Work-Based Learning
Micro Grants
As an expansion to Curricular Mapping consultations available to Humanities faculty, the Monarch Humanities Internship Academy is pleased to announce the availability of Curriculum Development Work-Based Learning Micro Grants to support the expansion of work-based learning in Humanities curricula. Awards of up to $2500 are available for the 2025-2026 academic year.
Funding is available for pedagogical activities related to engaging current and prospective humanities students in work-based learning (WBL) experiences aligned with the “Explore, Prepare, Apply” framework. Examples include, but are not limited too:
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Redesigning or streamlining a course by creating new assignments and exercises
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Pilot testing modules which can be broadly incorporated across course sections taught by multiple instructors, or
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Developing a departmental workshop that teaches WBL techniques to faculty across the department or program
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and continue until all funds have been distributed. The first round of reviews will be completed during the week of May 19, 2025.
The Framework
Old Dominion University defines work-based learning (WBL) as a structured learning experience that integrates academic knowledge with real-world application to enhance student learning, skill development, and professional readiness. As a curricular approach, WBL intentionally scaffolds learning experiences such that students move from basic to mastery proficiency at progressively more complex levels. The Academy has operationalized this curricular approach through the “Explore, Prepare, Apply” framework.
A student pursuing a degree in the Humanities at Old Dominion University will have the opportunity to engage in WBL across three levels:
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Students will Explore career fields related to the Humanities and their major. The primary focus is on early-stage courses introducing career options, strengths mapping, and foundational communication strategies.
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Students will Prepare to engage in field-based experiences. This level emphasizes mid-level courses developing transferable skills such as problem-solving and real-world application.
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Students will Apply disciplinary learning in real-world settings. This level focuses on advanced courses (capstones, internships) where students engage in professional settings and reflect on their identities.
Faculty who teach grant-approved Humanities programs and would like to participate in a curricular mapping consultation or learn more about the WBL Micro Grant should reach out to Dr. Lanah Stafford (lstaffor@odu.edu) Director, High Impact Learning Initiatives, Office of Academic Success for more information.
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Do I need to include high-impact practices?Inclusion of High Impact Practices Applicants are encouraged to consider the inclusion of High Impact Practices (HIPs) as part of their Micro Grant efforts. Championed by the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U), HIPs are approaches to teaching and learning that have been demonstrated to enhance student engagement and academic achievement. Old Dominion University proudly supports the following HIPs which strongly align with the Academy’s Micro Grant process: Capstone Courses and Projects Collaborative Assignments and Projects ePortfolios Internships Learning Communities Service- or Community-Based Learning Experiences and Projects Undergraduate Research Projects Writing Intensive Courses To learn more about HIPs, visit: aacu.org/trending-topics/high-impact
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What is the review criteria for the grant?Your proposal will be reviewed by Academy personnel and relevant Subject Matter Experts according to the following criteria: Approach – 40% Clearly identifies gap in curriculum Proposed activities are clearly aligned Strategies are practical/feasible Achievement of Outcomes – 40% Project aligns to Explore, Prepare, Apply outcomes Strategies support student achievement of outcomes Demonstrations of achievement are appropriate and provide evidence of outcome attainment Project Impact – 10% Project is reproducible Approach is sustainable without future grant support Significant number of students (based on average annual enrollment) are impacted Budget Plan – 10% Budget plan is well-defined Budget plan is feasible As a reminder, accomplishments and lessons learned by the WBL Micro Grant recipients will be shared as an important step in fostering a college-wide dialog on WBL in the humanities.To that end, if your proposal is funded, you will be expected to submit a final report that provides sufficient documentation of all activities, student work samples, and insights from the experience. These reports will be published as resources for the Arts & Letters community.
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Which faculty are eligible to apply for this grant?Faculty members who teach undergraduate courses in the following humanities degree programs are eligible to apply: African American & African Studies (B.A. or B.S.) Asian Studies (B.A.) Art History (B.A.) Visual Studies (B.A.) Applied Language Studies, English (B.A.) Creative Writing, English (B.A.) Journalism, English (B.A.) Literature, English (B.A.) Professional Writing, English (B.S.) Technical Writing (B.A.) Cinema & TV Production, Communications (B.A. ) Communication Studies, Communications (B.A.) Media Studies, Communications (B.A.) Organizational & Interpersonal Communication (B.A.) Cinema Production, Theatre (B.A.) Philosophy (B.A.) Political and Legal Studies, Philosophy (B.A.) Religious Studies, Philosophy (B.A.) History (B.A.) Spanish, World Cultural Studies (B.A.) German, World Cultural Studies B.A.) French, World Cultural Studies (B.A.) Japanese, World Cultural Studies (B.A.) Women's & Gender Studies (B.A. or B.S.) Instructors from both TT and NTT career tracks may apply, but are required to have participated in the Humanities at Work Faculty Workshop prior to submitting a proposal. While not required, applicants are strongly encouraged to meet with the university’s Director of High Impact Learning Initiatives to discuss the proposal before an application is submitted.
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Who can I contact for more information or help with my WBL Micro Grant application?For general inquiries, application assistance, or to participate in a curricular mapping consultation, please reach out to Dr. Lanah Stafford (lstaffor@odu.edu), Director, High Impact Learning Initiatives, Office of Academic Success.
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What are the expectations for students who receive the award?If your proposal is funded, you will be expected to submit a final report that provides sufficient documentation of all activities, student work samples, and insights from the experience. These reports will be published as resources for the Arts & Letters community. Specific details on grant report expectations will be provided to awardees.
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What is the institutional context for this grant?Monarch Humanities Internship Academy (the Academy) provides pathways, resources, and stipends to expand work-based learning (WBL) opportunities for humanities students. Through the Curriculum Development Work-Based Learning Micro Grant program, the Academy provides pedagogical resources and financial incentives to empower faculty to more intentionally incorporate WBL in the Humanities curricula. The flexibility of the WBL Micro Grants centers faculty insights and expertise to identify and design a strategy that best meets the needs of their program and students. With their discipline-specific expertise, professional networks, and daily interactions with students as instructors and mentors, humanities faculty are vital partners in this collaborative effort.
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What are the grant requirements?All WBL Micro Grant proposals must incorporate WBL in alignment with one area of the “Explore, Prepare, Apply” framework and produce evidence demonstrating achievement of the outcomes associated with the selected area. Accomplishments and lessons learned by WBL Micro Grant recipients will be shared as an important step in fostering a college-wide dialog on WBL in the humanities. To that end, Grant awardees must submit a final report that provides sufficient documentation of all activities, student work samples, and insights from the experience. These reports will be published as resources for the Arts & Letters community. Student samples may only be shared with proper consent in compliance with FERPA regulations.
Apply now!
Final award amount will be contingent on the scope of the project. For the 2025-2026 funding year, additional funds may be distributed to awardees who are willing to provide feedback about the Micro Grant award and grant process. Projects must be completed in the year in which the micro grant is awarded.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and continue until all funds have been distributed.