Twice each year, the Program Innovation Fund considers proposals for new activities that meet the educational needs of professionals, adult learners, the workforce and other off-campus constituents.

The Fund welcomes proposals for credit or noncredit programs in a variety of formats, including continuing education courses, conferences, specialized institutes, radio programs, and demonstration projects. Grants — ranging from $1,000 to $20,000 — help underwrite initial program planning, market research and design.

All programs should involve one of the following Outreach units:

• Arts Extension Service
• Continuing & Professional Education
• UMass Extension
• Workforce Development
• University Without Walls (UWW)
• WFCR

Recent successful proposals include:

• Converting general education summer courses at the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences to online formats.
• Adapting the Masters in Public Health in Nutrition degree for online delivery.
• Designing a Graduate Certificate Program in Islamic Studies.
• Enabling volunteer, part-time and first-time municipal officials to access a comprehensive multi-media training program through UMass Extension.
• Adding a Big Band component to the Fine Arts Center’s Jazz in July Summer Music Program.

For more information, or to submit a proposal:

Bernd F. Schliemann, Director
Outreach Planning & Administration
413-545-3882
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