Overview

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) has developed a five-year incentive pay program aimed at supporting nursing and surgical technology faculty who teach on-ground in rural settings. This program is designed to help address workforce shortages in rural Tennessee, particularly in healthcare, by incentivizing qualified faculty to teach in eligible rural areas.

Eligibility Criteria

Faculty members must meet the following criteria to be eligible for the incentive program:

• Must teach in Nursing (A.A.S.), Pre-Practical Nursing, Licensed Practical Nursing, or Surgical Technology program.

• Must teach on-ground in a county designated as rural by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (ECD).

• Faculty teaching in non-eligible campuses but delivering courses on eligible branch campuses are also eligible.

• Only the primary instructor (faculty of record) will qualify for the stipend in team-taught courses.

Administrators and staff members, such as nursing education coordinators, clinical placement coordinators, and simulation lab managers, are not eligible for the stipend.

Incentive Structure

The incentive pay for full-time and part-time faculty will be determined based on credit hours or clock hours taught in eligible rural locations. Full-time faculty stipends will be capped at 15 credit hours per term, while part-time faculty will receive a weighted stipend based on the number of credit hours taught.

The amount paid to each faculty member will fluctuate based on the total number of participating faculty, eligible teaching load, and the total available funds for each term.

General Description:

Using TBR identified HIP or existing research in the field that supports the practice as being “high impact,” the grants will fund inclusion of the proposed student leadership HIPs into co-curriculum at technical and community colleges. Grants will fund innovations to build training and co-curricular opportunities for students to develop skills needed for the successful transition to be contributing members of society and the workforce. 

Funding is for 1-3 years. Max award amount is $30k per proposal. 

Proposals that are funded will be required to submit a final written report and are required to present at the bi-annual conference or another TBR sponsored event. 

No more than 3 proposals per institution.

Timeline and key dates:

Application deadline: February 3, 2025

Award decisions: May 2, 2025

Project Start Dates: July 1, 2025

Reporting dates and schedule: Status reports will be required semi-annually (each six months of the project), with the last report as the final report.

What will NOT be funded:

- Faculty/Staff Salaries, stipends may be considered if sustainability for future funding is demonstrated.

- Equipment

-Stipends for students in mentor roles are allowed with proper justification.

Preference priority for:

• Partnerships with locally governed institutions (LGIs) to encourage movement through the postsecondary pipeline, and that build a sense of community between institutions within a region.

• Proposals that demonstrate support for providing evidence of impact aligned to the State of Tennessee’s 2025-2030 Learning Agenda.

• “Match” proposals where a partner organization provides funds towards the programmatic effort, demonstrating a commitment to student learning, global/cultural awareness, civic engagement, or work-based skills.

Examples of Grant Ideas:

• Peer mentoring programs, learning communities, student leadership and “career ready” trainings or activities that connect students to each other and faculty/staff outside the classroom. 

• Community service opportunities with a local partner that provide logistical and some financial support to engage students in the life of the community.

Link to Application Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_E8KfRwJkSYirgBT1Tt55e-3399DK0kc/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108979648002788853563&rtpof=true&sd=true
 

Rubric for evaluation

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated according to specific selection criteria identified below. Reviewers of your application will use these criteria to rate your proposal, and the overall assessment of your proposal will be based on the extent to which it satisfies the selection criteria. An application may earn up to a total of 100 points based on responses to the selection criteria and up to 10 points based on responses to the priority preferences.

Need for the Project (Maximum 10 points)

In determining the need for the proposed project, the reviewers consider the following factors:

1) The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out by the proposed project. (up to 5 points)

2) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses. (up to 5 points)

Quality of the Project Design (Maximum 30 points)

In determining the quality of project services, the reviewers consider the following factors:

1) The extent to which the proposed project will integrate with or build on similar or related efforts to improve relevant outcomes, using existing funding streams from other sources supported by community, State, and Federal resources. (up to 10 points)

2) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates rationale and sustainability for future funding and support. (up to 15 points)

3) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs. (up to 5 points)

Quality of Project Services (Maximum 25 points)

In determining the quality of project design for the proposed project, the reviewers consider the following factors:

1) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the reviewer considers the quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants. (up to 5 points)

2) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the proposed project. (up to 10 points)

3) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for maximizing the effectiveness of project services. (up to 10 points)

Quality of Project Personnel (Maximum 10 points)

In determining the quality of the management plan for the project personnel, the reviewer considers the following factors:

(1) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel. (up to 10 points)

Quality of the Management Plan (Maximum 10 points)

In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the reviewer considers the following factors:

1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (up to 10 points)

Quality of the Project Evaluation (Maximum 15 points)

In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the reviewer considers the following factors:

(1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (up to 5 points)

(2) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible. (up to 5 points)

(3) The methods of evaluation will, if well implemented, produce promising evidence about the project's effectiveness and ability to scale. (up to 5 points)

Preference Priorities (5 additional points per item)

• Partnerships with other public institutions to encourage movement through the postsecondary pipeline, and that build a sense of community between institutions within a region.

