offered Summer 2021 for the duration of 6 weeks during Summer I or II. Proposals must include a description of the design of online learning environments when students are not interacting with the instructor, or with each other, in real time, as well as class management and building of community in synchronous class time (Zoom). Description of active learning in this course may include:
3. Language Education through Canvas (up to $1000) – 3 grants
These grants focus on development of materials for effective instruction using a variety of available resources, and development of assessment and rubrics, and specific content and materials for Canvas language courses, etc. These proposals should include blended learning modules designed to facilitate collaborative learning between students to highlight best practices. Awardees will create resources and materials for language courses when working with students on face-to-face and online language projects.
4. Professional Development Grants (up to $300) – 3 grants
This grant strand would support registration fees for presentation at an online conference, seminar, or workshop. Please include email confirmation of acceptance to present.
5. Organization of Online Conference, Seminar, or Workshop (up to $1000) – 1 grant
Grants in this strand fund the hosting of online conferences, seminars, and workshops at the University of Pennsylvania in support of language programs for specific purposes. Proposals must include a clearly articulated budget and a justification of conference topic and format.
*Proposed courses must demonstrate a history of steady enrollments. Courses must meet enrollment minimums to run during the summer term. These grants support course development; summer courses will be paid for as per the teaching contract for the summer sessions.
Grant Workshop
This year's workshop for those interested in submitting a grant
proposal will take place on October 30, 2020 at 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM via Zoom (link to be emailed). 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.
Below are common questions about the SAS Language Teaching Innovation Grants Program:
Who is eligible?
All foreign language lecturers as well as language program coordinators and directors at Penn (in the ranks of (Senior) LFL, Lecturer A or B, or Senior Lecturer) may apply for a grant.
What kind of proposals are appropriate?
Funding may be requested for a wide variety of activities related to language instruction, such as curricular innovation, course improvement, materials development, multimedia projects, etc.
What makes a strong proposal?
Contains well-articulated instructional objectives
Reflects a good match of your goals, skills and previous experience
Contains evaluation measures
Provides for sustainability
Who determines the awards?
Proposals will be reviewed by a sub-committee of the Language Advisory Committee.
How do I apply?
Click here for the application form. Please note that before you submit your proposal, you must ask your language coordinator to review your application.
What should I include in my proposal?
What are the budget guidelines?
Do I need an IRB review?
If you are conducting human research, you may need an IRB. Please go to the website of the Institutional Review Board
for details.
Whom should I contact for more information about my project ideas or proposal?
For help with preparing a proposal, please contact:
For general questions, please contact: