President Richard A. Hanson announced the availability of three awards designed to support and enhance the engagement of NDSU with Fargo and the state of North Dakota. Each award carries a stipend of $20,000.

The Ozbun Economic Development Award is established to stimulate NDSU faculty to assist the state in the area of economic development. Up to $20,000 ($10,000 as supplemental salary and $10,000 for expenses of the project described in the application) will be awarded in recognition of the presidency of Jim Ozbun.

The applicant must be a full-time faculty member at NDSU with the rank of assistant, associate or full professor. They also must be employed at NDSU when award payments are made.

Possible projects could be studying the impact of tourism relative to wildlife, fisheries and other related environmental issues; water movement of the Red River; or work force evaluation of displaced farmers. 

The Efficiency in Government Award sponsors studies to increase efficiency in state, country or city government in North Dakota.

Individuals or entities from NDSU or outside of NDSU may make proposals and receive funding. Proposals are restricted to projects in the State of North Dakota and all funds are to be spent in North Dakota. Possible projects could be to study ways to obtain better results from economic development funds and Extension pilot studies.

The Community Projects Award sponsors studies for betterment of the community in the area of social concerns. Individuals or entities from NDSU or outside of NDSU may make proposals and receive funding. Community projects are restricted to the city of Fargo. Possible projects include Mothers Against Drunk Drivers, crime stoppers, student recycling program, service learning or graffiti removal. These examples are not intended to limit the kinds of projects eligible for awards.

Anyone interested in applying for the awards should submit a one-page proposal, including a proposed budget, to the President’s Office no later than April 1.