Request for Proposals

The University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (UK CERH) will release an annual request for proposals (RFP) for high school student groups to submit a competitive application to be considered for the Healthy WAY research initiative. Healthy WAY encourages student led teams to work collectively on an identified problem, by reviewing local data, trends, and research to develop a strategic plan of action with key stakeholders in their schools and communities.

Funding for High Schools in Rural Communities of Kentucky

The RFP will seek competitive proposals related to a broad focus area (i.e. school safety, substance abuse prevention, etc.). