Description: These funds are intended to support writing, rhetorics, and literacies (WRL) MA and PhD students in their research and professional development. The goal of this program is to provide flexible, small-scale funding to help WRL students advance their scholarly, creative, and community-oriented work.
Who can apply?
Any graduate student in good standing (3.50 cumulative GPA or higher) in the in-person MA or PhD English (writing, rhetorics and literacies) program in the Department of English at Arizona State University is eligible. Funds may support individual research projects, student collaborations, or event planning. Students unsure whether a proposal fits the scope of the mini-grant program are encouraged to contact the WRL program director.
Funding categories
All awards are subject to availability of funds. Funding amounts may vary each year.
1. Research Project — up to $250
Supports expenses that advance a student’s research, writing, or creative project. Examples include:
- Equipment or software related to a research project
- Access to an online archive or data source
- Funding to conduct a small study (e.g., participant incentives)
2. Conference or Research Travel — up to $500
Supports WRL students who are actively participating in a professional conference or research activities. Examples include:
- Presenting a paper or poster
- Participating in a roundtable or workshop as an invited speaker or panelist
- Visiting an archive or research site
3. Event Planning — up to $1000
Supports student-led initiatives that enhance the WRL community or professional engagement. Any events with an invited speaker or external participant must include a WRL faculty sponsor. Proposals including multiple students are encouraged. Examples include:
- Organizing a symposium, workshop, or reading/writing group
- Coordinating a visiting speaker, panel, or student-run event
- Running a WRL student organization or club for the semester
Students awarded funding in this category must coordinate with the Department of English's director of graduate studies to ensure alignment with university event planning policies.
When can I apply?
Applications must be submitted before the following fall and spring deadlines. All funds must be used within 12 months of the award date.
- Fall deadline: October 14
- Fall award notifications: November 14
- Spring deadline: March 21
- Spring award notifications: April 21
Applications will be reviewed by a WRL awards committee appointed by the WRL area directory. The committee will evaluate proposals each semester using the criteria below and make funding recommendations to the WRL faculty for final approval.
How do I apply?
Applications must be submitted through Scholarship Universe, which can be found linked below.
Submit a one-page proposal that includes the following sections:
- Project Description: Describe the proposed activity, research project, or event. Explain how it contributes to your research, professional development, or the WRL community.
- Budget and Timeline: Provide a brief budget outlining how funds will be used and a timeline for completing the activity.
- Additional information (if applicable)
- For conference travel: include conference name, dates, and type of participation (paper, poster, roundtable, etc.).
- For event proposals: include the name of the WRL faculty sponsor. Please confirm with faculty prior to submitting your proposal.
Evaluation criteria
Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
- Research and Professional Development: How clearly does the project support the applicants research or professional development goals?
- Relevance and Impact: How does the proposed activity benefit the applicant and/or the WRL community?
- Budget and Feasibility: Is the budget clear and appropriate? Is the timeline realistic?
Apply via Scholarship Universe
Apply for Fall (application opens July 1, 2026)
Apply for Spring (application opens January 1, 2027)