UCR is eligible to submit Track 1 proposals only.

Focus On Recruiting Emerging Climate and Adaptation
Scientists and Transformers (FORECAST) seeks to facilitate the transition from
status quo graduate career preparation to a student-centered model with a
particular emphasis on building entrepreneurial and innovation capacity at
emerging research institutions (ERIs). Transformers are scientists ready to
tackle the challenges the nation and world are facing due to climate change.

Track 1 (1 award; Coordination Hub):

There will be one award to a managing hub organization
(the coordination hub). The coordination hub will oversee the Track 1
undergraduate senior program and assist with coordination of the Track 2
projects. Track 1 proposals may request a total budget (up to five years in
duration) of up to $7.5 million.

The hub organization will develop, design, and deliver
professional development for Track 1 participants. The participants will start
the program, Phase 1, during their senior year and could continue to
participate if they transition to a graduate program, Phase 2. Professional
development should include attention to training and building skills necessary
for making connections between basic science and translation to societal
benefits. These skills include management, having vision, communications, and
knowing how to organize science (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine 2022). The professional development for the cohort should
include entrepreneurial and innovative approaches to community and/or campus
resilience, as well as an introduction to government processes related to
climate resilience. Participants will have the opportunity to develop
transdisciplinary projects while engaging communities in setting up research
goals.

Track 1 Phase 1: The coordination hub will be expected to
use the Education and Training Application Portal (ETAP) to solicit and review
participant applications. Each national cohort of senior undergraduate student
participants should be comprised of at least 25 students. Facilitated by the
coordination hub, participants enrolled in the last year of their undergraduate
program will hone skills on translational research, engaged research, and
innovation. The undergraduate student participants will design research
projects that they could implement as graduate students or develop business
plans in support of the goals and interests of companies or communities.

Track 1 Phase 2: Following their undergraduate education,
Track 1 participants may continue to be supported during the first two years of
a graduate program (Master's or PhD) at a school of their choice. In Phase 2,
graduate student participants will become FORECAST Associates and will continue
to receive professional development and support as they implement the research
projects designed during Phase 1.

The hub will manage funding for all Track 1 participants.
Receiving a living wage while engaged in activities is crucial to facilitate
participation of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds (National
Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine 2023). Undergraduate
participants (Phase 1) will receive a stipend to be paid for time spent
preparing for, traveling to/from, and participating in professional development
activities. Undergraduate student participants who become graduate student
FORECAST Associates (Phase 2) will receive an educational allowance for up to
two years. Phase 2 FORECAST Associates may accept fellowships, tuition
assistance, etc. in addition to the educational allowance provided by FORECAST.

Anticipated funding and award period: The average total award size is expected to be l $7.5M
for the Track 1 award. The duration of the Track 1 award will be a maximum of
60 months.?Anticipated funding amount, number of awards, and average award size
and duration are contingent upon the availability of funds.

Cost sharing: Inclusion of voluntary committed cost
sharing is prohibited.