Timeline: Weeks 9-12
Deliverables: 3-page TPG proposal + 12-minute presentation
All due dates on course schedule and course Google calendar.
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Overview
Phase 3 transforms your research into a compelling proposal for funded undergraduate work. You’ll write a professional grant proposal and present your project to the class, demonstrating both your expertise and communication skills.
Part A: TPG Proposal Development
Understanding TPG Grants
Theory into Practice Grants fund undergraduate projects that connect academic learning with real-world application. Your proposal should demonstrate:
- Significance: Why this project matters
- Feasibility: That you can realistically complete it
- Preparation: That you have the knowledge and skills needed
- Impact: How it will contribute beyond your personal learning
Proposal Requirements
- Length: Exactly 3 pages
- Budget: Typically $3k-7k (maximum $10k)
- Format: Follow official TPG guidelines
- Audience: Faculty reviewers who may not be experts in your specific topic
AI Support Available: Use AI Worksheet 3: Proposal Development to:
- Strengthen your proposal’s logical structure
- Identify potential weaknesses reviewers might see
- Develop compelling language for impact and significance
- Create realistic timelines and budgets
- Anticipate and address potential concerns
Part B: Proposal Structure & Content
Page 1: Project Description & Significance
Project Title & Summary
- Clear, descriptive title that conveys your focus
- 2-3 sentence summary of what you’ll do
Problem Statement
- What environmental/social issue does your project address?
- Why is this issue important and timely?
- Use evidence from your research to establish significance
Project Goals & Objectives
- What specifically do you hope to accomplish?
- What questions will you answer or problems will you solve?
- How does this connect to your academic and career goals?
Page 2: Methodology & Timeline
Approach & Methods
- How will you conduct this work?
- What research methods, community engagement, or practical activities?
- Why is this approach appropriate for your goals?
- What examples from your sources support this methodology?
Timeline
- Realistic schedule for project activities
- Key milestones and deliverables
- How will you use the funding period effectively?
Resources & Partnerships
- What organizations, mentors, or community partners will you work with?
- What facilities, equipment, or materials do you need?
- How will you access necessary resources?
Page 3: Evaluation, Impact & Budget
Evaluation Plan
- How will you measure success?
- What evidence will demonstrate you’ve achieved your goals?
- How will you document and share your work?
Broader Impact
- How might your work contribute beyond personal learning?
- What are potential applications or implications?
- How does this fit into larger environmental/social efforts?
Budget
- Detailed, justified expenses
- Connect each cost to specific project activities
- Demonstrate responsible use of funds
- Include brief budget narrative
Your Preparation
- Why are you qualified to undertake this work?
- What relevant coursework, experience, or skills do you bring?
- How has your research prepared you?
Part C: Presentation Development
Presentation Format
- Length: 12 minutes total (10 minutes presenting + 2 minutes Q&A)
- Format: Google Slides in your shared class folder
- Audience: Classmates and instructor
Required Presentation Elements
Slide 1: Title & Introduction
- Project title, your name, date
- Brief hook to engage audience interest
Slides 2-3: Project Overview & Context
- The problem or issue you’re addressing
- Why this matters (use research from your annotated bibliography)
- Your specific focus and research question
Slides 4-5: Project Objectives & Methods
- What you plan to accomplish
- Your approach and methodology
- Timeline for major activities
Slides 6-7: Evaluation & Impact
- How you’ll measure success
- Expected outcomes and deliverables
- Broader significance of your work
Slide 8: Personal Connection
- Why this topic matters to you personally
- How it connects to your values and career goals
- What you hope to learn
Slide 9: Budget Overview
- Major budget categories
- How funding will be used
- Value proposition for investment
Slide 10: Conclusions & Questions
- Key takeaways
- Thank you
- Invitation for questions
Presentation Tips
- Practice out loud at least twice before presenting
- Time yourself – 10 minutes goes quickly
- Prepare for questions – anticipate what classmates might ask
- Use visuals effectively – avoid text-heavy slides
- Tell a story – connect problem → approach → impact
- Be enthusiastic – your passion should come through
Part D: Special Considerations
Research with Communities
If your proposal involves working with Indigenous peoples or other communities, review the special guidelines and address ethical considerations in your proposal.
