U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement (NOFO), Minority Serving Institutions Grant Program (MSIGP), Scholarships and Fellowships, Fiscal Year (FY) 2024.

Background
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is an independent agency established by the Atomic Energy Act of 1954. It is tasked with licensing and regulating the Nation’s civilian use of nuclear materials to ensure public health and safety, promote defense and security, and protect the environment.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is issued by the NRC’s Office of Small Business and Civil Rights (SBCR) to fund scholarships and fellowships for Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs). The aim is to enhance knowledge and skills relevant to nuclear safety, security, environmental protection, or other critical fields related to the NRC's mission.

Grant Details
The MSIGP aims to support scholarships for institutions of higher education that offer bachelor’s degrees, trade schools, and community colleges providing certificate programs or associate degrees.

The program objectives include:
1) Supporting scholarships for nuclear and/or STEM-related disciplines;
2) Developing a skilled workforce capable of supporting nuclear facilities;
3) Providing fellowships for advanced studies in nuclear science;
4) Assisting low-income individuals and first-generation college students through trade school scholarships.

Specific funding details include:
- Scholarships for Bachelor’s Degree Institutions: Up to $200,000 over three years with a maximum of $10,000 per student;
- Scholarships for Trade Schools/Community Colleges: Up to $150,000 over two years with a maximum of $10,000 per student;
- Fellowships for Master’s/Doctoral Programs: Up to $400,000 over four years with a maximum of $50,000 per year.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible institutions include Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSIs), Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal-Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCUs), Native American Non-Tribal Institutions (NANTI), Alaskan Native or Native Hawaiian-Serving Institutions (ANNHIs), Asian American Pacific Islander Institutions (AANAPISIs), Public/State Controlled Minority Institutions of Higher Education, and Private Minority Institutions of Higher Education.

Applicants must be U.S. citizens enrolled full-time in accredited programs relevant to nuclear or STEM-related fields.

Period of Performance
The estimated start date for funded projects is May 30, 2025. The scholarship program spans three years for bachelor’s degree institutions and two years for trade schools/community colleges. Fellowships are available for four years.

Grant Value
The total estimated budget for the scholarship and fellowship programs is $1,975,000. The NRC anticipates awarding between 5-8 grants depending on the quality and costs of applications received.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed at eligible Minority Serving Institutions across the United States.