Student Grants
Srinivasan Family Awards for Projects in Emerging Markets
Emerging markets account for six billion of the world's seven billion people. Though typically poorer than industrialized nations, they enjoy attractive growth prospects, have large pools of talent, and are becoming important sources of innovation for the world. Emerging markets also play an important role in solving global problems such as climate change, sustainability, inequality and poverty, pandemics, healthcare, and security.
The Center for Emerging Markets invites grant proposals from undergraduate and graduate students and clubs enrolled in full-time programs at Northeastern University to create a startup, take part in a service-learning project, present or publish research, organize a conference, or pursue another innovative project that addresses pressing problems in one or more emerging markets around the world in a novel and/or innovative way. The proposed project may focus on both industrialized nations and emerging markets, but the latter should be an important part of the project.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each semester. Please see below for application details and eligibility.
Past Awardees
Spring 2022 Cycle Awardees
Fall 2022 Cycle Awardees
Student Stories
Types of Projects Supported
Students and student clubs may submit project proposals to create a startup, take part in a service-learning project, organize a conference, present or publish research, or pursue another innovative project that addresses pressing problems in one or more emerging markets around the world in a novel and/or innovative way.
Projects should immerse students in real-world issues facing emerging markets by generating real-world impact and/or by exposing the greater Northeastern University community to important problems and opportunities in emerging markets. They should also enhance the learning experience and/or career outlook for the student participant(s).
Students are encouraged to work in multidisciplinary teams, ideally with students from more than one school at Northeastern. Individual proposals will also be entertained.
Students seeking funding are strongly recommended to have a faculty mentor at Northeastern University.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be enrolled in full-time programs at Northeastern University for at least a full year following the granting of the award.
- Projects should be completed within a year and a half of proposal submission OR by the student's graduation date (whichever occurs first).
- Projects should not be required as part of students' regular coursework, although they may build on such work.
Awards
Awards will typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, although in special cases higher awards may be made.
Please note that if a request is made for an award greater than $3,000, the proposal should outline viable channels to secure additional funding AND a secondary, scaled-back proposal using a budget of $3,000 or less.
Important Dates
Monday, February 19, 2024
Applications for the Spring 2024 semester open
Monday, March 11, 2024
Interviews for early applicants begin
Friday, April 5, 2024
Applications for the Spring 2024 semester close
Friday, April 19, 2024
Award announcements
How to Apply
To apply, students should submit an application with a two-page proposal that covers the following items:
- Aims of the project;
- How and why the project will benefit one or more emerging markets;
- How the project will enhance the learning experience of the applicant(s);
- Qualifications of the applicant(s) to carry out the project;
- Timeline for completion of the project;
- Any faculty support/guidance the applicant(s) will be receiving throughout the project;
- An itemized budget, with justification for key cost components; and
- Any additional resources or support from within Northeastern or external organizations that the project has or may receive.
If a request is made for an award greater than $3,000, the proposal should also outline viable channels to secure additional funding AND a secondary, scaled-back proposal using a budget of $3,000 or less.
Selection Process & Criteria
Proposals will be evaluated by a committee consisting of the Director of the Center for Emerging Markets and select CEM Faculty Fellows. Criteria for selection will include:
- Likely impact of the project on one or more emerging markets and/or the Northeastern community's understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing those countries;
- Originality or innovativeness of the proposal;
- Likely impact on the learning experience of the applicants;
- Feasibility of the project's proposed plan, given budget, timeline, and scope;
- Qualifications and track record of the applicant(s), including prior accomplishments;
- The frugality of budget and the possibility of leveraging additional resources/guidance from others in Northeastern or elsewhere.
Awardees will join a network of CEM students and alumni brought together through the Srinivasan Family Awards. They will be expected to participate in mentorship opportunities and occasional events as part of this growing community.
Submit Your Proposal
Applications for the Spring 2024 award cycle are closed. Please stay tuned for information about our Fall application window.
Contact
Please contact Kathryn Slomski, Program Manager at the Center for Emerging Markets, at k.slomski@northeastern.edu if you have any questions.
