Pilot Colleges to Participate in the Invention and Inclusive Innovation (i3) Initiative - Letter of Intent Request for Applications (RFA)

Sep 16, 2026

Letter of Intent Request for Applications (RFA) for pilot colleges seeking to participate in the Invention and Inclusive Innovation (i3) Initiative led by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Workforce and Economic Development Division, in collaboration with Lemelson-MIT and NACCE. The initiative invests in statewide economic growth by building invention, innovation, and entrepreneurial mindset skills through student-centered, experiential learning across disciplines. The document outlines program purpose, pilot expansion goals, holistic benefits, grant-funded activities for faculty time, implementation support, encouraged co-funding sources, and a 15-month grant duration with deliverables and invoice-based payments.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

BACKGROUND

PART 1: LETTER OF INTENT

Purpose and competitive RFA process

Benefits of participation

Grant funds and eligible costs

Grant duration and expected timeline

Summary grant activities and project deliverables

Finalize the Pilot Project Team and Supporting Cast

Attend and participate in project meetings and convenings

CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY COLLEGES CHANCELLOR’S OFFICE Workforce and Economic Development Division PART 1-LETTER OF INTENT REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (RFA) For Pilot Colleges to Participate in the Invention and Inclusive Innovation (i3) Initiative BACKGROUND The Invention and Inclusive Innovation Initiative (i3) is led by the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office Workforce and Economic Development Division (WEDD) in collaboration with the Lemelson-MIT program (LMIT), and the National Association of Community Colleges in Entrepreneurship (NACCE) . The initiative seeks to invest in the State’s economic growth and global competitiveness through career education with the introduction of invention, innovation and entrepreneurial mindset skills to students. The initiative utilizesa student-centered experiential learning approach, across multiple disciplines to empower student learning. At the core of the initiative is expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion by inviting students of all racial backgrounds, age, economic and geographies to gain exposure and confidence in career pathways, including science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) . Preparing community college students, particularly women and people of color, with an entrepreneurial mindset, regardless of their career interest, will give them the competitive edge they need to land jobs in their field of study or to create their own business venture. Training these students with 21st century skills is how the California Community Colleges will contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty and give community college students, their families, and their communities the opportunity for true economic mobility. The initial program prototype phase was completed in Summer of 2021 with four pilot colleges – Chaffey College, College of the Desert, Modesto Junior College, and Sierra College. Faculty teams from each pilot college received training and support from the Lemelson-MIT (LMIT) team, and successfully delivered a pilot workshop or course to students. During the initial program prototype phase, colleges offered summer offerings, ranging from over a number of weeks to short intensive workshops, and created embedded offerings into credit and noncredit courses during a full semester. The Chancellor’s Office intent is to expand the i3 program to up to 20 additional California community colleges, to further test the program prototype through the learning experiences of and implementation by additional colleges. This opportunity provides colleges to work together with program partners to identify the best pilot offering for their college. Additional Information: Please see the Chancellor’s Office website for more information about the i3 Initiative, and the student documentary video about the i3 pilot workshop at Chaffey College. PART 1: LETTER OF INTENT The purpose of the Letter of Intent is to solicit and identify colleges wishing to experience and participate in the i3 initiative. Based on the Letters of Intent submitted to the Chancellor’s Office, a competitive Request for Application (RFA) may be issued subsequently to fund up to 20 colleges, at $125,000 award per pilot college, or a lesser group of colleges may be selected from the Letters of Intent submitted. There are holistic benefits in participating in the i3 program for the pilot college including the potential to: o increase enrollment by improving the student experience through training for 21 st century skills, o elevate the role of faculty in innovative practices of teaching and learning, and o advance the college’s reputation as a leader in innovation to attract partners and new funding opportunities. The grant funds are for selected pilot colleges to support costs associated with the i3 pilot program: • Faculty time to engage in o A four-month orientation and training process to learn the invention education content o Opportunity to learn through observation of i

FAQs

What is the purpose of the Letter of Intent in the i3 initiative?

The Letter of Intent is used to solicit and identify colleges that want to experience and participate in the i3 initiative. Based on submitted Letters of Intent, a competitive Request for Application (RFA) may be issued to fund up to 20 colleges.

What funding supports are provided for selected pilot colleges?

Grant funds support costs tied to the i3 pilot program, including faculty time for a four-month orientation and training, observation of i3 offerings, planning/design meetings, and office hours. Funds also help offset the college’s implementation costs after faculty training and design are completed.

What is the grant duration and expected start/end timeline?

The grant lasts 15 months, expected to begin April 1, 2022 and run through June 30, 2023. Payments are tied to completion of deliverables through submitted invoices.

Sep 16, 2026

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