UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Experiential Digital Global Engagement (EDGE) program at Penn State has announced new awards in partnership with the Center for Global Studies (CGS) for Penn State faculty, University-wide. Applications are open now and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until next July. To apply, fill out this Microsoft form.

EDGE is a project-based teaching and learning approach that promotes the development of intercultural competence across shared multicultural learning environments through the use of Internet-based tools and innovative online pedagogies. EDGE faculty collaborate with their international faculty partner to develop a shared course project that emphasizes experiential and collaborative student-centered learning between teams of Penn State and international students. 

CGS is based in the College of the Liberal Arts and is directed by Sophia McClennen, professor of international affairs and comparative literature, who founded the center in 2010 after receiving Penn State’s first NRC grant. 

CGS is now supporting EDGE through funding received from a Title VI National Resource Center (NRC) grant. These funds can be used for purchasing teaching materials or for mini-grants to support the teaching and professional development of Penn State faculty as they create and implement their individual projects. 

“We are looking forward to another year of supporting EDGE faculty,” said Kaitlin Lovejoy, assistant director and outreach coordinator for CGS. “We hope that our funds enable more EDGE faculty to access professional development opportunities and acquire necessary materials to enhance online learning experiences in their classrooms.” 

The specifics of the awards are as follows: 

EDGE Teaching Materials  

• Awards up to $250 each for classroom materials defined as "supplies" (tangible personal property) 

• Note: CGS has final approval of teaching material, and subscriptions to virtual classroom experiences are permissible 

EDGE Mini-Grants 

• Awards up to $500 each for workshop or conference registration fees related to COIL/virtual exchange, global learning, or intercultural knowledge and competence 

• Note: Priority given to those presenting at conference about EDGE project or EDGE research 

Timeline

• Application review begins Sept. 3, 2024, and recipients will be notified on a rolling basis 

• Applications will be accepted through July 11, 2025, or until all awards are distributed 

“We are thrilled to support EDGE faculty engaging in this high impact practice both inside and outside the classroom,” shared Alandra Kahl, teaching professor of Environmental Engineering and professor in charge of EDGE.  

To apply for these awards, complete the application form. For more information, contact Tracy Coleman, EDGE program associate, at Tracy.Coleman@psu.edu.