Citations in Proposals
Unlike academic papers, grant proposals use minimal citations. Include citations when you:
- Quote directly from a source
- Reference specific data or statistics
- Cite foundational work that supports your approach
- Mention key studies that inform your methodology
Focus on integrating research insights rather than citing extensively.
Budget Development
Create a realistic budget that includes:
- Travel costs (mileage, flights, lodging if applicable)
- Materials and supplies specific to your project
- Fees for conferences, workshops, or training
- Community partnership costs if applicable
- Documentation costs (printing, website development, etc.)
Avoid:
- Personal expenses unrelated to the project
- Overly expensive items without clear justification
- Vague or generic budget categories
Formatting Requirements
Proposal Format
- Google Docs only
- File name: “TPG Proposal – [Your Name]”
- Length: Exactly 3 pages (not 2.9 or 3.1!)
- Font: 11pt, default font
- Spacing: 1.5 line spacing
- Margins: Default margins
Presentation Format
- Google Slides only
- File name: “TPG Presentation – [Your Name]”
- Length: 10-12 slides maximum
- Design: Professional, readable fonts and colors
Both documents should be saved in your shared class folder.
Success Strategies
Proposal Writing
- Start with your research – use your annotated bibliography as foundation
- Write for reviewers who aren’t experts in your specific topic
- Be specific and concrete – avoid vague generalizations
- Show, don’t just tell – provide evidence for your claims
- Connect everything – each section should support your overall argument
Presentation Preparation
- Know your audience – what will interest your classmates?
- Practice transitions between slides and ideas
- Prepare backup plans – what if technology fails?
- Anticipate questions – especially about feasibility and methods
- Time management – leave buffer time for Q&A
Getting Feedback
- Use office hours to discuss drafts and get input
- Run ideas by classmates – they can identify unclear points
- Practice presentations with friends or family
- Revise based on feedback – good proposals go through multiple drafts
Common Challenges & Solutions
“My proposal seems too ambitious” → Scale back scope; focus on what’s realistically achievable in timeframe
“I don’t have enough to fill 3 pages” → Develop your methodology and impact sections more fully; add specific details
“My budget seems too high/low” → Research actual costs; justify each expense; discuss in office hours
“I’m nervous about presenting” → Practice multiple times; focus on your passion for the topic; remember classmates want you to succeed
“My topic seems boring compared to others” → Focus on why YOU find it compelling; every environmental issue has significance
Assessment Criteria
Proposal Evaluation
- Significance: Clear, compelling case for why project matters
- Feasibility: Realistic scope, methods, and timeline for undergraduate work
- Preparation: Evidence that you have knowledge and skills needed
- Methodology: Appropriate, well-justified approach
- Impact: Thoughtful consideration of outcomes and broader significance
- Budget: Realistic, detailed, well-justified expenses
- Writing quality: Professional tone, clear organization, error-free
Presentation Evaluation
- Content: Comprehensive coverage of project elements
- Organization: Logical flow and clear structure
- Communication: Clear, engaging delivery
- Visuals: Effective use of slides to support content
- Time management: Appropriate pacing within time limit
- Q&A handling: Thoughtful responses to questions
Real TPG Submission
Remember: You’re not required to submit this proposal, but you could! Many students do submit their class proposals and receive funding. If you’re interested:
- Refine based on feedback from this class
- Schedule consultation with TPG mentors in IOCP office (Slocum 311)
- Review submission deadlines on the TPG website
- Consider summer or next academic year timing
Submission Process
For Proposals
- Complete your 3-page proposal
- Proofread carefully – professional documents matter
- Check page count – exactly 3 pages
- Save in shared folder with proper filename
- Email instructor when ready for review
For Presentations
- Upload slides to shared folder before your presentation day
- Test technology before class begins
- Bring backup (email slides to yourself)
- Arrive early to set up
Questions? This is the culmination of your semester’s work – use all available support to make it strong!