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Program Overview

Future Faces of Physics Awards are made to Society of Physics Students (SPS) Chapters "to support projects designed to promote physics across cultures." In light of the SPS Statement on Diversity adopted in 2009, the goal of the Future Faces of Physics Awards program is to promote the recruitment and retention of groups historically underrepresented in physics.
Examples of projects eligible for the Future Faces of Physics Award include, but are not limited to:

A chapter proposes the establishment of an innovative mentoring program that provides career guidance and support to first year students. This program includes components specifically designed to address the needs of underrepresented students.

A chapter partners with a minority group on campus to sponsor a lecture by a scientist from that minority group.

A chapter works with a sign language interpreter to create and bring a physics demo show to a school for the deaf.

A chapter develops a program designed to encourage first generation college students (from a rural area) to consider careers in physics.

Awards of up to $300 are made annually on the basis of proposals submitted by SPS Chapters. From among the proposals submitted by Chapters, a panel of judges selects several of the most meritorious for Future Faces of Physics Awards. Honorable mentions may be made.

The program of awards is open to all Chapters of the SPS. Although each proposal is required to have the endorsement of the SPS Chapter faculty advisor, the advisor acts only in a consultative capacity. The planning and writing of the proposal are the responsibility of the SPS student members. Each Chapter participating in this program may want to set up a small committee to consult with the other members and prepare the proposal.

Note: Proposals for projects to “promote interest in physics among students and the general public” should be made through the Marsh W. White Awards Program rather than the Future Faces of Physics Awards Program.

Requirements

1. Only ONE proposal may be submitted by each SPS Chapter.
2. It must contain a precise statement of the proposed chapter activity to be completed within a calendar year.
3. It must show evidence of imaginative and thoughtful appraisal of the ways in which the proposed activity would contribute towards the objectives of the SPS Program.
4. It must contain a budget totaling not more than $300.
5. It must include a group photograph of principal proposers.
6. It must include the School or Chapter's Tax ID number.
7. It must be signed by the advisor and officers of the Chapter.

A grant is made to the institution at which the SPS Chapter is located with the understanding that the funds are to be used for the purpose set forth in the successful proposal.

Funds for the Award come from the income in the Sigma Pi Sigma Trust Fund. The Awards, which will be first made in 2012, are named in celebration of the very successful Future Faces of Physics SPS initiative.

Note: Not complying with the requirements will disqualify your chapter from future funding (for ANY SPS awards) & will require your chapter to return any funds awarded.

Preparation of the Proposal

A. Only one copy of the proposal is required. Proposals should be typed with double spacing.

B. Page one of the proposal should contain:

1. The title of the activity.
2. The name and location of the SPS Chapter.
3. The name(s), email address(es) and signature(s) of the student(s) who prepared the proposal.
4. The name, email address(es) and signature of the faculty advisor.
5. The total amount requested for the activity.
6.  The date of submission of the proposal.

C. Page two should contain an abstract of no more than 50 words stating clearly the Chapter's proposed activity.
 
D. Pages three through five should contain a statement of the activity and a budget. The presentation should be clear and concise, indicating what activity is planned, how it is to be carried out, how it is related to the purposes of the Award, and what the time schedule for the project is. The budget must show how the award would be spent and indicate supplementary funds expected from other sources. Payment for student services is not to be included.

E. Proposal should not exceed five pages.

Submission of the Proposal

Mail or fax one copy of the proposal, postmarked or faxed not later than midnight 15 October, to:

Director, Society of Physics Students
One Physics Ellipse
College Park, MD 20740

Fax: (301) 209-0839

-OR-

E-mail the SPS National Office, not later than midnight 15 October, and attach the file containing the proposal to the E-mail. The file must be created in Microsoft Word© or WordPerfect©. In the subject line of the e-mail, please type: Future Faces of Physics Award Proposal.

Judging and Announcement of Awards

The proposals will be judged by a panel of physicists and awards made by early January. Proposals should be prepared with this in mind and should be written for periods not longer than one calendar year.

A final report is due on 31 May following the grant approval.