The School of Science is pleased to offer the Science Quality of Life (SQoL) program designed to build community within the school, promote inclusiveness for students, staff, and faculty, and support the well-being of our community members. The program’s goals are to:

  • Build community and foster a sense of inclusion.
  • Provide faculty, staff and students opportunities to interact and socialize outside of the current research-driven activities and events.
  • Integrate academic and social aspects of life within the school.
  • Improve communications and outreach.
  • Build collaborations and connections with other community groups.

Projects need not be ambitious in scope, so long as they encourage positive connections within the community. Proposals can be submitted under three broad categories – it is possible for a proposal to be applicable to more than one category. These are:

  • Community building
  • Inclusion and belonging
  • Mentoring

Examples of activities could include: workshops, seminars, wellness programs, book clubs, team building activities, and others.

Due to the overwhelming response we received for previous cycles, and in the spirit of maximizing inclusion and approving as many applications as possible, the following should be noted:

  • The funding cap for this cycle will remain at $2,000 – as opposed to $3,000 in previous years;
  • Proposals that have matching funds from departmental and/or other sources will be viewed favorably by the selection committee;
  • In the event that we need to prioritize between multiple similar eligible proposals, preference will be given to proposals that have not received QOL funding in the past.

Please contact the Dean’s Office at sos-dean-sqol@mit.edu for additional information.

Proposal process and guidelines

Proposals are reviewed and funded twice per a year with notifications made within 30 days of the submission deadlines noted below:

The submission deadline for this cycle is January 17, 2025.

Apply at: https://mitfunding.infoready4.com/#competitionDetail/1955870

Eligibility: Applicant’s and co-applicant’s primary appointment must be in the School of Science and have the means (outside of funding needs) to execute their proposal.

Please be sure to include the following information in your proposal:

  • Detailed description of the event or activity
  • Rationale for how this will build community within the School
  • Clarify that the effort is achievable within the proposed time frame and budget
  • Explain how your proposal makes a difference in the quality of life of participants.
  • A list of the types of people who you expect to attend the event (faculty, staff, students, with their affiliated units)
  • A detailed budget.
    • Please note: In general, funding will not cover equipment (cameras, computers, furniture). Proposals for house parties or research will not be considered. In addition, these funds cannot support charities. Proposal authors are expected to volunteer their time; stipends for the organizing team will not be considered.

Please note that when picking your primary department, you must select the DLC that will be managing the award (PILM, MIBR, BCS).

After funding

The lead applicant is expected to work with their School of Science unit to utilize funds. Grant recipients will be asked to submit a summary report at the end of the semester describing their planning, activities, schedule, budget, and community participation and impact. We would also appreciate any photos of your events or activities, if available.