Geology Field Trip Photo

EMPOWER Grant

Minot State University and the MSU Development Foundation are pleased to announce the EMPOWER Grant, which will provide $50,000 in support of academics. Faculty and staff members may request funding up to $15,000 to increase student enrollment, to advance academics, or to enhance the academic experience for students.

Proposals will be reviewed by the President, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Vice President for Advancement. Applicants are advised to develop their grant proposals using the proposal outline included in the request for proposals (RFP). 

FY25 EMPOWER Grant Application Information
Applications open August 26, 2024, and proposals are due September 30, 2024. Funds will be available October 14, 2024 and must be spent by June 30, 2025 according to the Minot State Business Office policies, procedures, and deadlines. 

All proposals are required to have a written document that describes the proposed project using the proposal outline as described in this request for proposal (RFP) document. Incomplete proposals will not be funded. Proposals must be submitted electronically following the directions in the RFP.

Deadline for Proposal Submission: Friday, September 30, 2024

FY25 EMPOWER Grant Awards
Applicants Department Project Title Award
Janelle Green Department of Science Generating Greater Engagement in Anatomy and Physiology Labs $11,799.38
Kelsey Higginson
Paul Brekke
Department of Science, Wellness Center Facilitating Outdoor Recreation Experiences $10,000.00
Yung-Ju 'Ruth' Chen Department of Science Inspiring Future Generations through Kinesiology Outreach $8,500.00
Erin Iverson
Kelly Hackett
Department of Nursing Empowering Education Through Accessible Mid-Fidelity Simulation: Enhancing Hands-On Learning Opportunities $6,500.00
Daniel Conn Department of Education & Inclusive Services  Enhancing Early Childhood Education Opportunities with Head Start $5,000.00
Rachel Schomaker Department of Science Developing an Environmental Health and Microbiology Course for Increased Applied Sciences at Minot State University $3,500.00
Emily Stephens
Kayla Fisher
Kara Nunziato
Erin Holt
Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders Pathways to the Future: Expanding Access and Interest in Speech-Language Pathology Through High School Recruitment and Dual Credit/Early Entrance Education $3,000.00
James Sturm and the Retain and Graduate Committee Retain and Graduate Committee Rise and Grind  $1,750.00
Total  $50,049.38
FY24 EMPOWER Grant Awards
Applicants Departments/Divisions  Grant Title Award
Krystal St. Peter
Penny Craven
Ethan Valentine
Elyzia Powers
Dylan Horner
Addiction Studies, Psychology, and Social Work Empowering Student Researchers $19,937.15
Mary Huston
Robyn Walker
Courtney Olson
Communication Sciences and Disorders Simulation Hearing: A Way to Improve Outcomes $10,808.00
Nigel George
Daren Erisman
Jennifer Sherman
Division of Science
Department of Mathematics and Computer Science
Generative A.I. Tools for Education (G.A.I.T.E.) Initiatives outreach to area schools $3,500.00
Rachel Schomaker Department of Biology Establishing High-Performance Computational Resources for Minot State University's Students $19,533.00
Richelle Johnson  Department of Nursing Empowering Excellence: Enhancing Nursing Education with Expanded IV Pump Resources $18,601.85
Wenjing Zheng
Holly Pedersen
Special Education IIEP: Invitation and Information E-Package $19,740.00
Genevieve Kahrilas Division of Science Tracking Chemical Contamination from Cradle to Grave in Hemp and Hemp-Derived Products $19,992.86
Total $112,112.86
FY23 EMPOWER Grant Awards
Applicants Department/Division Grant Title Award
Evan Borisinkoff
Ruth Soderstrom 
Department of Special Education  Rekindling Connections and Building New Relationships: A Campaign to Increase Student Enrollment at MSU $20,000
Holly Pedersen
Wenjing Zheng
Department of Special Education  R(2)AISE: Recruiting & Retaining American Indian Special Educators $12,500
James Sturm Retain and Graduate Committee Recruit Back $20,000
Beth Marschner Department of Teacher Education & Kinesiology Exercise Science & Rehabilitation Lab Equipment and Supplies $10,000
Aaron Wade Department of Math & Computer Science High School Data Challenge Competition $10,000
Carrie Lewis
Kimberly Tiedman
Department of Nursing Welcome to the Next Level Nursing Student Experience: Immerse Yourself to Prepare to Care $9,250
Daren Erisman
Warren Gamas
Jennifer Sherman
Department of Math and Computer Science, Department of Teacher Education and Kinesiology Empowering Students for Data Science at Minot State University: Program Marketing and Increasing Enrollment from Area High Schools $7,000
Charlotte Sophia Rammell Interdisciplinary Studies Program Prior Learning Assessments across Campus $7,000
Emerson Eads Division of Performing Arts I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes To The Hills: An MSU Concert Choir Recruitment Trip $6,000
Chad Williamson Department of Biology Biogeography of Sapelo Island, Georgia $5,500
Muhammad Abusaqer
Darren Seifert 
Department of Math & Computer Science Empowering Cybersecurity Major through the National Cyber League $3,500
Total $110,750