TSG – Technology Development

 

 

 

 

 

The 2023-2024 application period opens in the Fall Quarter!

The Tech For Social Good Program provides funding support of $500 – $5,000 for projects that promote social good by supporting healthy, sustainable, prosperous, and equitable livelihoods in the United States and abroad.  Projects that develop online tools, including social media, mapping interfaces, and websites to enhance public engagement in cultural, political, social, and economic issues are encouraged, as well as innovative development and application of artificial intelligence/machine learning models that address the following problem areas, among others:

  • Domestic and Global Poverty
  • Sustainability
  • Government Responsiveness & Civic Engagement
  • Enhancing Education 

Projects should support collaboration between students across diverse disciplines, advance technological innovation, and foster engagement with community or campus organizations and stakeholders.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who is eligible?

  • UC Santa Cruz undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral student teams of at least 2 students are eligible to apply.
  • The number of undergraduate students must be equal to or greater than the number of graduate students on the team. All teams must have at least one undergraduate student involved.

What are the deadlines and requirements for applying to the 2023-2024 program? 

  • APPLICATION DEADLINE: Nov 15, 2023 11:59 pm PT: Tech for Social Good Tech Development Track application deadline
  • Early Dec, 2023: Awardees Announced
  • Mid Dec, 2023: Funds Distributed
  • Dec, 2023 – Jan, 2024: Team Meetings
    • Funded teams are required to meet independently with the CITRIS Tech for Social Good Co-Directors. A sign-up sheet will be provided to the teams.
  • Dec – June: Project Implementation and Reporting
  • June, 2024, time and location TBD: Tech for Social Good Showcase Event held at UC Santa Cruz (participation required for all funded teams)

How can I learn more?

  • Information and matchmaking sessions for students – plus staff and faculty working with students they feel would be interested – will be held via Zoom on the following days: 

How much funding can I apply for?

  • Tech Development applicants can apply for funding from $500 – $5,000, per academic year.
  • Only one application per student and team will be accepted per academic year.

What can I use the funding for?

  • equipment (e.g., tablets for field work, license for software, cloud server or storage…) all equipment purchases stay with the university
  • supplies (e.g., survey printouts, notebooks…)
  • travel (personal auto mileage, plane fare, conference fees, etc. ONLY if the travel adheres to all COVID-19 related restrictions)
  • other (room reservation fees, food specifically for an event…)
  • if you’re uncertain, just ask

What CAN’T I use the funding for?

  • payment for student or team member time
  • tuition or fees
  • alcohol, drugs or anything illegal
  • food not related to a budgeted event
  • again, if you’re uncertain, just ask

What are the requirements for a Tech Development application? 

  • Teams of at least 2 (two) people, maximum of 6 (six) people.
  • 1 (one) award per student per year – students must be listed as a team member on only 1 (one) application per year
  • Teams should be composed of individuals from different academic disciplines who are currently enrolled.
    • All applicants must be affiliated with UC Santa Cruz. Teams should be composed of undergraduate students, graduate students, and/or postdocs.
  • Teams must have a UC Santa Cruz faculty or staff member to serve as their advisor and to manage the funding. You must include the name and contact information for your faculty/staff advisor on your application form and they must sign the Partner or Sponsor Project Approval Form (you will be asked to upload this signed form to your application form).
  • Teams are required to put together a project plan that includes a detailed plan for tracking, recording, and reporting progress and achievements back to the Tech for Social Good Review Committee.
  • You must complete the budget template form (.xls template) and submit with your online application.
  • Teams must produce a minimum of two “blog” posts or articles, and multimedia documentation (e.g., photos and video) to be shared via the CITRIS and the Banatao Institute websites and social media, where appropriate.
  • All project teams must present their project at a CITRIS and the Banatao Institute-organized showcase event during the spring semester.
  • PLEASE NOTE: It is your responsibility to determine if your project includes “Human Subjects Research.” If yes, you must ensure that all IRB approvals, if necessary, have been obtained before work on your project begins. NO FUNDS WILL BE ALLOCATED FOR ANY PART OF YOUR PROJECT if verification in the form of the review letter from IRB has not been received. More information on IRB requirements available at https://officeofresearch.ucsc.edu/compliance/services/irb.html.

What types of projects are funded?