On Tuesday, February 11, Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning Erin Sanders O’Leary shared this message via Bruin Post
As part of ongoing efforts to elevate teaching at UCLA in alignment with Goal 4 of the UCLA Strategic Plan, the Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) has launched the Educational Innovation Grants program. This program equips instructors of record with resources and support to enhance their teaching practices and advance innovative and engaging instructional approaches.
The program is organized into tiers with varying levels of support, offering instructors funding options and distinct pathways to apply for course innovation resources. The TLC is currently accepting applications for Tiers 1 and 2, and proposals for Tier 3.
Tier 1: Seed Grants
Seed Grants recognize the ways small sums of money can encourage (or seed) experimentation and curricular innovation. Tier 1 seed grants support small-scale, short-term projects that augment instruction with up to $1,000 per instructor of record per academic year. Examples of expenses covered by these grants include honoraria, course-related excursions, poster printing costs for related project presentations, professional development activities, and software or licensing expenses to use new academic technologies. Please note that all applications including software or licensing requests must consult with the Bruin Learn Center of Excellence and their local IT support unit. Visit the TLC Tier (1 Seed Grants) Program page for a full list of qualified expenses and exclusions, application guidelines, and other information. Applications are accepted quarterly during the academic year.
Applications for spring quarter 2025 are being accepted now through Monday, March 31.
Tier 2: Sandbox Grants
Tier 2 grants fund instructor-initiated projects designed to improve teaching practices and curriculum by providing up to $6,000 per instructor of record per academic year. Applicants should be able to clearly address how the proposed course intervention and associated resources will improve student learning, engagement, or the overall academic experience. Visit the TLC Tier 2 (Sandbox Grants) Program page for additional information about eligible projects and application requirements. Applications are accepted quarterly during the academic year.
Applications for spring quarter 2025 are being accepted now through Friday, March 21
Tier 3: Catalyst Grants
Tier 3 grants fund more substantial instructor-initiated course interventions and program development projects that advance teaching practices, curriculum, and pedagogical research. These projects should inspire new ways of engaging students in innovative instruction. Tier 3 grants range from $6,000 to $35,000, and individual instructors are eligible for up to two consecutive years of grant support. Instructors who receive catalyst grants may request in-kind support from the TLC in the form of course and curricular design, project assessment, media production, and teaching workshops to help implement funded projects. Visit the Tier 3 (Catalyst Grants) Program page for more information on funding guidelines and proposal requirements. Proposals are accepted on an annual basis.
Proposals for projects planned during fiscal year 2025–26 are due Friday, April 4.
We look forward to supporting our educator community in their commitment to improving the educational experience for all our Bruins. We welcome submissions from instructors teaching undergraduate, graduate, and professional students at UCLA.
Full eligibility and application/proposal information for the Educational Innovation Grants program can be found on the TLC website. Please contact Associate Vice Provost and Chief of Staff Eric Wells at EWells@teaching.ucla.edu for questions or to schedule a consultation about your proposal. To receive information and updates from the TLC,sign up for our email list.