February 28, 2012 — Youth-Nex, a University of Virginia center based at the Curry School of Education, is seeking proposals for funding opportunities from faculty members across Grounds whose work promotes effective development in youth.

Proposals are due April 13. The center expects to make up to four awards by May 18, carrying a maximum $40,000 each.

Opportunities are based on the center's mission to engage U.Va. faculty in multidisciplinary research on factors that can enhance youth development, including productive citizenship, supportive relationships, risk avoidance and healthy lifestyles. In addition, the center focuses on similar work to prevent health-related, psychological and social risk among youth.

Project proposals should examine critical influences on one of four areas: supportive relationships, engaged citizenship, avoiding risky behavior, or healthy lifestyles (health and well-being).

Proposals are limited to five single-spaced pages and must include a statement of purpose, the hypotheses, research design and analytic plan, budget (up to 65 percent of the requested budget can be devoted to faculty support) and timeline for completion (up to 12 months post-award). NIH-format biographical sketches of principal investigators and co-investigators should be attached. An important component of the application is a statement of the specific external funding enhancement that is provided by this seed money.

Applications should be submitted to Patrick Tolan, center director, at pht6t@virginia.edu. Questions should also be directed to Tolan or his assistant, Crystal Haislip, at cll9c@virginia.edu or 434-924-1388.