Annual Research Grant Applications Now Open for 2024
AASAP announces $500,000 in research funding opportunities for innovative student affairs research projects across Africa, with special focus on digital transformation and mental health initiatives.
Prof. Kwame Asante
Vice President, Research, AASAP
The African Association of Student Affairs Professionals (AASAP) is pleased to announce the opening of applications for our 2024 Annual Research Grant Program, offering $500,000 in funding opportunities for innovative research projects that advance student affairs practice across the African continent.
Expanding Research Horizons
Now in its fifth year, the AASAP Research Grant Program has become the premier funding source for student affairs research in Africa. This year's program features expanded funding categories, increased grant amounts, and special emphasis on emerging areas of critical importance to African higher education.
2024 Funding Overview
Grant Categories and Funding Levels
The 2024 program offers six distinct funding categories designed to support research at various scales and stages of development:
Major Research Grants ($50,000 - $75,000)
Comprehensive multi-year studies addressing critical student affairs challenges across multiple institutions or countries.
5 grants available • 2-3 year duration • Multi-institutional collaboration required
Innovation Grants ($25,000 - $40,000)
Pilot studies testing innovative approaches to student support services, technology integration, or program delivery.
8 grants available • 1-2 year duration • Focus on scalable solutions
Early Career Researcher Grants ($10,000 - $20,000)
Supporting emerging scholars in student affairs to conduct foundational research and build research capacity.
6 grants available • 1 year duration • Mentorship component included
Digital Transformation Research ($15,000 - $30,000)
Studies examining the impact of technology on student services, digital equity, and online student engagement.
3 grants available • 18 months duration • Industry partnership encouraged
Mental Health Research Grants ($20,000 - $35,000)
Research on culturally appropriate mental health interventions, prevention strategies, and wellness program effectiveness.
2 grants available • 2 year duration • Community partnership required
Rapid Response Grants ($5,000 - $10,000)
Quick-turnaround funding for timely research addressing urgent student affairs issues or emerging challenges.
Rolling applications • 6 month duration • Results within 90 days
Priority Research Areas
While applications are welcome across all areas of student affairs research, the 2024 program gives special consideration to projects addressing these priority areas:
Digital Equity and Access
- • Impact of digital divide on student success
- • Mobile-first service delivery models
- • AI and machine learning in student support
- • Cybersecurity and student data protection
Mental Health and Wellness
- • Cultural competency in counseling services
- • Peer support program effectiveness
- • Crisis intervention and prevention
- • Holistic wellness approaches
Inclusive Excellence
- • Gender equity in higher education
- • Supporting students with disabilities
- • LGBTQ+ student experiences
- • Religious and cultural diversity
Student Success and Retention
- • First-generation student support
- • Academic integration strategies
- • Financial aid and student debt
- • Career readiness and employability
Application Process and Requirements
The application process has been streamlined for 2024, with enhanced support for applicants and clearer evaluation criteria. All applications must be submitted through the AASAP Research Portal by March 15, 2024.
Eligibility Requirements
- Principal investigator must be employed at an African higher education institution
- Research must directly relate to student affairs practice or student development
- Institutional Review Board approval required for human subjects research
- Commitment to publish findings in peer-reviewed venues
- Participation in AASAP research dissemination activities
Application Timeline and Key Dates
The 2024 grant cycle follows a structured timeline designed to provide adequate time for proposal development while ensuring timely funding decisions:
Application Period: December 25, 2023 - March 15, 2024
Submit complete applications through the AASAP Research Portal. Late applications will not be considered.
Review Period: March 16 - May 15, 2024
Expert panel review and evaluation of all applications. Applicants may be contacted for clarification.
Award Notifications: May 30, 2024
All applicants will be notified of funding decisions. Successful applicants receive award letters and funding agreements.
Project Start Date: July 1, 2024
Funded projects begin with initial funding disbursement and project orientation session.
"Research is the foundation of evidence-based practice in student affairs. These grants represent our commitment to building a robust knowledge base that serves African students and institutions with excellence and cultural relevance."
Support for Applicants
AASAP provides comprehensive support to help researchers develop competitive proposals and conduct high-quality research:
Pre-Application Support
- • Monthly webinars on grant writing
- • One-on-one consultation sessions
- • Sample successful proposals
- • Budget development assistance
Post-Award Support
- • Research methodology workshops
- • Data analysis training
- • Publication support and mentoring
- • Conference presentation opportunities
Impact of Previous Awards
Since 2020, AASAP research grants have funded 89 projects across 32 African countries, resulting in significant contributions to student affairs knowledge and practice:
Research Impact Highlights
Publications and Dissemination
156 peer-reviewed articles, 89 conference presentations, and 23 policy briefs produced by grant recipients
Capacity Building
245 early career researchers trained and mentored through grant-funded projects
Practice Innovation
67 new programs and interventions developed and implemented across African universities
Policy Influence
Research findings have informed policy changes in 18 African countries
Evaluation Criteria
Applications are evaluated by an international panel of experts using the following criteria:
Scientific Merit (30%)
- • Significance and innovation of research questions
- • Appropriateness of methodology and design
- • Feasibility of proposed timeline and budget
Relevance to Student Affairs (25%)
- • Direct application to student affairs practice
- • Potential for improving student outcomes
- • Alignment with African contexts and needs
Investigator Qualifications (20%)
- • Research experience and track record
- • Institutional support and resources
- • Collaboration and partnership strength
Impact and Dissemination (25%)
- • Potential for broad impact and scalability
- • Plans for publication and dissemination
- • Sustainability and long-term benefits
Special Initiatives for 2024
This year's program includes several special initiatives designed to enhance research capacity and promote collaboration:
New for 2024
Cross-Border Collaboration Bonus
Additional 10% funding for projects involving researchers from multiple African countries
Student Co-Investigator Program
Funding for graduate students to serve as co-investigators on major research grants
Open Science Initiative
Bonus funding for projects committing to open data sharing and open access publication
Community Partnership Awards
Recognition and additional support for projects with strong community engagement
How to Apply
Ready to advance student affairs research in Africa? The application process is designed to be straightforward while ensuring we receive the information needed for thorough evaluation.
Application Components
Required Documents
- • Project narrative (10-15 pages)
- • Detailed budget and justification
- • Principal investigator CV
- • Institutional support letter
- • IRB approval or exemption
Optional Materials
- • Letters of collaboration
- • Preliminary data or pilot results
- • Community partnership agreements
- • Student co-investigator information
- • Dissemination plan details
Ready to Apply?
Join the growing community of researchers advancing student affairs knowledge across Africa. Your research can make a difference in the lives of millions of students.
Building Africa's Research Future
The AASAP Research Grant Program represents more than funding—it's an investment in the future of African higher education. Through rigorous research, we build the evidence base needed to create more effective, culturally responsive, and innovative student affairs practices.
As we look toward 2024 and beyond, we invite researchers across Africa to join us in this critical work. Together, we can ensure that every African student has access to the support services they need to succeed academically, personally, and professionally.