Student Grants
Srinivasan Family Awards for Projects in Emerging Markets
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.
CEM defines an “emerging market” as any nation with an economy that is transitioning from a low-income, less developed, often pre-industrial state towards one with a higher standard of living. About 80% of the world's nations are considered emerging markets. Countries NOT considered emerging markets include the United States, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, and most Western European nations.
The proposed project may focus on both industrialized nations and emerging markets, but the latter should be an important part of the project.
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).
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis each semester. Please see below for application details and eligibility.
Student Stories
Eligibility
Students are encouraged to work in multidisciplinary teams, ideally with students from more than one school at Northeastern. Individual proposals will also be entertained.
- 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
Applications for the Spring 2024 award cycle are closed. Please stay tuned for information about our Fall application window.
How to Apply
Students may click on the application portal at the bottom of the page to apply. In the portal, they will be asked to provide the following:
- Contact information and resume for each individual associated with the proposal;
- A two-page single-spaced proposal outlining the project purpose, intended outputs, timeline, and potential additional support (see below for details);
- An itemized budget for the grant request with justification for key cost components;
- the name and email of a Northeastern University faculty member whom CEM may contact as a reference.
All files should be uploaded as PDFs. The proposal document should answer the following questions:
- What specific problem in an emerging market are you seeking to address?
- Why are you proposing to pursue your specific project?
- What are the intended outputs of your project (tangible and/or intangible)?
- What specific activities will you carry out to achieve these outputs and why?
- How will this project benefit one or more emerging markets?
- How will this project enhance the learning experience of the applicant(s)?
- What qualifications do you as an applicant have to carry out the project?
- What is your proposed timeline for the completion of your project?
- Will you be receiving any faculty support/guidance throughout the project? If so, from whom?
- Will you be receiving any additional resources or support from within Northeastern or external organizations to pursue this project? If so, from whom and in what form?
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.
Past Awardees
Spring 2022 Cycle Awardees
Fall 2022 Cycle Awardees
Contact
Please contact Kathryn Slomski, Program Manager at the Center for Emerging Markets, at k.slomski@northeastern.edu if you have any questions.
