MLA Pathways Step Grants FAQs

Should I let anyone at my university know that I’m applying for a step grant?

Yes; we strongly recommend that you reach out to your sponsored research or programs office, your key institutional grant contact, or whomever processes external awards on your campus. Since the grant is an institutional award, there is a designated institutional contact section built into the application form.

Can I apply from an institution outside the United States or Canada?

Because of the rules established by the funder, the program is only available to applicants from institutions in the United States or Canada.

Are institutions limited to one submission, or can an institution submit multiple proposals? Can more than one person from the same department submit a proposal?

Institutions and departments are not limited to one submission, and each submission will be reviewed on its own merits. The applications should be distinctive enough that they can be evaluated individually. If there are a large number of potential proposals from one institution or department, it may be useful to consider whether any could be submitted as collaborative projects in one application. As a reminder, qualifications and partnerships are considered as part of the evaluation criteria.

Can I include indirect costs in my budget?

No; this program does not provide funding to support indirect costs and, as such, they should not be included in your budget.

Can I see a successful application?

While we’re not sharing successful applications, you can register for the MLA Pathways step grants information session, which will take place on 22 August 2024, 2:00 p.m.–2:45 p.m. ET. This session will be recorded and made available on the MLA website.

My project focuses on preparing high school students for college and spotlights majoring in the humanities. Can I still apply?

Yes; the step grant program welcomes applications centered on building or reinforcing pipelines between high schools and two -year or four-year institutions, including structures and programming to support student success throughout the admissions or transfer process.

Can my budget include food?

Meeting costs, including meals, can be part of the budget and budget narrative. The guidelines emphasize that the meeting costs must be directly relevant to the project.

Do I need to be an MLA member to apply?

No; however, presenters at the MLA convention must join or renew their MLA membership and register for the convention in order to appear on the program.

My project focuses mainly on PhD or MA students. Can I still apply?

No; the step grant program specifically supports projects that focus on undergraduate recruitment, retention, and career readiness.

Does the grant need to specify every key project participant by name, or can a placeholder be used, with the understanding that an individual will be identified at a later date?

Yes; you can use a placeholder for a participant who will be added to the project after the application phase. However, it is beneficial to include as much information as possible about the role. For example, you might consider adding a description of the role’s importance to your project or whether there are specific criteria you’re looking for in filling the role.

Will there be a 2025 round of step grants?

For more information about potential funding in future years, please email pathways@mla.org.

Have a question that wasn’t answered above? Contact pathways@mla.org.

MLA Pathways Step Grants FAQs

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