• Proposals that demonstrate support for providing evidence of impact aligned to the State of Tennessee’s 2025-2030 Learning Agenda.

• “Match” proposals where a partner organization provides funds towards the programmatic effort, demonstrating a commitment to student learning global/cultural awareness, civic engagement, or work-based skills.

The first step is to complete the organization ID, which is the UEI number from SAM.gov. Please reach out to your institutional grant representative to find this number or email josh.koller@tbr.edu for assistance.

General Description:

Using TBR identified HIP or existing research in the field that supports the practice as being “high impact,” the grants will fund inclusion of the proposed HIP into curriculum at technical and community colleges. 

Funding is for 1-3 years. Max award amount is $30k per proposal. 

Grant awardees will be required to: complete a high impact practice training session with TBR’s Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning prior to beginning work; submit a final written report; and present results of project at the bi-annual conference or another TBR sponsored event. 

No more than 3 proposals per institution.

Timeline and key dates:

Application deadline: February 3, 2025

Award decisions: May 2, 2025

Project Start Dates: July 1, 2025

Reporting dates and schedule: Status reports will be required semi-annually (each six months of the project), with the last report as the final report.

What will NOT be funded: 

• Equipment costs 
• Travel/membership fees
• Software expenses may be considered if organization can demonstrate a commitment to fund beyond the grant funding cycle.

Preference priority for:

• Proposals that demonstrate the ability to scale across multiple course sections or institutions.

• Proposals that demonstrate support for providing evidence of impact aligned to the State of Tennessee’s 2025-2030 Learning Agenda

• Partnerships with locally governed institutions (LGIs) to include HIPs in transfer pathways or expansion of HIP for students from TCAT to CC or CC to University.

Examples of Grant Ideas:

• Technology Enhanced Learning HIP and use of AI as a high impact TEL in courses.

• Expansion of HIPs into CTE programs.

• Innovations with community and industry partners that leverage HIPs.

Link to Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/11mvcK2-LEl_Ypy178nHTaqlX1z2Tdllg/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108979648002788853563&rtpof=true&sd=true

Rubric for evaluation

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated according to specific selection criteria identified below. Reviewers of your application will use these criteria to rate your proposal, and the overall assessment of your proposal will be based on the extent to which it satisfies the selection criteria. An application may earn up to a total of 100 points based on responses to the selection criteria and up to 10 points based on responses to the priority preferences.

Need for the Project (Maximum 10 points)

In determining the need for the proposed project, the reviewers consider the following factors:

1) The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out by the proposed project. (up to 5 points)

2) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses. (up to 5 points)

Quality of the Project Design (Maximum 30 points)

In determining the quality of project services, the reviewers consider the following factors:

1) The extent to which the proposed project will integrate with or build on similar or related efforts to improve relevant outcomes, using existing funding streams from other sources supported by community, State, and Federal resources. (up to 10 points)

2) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates rationale and sustainability for future funding and support (up to 15 points)

3) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs. (up to 5 points)

Quality of Project Services (Maximum 25 points)

In determining the quality of project design for the proposed project, the reviewers consider the following factors:

1) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the reviewer considers the quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants. (up to 5 points)

2) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the proposed project. (up to 10 points)

3) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for maximizing the effectiveness of project services. (up to 10 points)

Quality of Project Personnel (Maximum 10 points)

In determining the quality of the management plan for the project personnel, the reviewer considers the following factors:

(1) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel. (up to 10 points)

Quality of the Management Plan (Maximum 10 points)

In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the reviewer considers the following factors:

1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (up to 10 points)

Quality of the Project Evaluation (Maximum 15 points)

In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the reviewer considers the following factors:

(1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (up to 5 points)

(2) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible. (up to 5 points)

(3) The methods of evaluation will, if well implemented, produce promising evidence about the project's effectiveness and ability to scale (up to 5 points)

Preference Priorities (5 additional points per item)

• Proposals that demonstrate the ability to scale across multiple course sections or institutions.

• Proposals that demonstrate support for providing evidence of impact aligned to the State of Tennessee’s 2025-2030 Learning Agenda

• Partnerships with universities to include HIPs in transfer pathways or expansion of HIP for students from TCAT to CC or CC to University.

The first step is to complete the organization ID, which is the UEI number from SAM.gov. Please reach out to your institutional grant representative to find this number or email josh.koller@tbr.edu for assistance.

