The Maryland Initiative for Literacy & Equity (MILE)

An interdisciplinary initiative advancing literacy and equity in Maryland

Arrangement of orange, red, blue, yellow, and brown circles

OPPORTUNITY: Innovation Seed Grants

For Doctoral Students

The MILE Doctoral Student Innovation Seed Grant supports PhD students at the University of Maryland and Ph.D. or Ed.D. students at Morgan State University in advancing equity-focused language and literacy research. One doctoral scholar from each institution will receive up to $5,000 to fund projects that address systemic literacy challenges across the lifespan. The deadline to submit applications is November 3rd, 2025

Funded students will also present their work at the MILE Literacy Research Symposium on February 13, 2026.

For Faculty

The MILE Innovation Seed Grant funds interdisciplinary faculty research that advances equitable language and literacy outcomes in Maryland communities. Up to two faculty projects (one at UMD, one at MSU) will each receive up to $10,000 to support translational, intervention-focused, or practice-oriented studies. Priority is given to projects that involve collaboration, junior faculty, or work with underserved populations. The deadline to submit applications is November 3rd, 2025

Winners will present at the MILE Literacy Research Symposium on February 13, 2026.

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  • MORGAN STATE UNIVERSITY

    UMD COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

    Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology

    Department of Teaching and Learning, Policy and Leadership

    Department of Counseling, Higher Education, and Special Education

    UMD COLLEGE OF BEHAVIORAL &SOCIAL SCIENCES

    Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences

    UMD COLLEGE OF ARTS &HUMANITIES

    Maryland Language Science Center

    School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

    UMD SCHOOL OF PUBLIC POLICY

    UMD COLLEGE OF INFORMATIONSTUDIES

  • The Grand Challenges Grants Program supports projects that address prominent societal issues including climate change, social injustice, global health, and educational disparities.

    Click here to learn more about the Grand Challenges Program at the University of Maryland.