Funding for Faculty and Higher Education Stakeholders

As we advance our support for innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education, VentureWell is transitioning from the Course & Program Grants (C&P Grants) to the VentureWell Ecosystem Futures Fellowship. This fellowship is designed to continue the legacy of empowering faculty leaders and higher education stakeholders, focusing on fostering sustainable and inclusive STEM ecosystems. We are excited to carry forward the mission of nurturing the next generation of educational changemakers through this impactful program.

By the Numbers

• Since 1996, we have awarded nearly $21M in funding through our faculty initiatives, including $15.2M+ through C&P Grants.
• In the past three years, C&P Grants have helped faculty to create or improve 551 courses and/or programs, serving 30,000+ students.
• 275 institutions have benefited from C&P Grants.

Celebrating Success

C&P Grants have driven significant advancements in STEM education, fostering hands-on learning and real-world problem-solving. Explore some of our impact stories:

Inclusive Innovation: University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s grant empowered students to address food and nutrition equity in underserved communities.

Sustainable Solutions: Stony Brook University launched a Sustainable Entrepreneurship Graduate Certification Program, propelling students to develop environmentally conscious startups.

Community Engagement: Portland State University’s Post-Launch Accelerator for Student Startups created a founder community and mentorship opportunities.

View details on all grantees from 2014 to 2024.

Why We’re Evolving: Embracing a New Chapter in Ecosystem Development

As the landscape of higher education evolves, so does our approach to fostering innovation. The transition from C&P Grants to the new VentureWell fellowship is guided by faculty insights and current trends, aiming to strengthen innovation & entrepreneurship (I&E) campus culture and student engagement—both within and beyond the classroom—by evolving ecosystem networks.

An Immersive Fellowship Experience for Faculty & Funding To Expand Ecosystem Capacity

The new VentureWell fellowship is an evolution of our C&P Grants model, focusing on scalable STEM I&E solutions through the lens of environmental sustainability and inclusive innovation. This program offers professional development, immersive learning experiences, and a supportive community of leaders.

VentureWell is replacing a three-year, $30,000 program with two opportunities: the new one-year fellowship and a two-year challenge grant, totaling up to $135,000 over three years.

Key Features of the New VentureWell Fellowship

• Develop courses, policies, and co-curricular programs to promote research and development (R&D) translation focused around environmental sustainability and inclusive innovation.
• Receive $35,000 in funding for teams of two (one must be faculty) from U.S.-based colleges and universities.
• Create a STEM I&E ecosystem growth plan to scale interventions in partnership with university leadership and external partners.

More information about the two-year challenge grant will be released in 2025. Institutions will be able to apply for additional funding to execute their I&E ecosystem growth plan, fostering collaboration between faculty and higher education leadership.

Learn more about C&P Grants’ impact over the years.

Our Commitment to Emerging Research Institutions

We are dedicated to inviting emerging research institutions, including Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs), to participate in our new fellowship and grant programs. Our approach leverages their strengths to integrate them into STEM ecosystems and advance commercialization efforts.

We appreciate every student, educator, and institution that has contributed to the success of the C&P Grants. As we transition to the new VentureWell fellowship, we carry forward the spirit of innovation that you have helped to foster.

Thank you for being part of our story. Let’s continue to innovate together.

Stay Updated

Be the first to hear about news and updates on the new VentureWell fellowship by signing up for our waitlist!

For Further Engagement

• Share Your Story: We would love to hear how the C&P Grants have influenced your journey. Submit your story and celebrate the collective achievements of our community.
• Learn More About Our Alumni: Our network is rich with past grant recipients who continue to innovate and inspire. Learn more.
• Stay Informed: Keep up to date with the latest news and insights from VentureWell. Subscribe to our newsletter.