General Description:

The purpose of this grant is to fund new innovations or identify/expand best practices that explore how institutional structures or interventions support students in onboarding, retention, degree completion or transfer. A clear demonstration for how the results will be shared across institutions for professional learning is a key priority. The proposals must demonstrate how the innovation contributes to the field of teaching and/or student success. 

Max award amount $200k per proposal for 1 to 3 years. 

Proposals that are funded will be required to submit a final written report that can be submitted for publication and are required to present at the bi-annual conference or another TBR sponsored event. 

Only one proposal per institution.

Timeline and key dates:

Application deadline: February 3, 2025

Award decisions: May 2, 2025

Project Start Dates: July 1, 2025

Reporting dates and schedule: Status reports will be required semi-annually (each six months of the project), with the last report as the final report.

A virtual or in-person site visit will be required at some point during the grant lifecycle.

What will NOT be funded:

- Faculty/Staff Salaries, stipends may be considered if sustainability for future funding is demonstrated

- Equipment

- Software expenses may be considered if the organization can demonstrate a commitment to fund beyond the grant funding cycle.

Preference priority for:

• Proposals that demonstrate support for providing evidence of impact aligned to the State of Tennessee’s 2025-2030 Learning Agenda

• Proposals that utilize locally governed institutions (LGIs) partners as “experts” for internal professional learning or in the evaluation/research of the proposed intervention.

Link to Template: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-WfceO6cyCM_MySyY0fVHLLTB3Y4BuOg/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=108979648002788853563&rtpof=true&sd=true

Rubric for evaluation

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated according to specific selection criteria identified below. Reviewers of your application will use these criteria to rate your proposal, and the overall assessment of your proposal will be based on the extent to which it satisfies the selection criteria. An application may earn up to a total of 100 points based on responses to the selection criteria and up to 10 points based on responses to the priority preferences.

Need for the Project (Maximum 10 points)

In determining the need for the proposed project, the reviewers consider the following factors:

1) The magnitude of the need for the services to be provided or the activities to be carried out by the proposed project. (up to 5 points)

2) The extent to which specific gaps or weaknesses in services, infrastructure, or opportunities have been identified and will be addressed by the proposed project, including the nature and magnitude of those gaps or weaknesses. (up to 5 points)

Quality of the Project Design (Maximum 30 points)

In determining the quality of project services, the reviewers consider the following factors:

1) The extent to which the proposed project will integrate with or build on similar or related efforts to improve relevant outcomes, using existing funding streams from other sources supported by community, State, and Federal resources. (up to 10 points)

2) The extent to which the proposed project demonstrates rationale and sustainability for future funding and support (up to 15 points)

3) The extent to which the design of the proposed project is appropriate to, and will successfully address, the needs of the target population or other identified needs. (up to 5 points)

Quality of Project Services (Maximum 25 points)

In determining the quality of project design for the proposed project, the reviewers consider the following factors:

1) In determining the quality of the services to be provided by the proposed project, the reviewer considers the quality and sufficiency of strategies for ensuring equal access and treatment for eligible project participants. (up to 5 points)

2) The likely impact of the services to be provided by the proposed project. (up to 10 points)

3) The extent to which the services to be provided by the proposed project involve the collaboration of appropriate partners for maximizing the effectiveness of project services. (up to 10 points)

Quality of Project Personnel (Maximum 10 points)

In determining the quality of the management plan for the project personnel, the reviewer considers the following factors:

(1) The qualifications, including relevant training and experience, of key project personnel. (up to 10 points)

Quality of the Management Plan (Maximum 10 points)

In determining the quality of the management plan for the proposed project, the reviewer considers the following factors:

1) The adequacy of the management plan to achieve the objectives of the proposed project on time and within budget, including clearly defined responsibilities, timelines, and milestones for accomplishing project tasks. (up to 10 points)

Quality of the Project Evaluation (Maximum 15 points)

In determining the adequacy of resources for the proposed project, the reviewer considers the following factors:

(1) The extent to which the methods of evaluation are thorough, feasible, and appropriate to the goals, objectives, and outcomes of the proposed project. (up to 5 points)

(2) The extent to which the methods of evaluation include the use of objective performance measures that are clearly related to the intended outcomes of the project and will produce quantitative and qualitative data to the extent possible. (up to 5 points)

(3) The methods of evaluation will, if well implemented, produce promising evidence about the project's effectiveness and ability to scale (up to 5 points)

Preference Priorities (5 additional points per item)

• Proposals that demonstrate support for providing evidence of impact aligned to the State of Tennessee’s 2025-2030 Learning Agenda
• Proposals that utilize university partners as “experts” for internal professional learning or in the evaluation/research of the proposed intervention.

The first step is to complete the organization ID, which is the UEI number from SAM.gov. Please reach out to your institutional grant representative to find this number or email josh.koller@tbr.edu for assistance.