What We're Working On

The Educational Innovation work of the Steering Committee involves creating processes to gather faculty input on tools and strategies that enhance pedagogy and facilitating reporting on these tools' effectiveness (i.e., white papers and conference presentations). This work also includes designing and implementing the Instructional Innovation Seed Grant program.

Instructional Innovation Seed Grant Program

This grant program is intended to provide the opportunity to experiment, test, or implement a teaching innovation that addresses an important instructional concern and improves teaching and student learning with the goal of increasing student success. Note: LEAPS Council and Steering Committee members are not eligible.

The full application guidelines and proposal criteria are found in the “Resources” section below. Email LEAPS@umaryland.edu with any questions.

  • Two $7,500 awards
  • Two $5,000 awards

  • Experimental or unusual instructional equipment or technology
  • Innovative instructional methods and procedures — utilizing emerging technologies
  • Atypical or newly available course materials
  • Conference travel for project team members
  • Purchase of research-related tools or materials (e.g., assessment instruments)
  • Visits to field sites, industrial facilities, or cultural centers that advance teaching and learning
  • Student wages, if the work advances teaching or improves student learning (include wage and hours in budget)
  • Interdisciplinary teaching

November 15, 2025: Call for submissions 

February 1, 2026: Deadline for submissions 

March 15, 2026: Notify applicants of decision on their grant proposals 

March 26, 2026: Awardees celebrated at 4th Annual LEAPS Symposium 

June, 2027: Awardees will submit a final report 

2026-2027 LEAPS Seed Grant Application Instructions

2026-2027 LEAPS Seed Grant Application Instructions

Many thanks to the dedicated team members of the inaugural Educational Innovation subcommittee!

  • Jim Kucher, DPA, MBA, Graduate School (Co-Chair)
  • Tanya Thomas, JD, MLS, Carey School of Law (Co-Chair)
  • Sapphire Boone, LCSW, School of Social Work
  • Heather Congdon, PharmD, BCPS, CDE, School of Pharmacy
  • Bridgitte Gourley, DNP, FNP-BC, School of Nursing
  • Tamara Hicks, PhD, MSW, School of Social Work
  • Isabell May, PhD, Graduate School
  • Norman Retener, MD, School of Medicine
  • Matt Rietschel, EdD, School of Nursing
  • Scott Riley, PhD, School of Pharmacy
  • Monica Schneider, DDS, School of Dentistry
  • James Stephens, MED, MLIS, Health Sciences and Human Services Library 

UPCOMING EVENTS

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