ACE Student-led Projects Program

Date

The Armour College of Engineering invites proposals for student-led projects to be supported within the Armour College Distinctive Engineering Education Program.

This Spring 2014 semester, Armour College of Engineering is calling for student-led project submissions in the area of Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

This program was started in 2011 in order to enhance the undergraduate experience at IIT. The program provides students with the opportunity to apply their engineering education to some of the most important challenges facing society today.

Student-Led projects include any activities that student groups would like to engage in for the enhancement of their education at IIT. These should lead to a tangible end result. Student-led projects should be supported by a faculty advisor for the team and will require a certain time commitment by the team involved.

The team should be properly defined with goals associated for each team member. Projects should be innovative and newly initiated, rather than ongoing activities for which teams are already established and projects already initiated. Armour College is looking to support Engineering Ideas that lead to Innovative Designs, which could expand to Entrepreneurial Activities.

Participation in these activities will be recognized in a student’s Engineering Portfolio. The proposed projects and related activities are expected to have a high impact on student education and engage a high number of IIT engineering undergraduates. These awards are highly competitive. The most meritorious proposals will receive funding and administrative support from the Armour College and the Armour Undergraduate Student Council to the Dean.

REQUIREMENTS:
Successful proposals will be expected to:

  • Identify how the activity directly addresses Engineering Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
  • Describe how student participation will be maximized.
  • Establish partnerships and collaboration between student organizations.

NOTES:

  • Programs that engage the broader community (e.g. community groups, government, industry, schools, hospitals, etc.) are encouraged but not required.

SUBMISSION AND DEADLINES:
Proposals should be submitted via email to engineering@iit.edu. The email should include the subject line “Student-Led Project Application.” Proposals for activities will be accepted on an ongoing basis, being reviewed upon receipt and approve for funding upon an award. Proposals will be accepted only until March 1, 2014.

Proposal Application Format (Sections to be Included):

  • Cover page which should include:
    • Title of proposed activity
    • Proposed date(s) of activity
    • List student leaders with contact information, year, and major (Maximum 3)
    • List of Faculty/Staff liaison(s) with department and contact information
    • List student organizations involved with contact information
    • Resource Support requested (if any).
  • Description of activity
    This section is an opportunity for students to provide an overview of the activity and describe how it will enhance the IIT educational experience. Activities should be focused on Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Armour College is looking to support Engineering Ideas that lead to Innovative Designs, which could expand to Entrepreneurial Activities.

  • Description of expected or anticipated benefit to the enhancement of students’ learning experience (1 page maximum).

  • Timeline (1 page maximum)
    A timeline should be provided for activities. Also include a detailed schedule on planning and preparation for the project that will be performed.

  • Resources (1 page maximum)
    An itemized description of anticipated resources should be provided. This may include financial support, workspace, materials & supplies, supervised student shop time, etc. All requested needs full justification.

  • Letters of Support
    Include letters of support from collaborators, such as faculty mentors, student groups, national/local foundations, and/or outside groups.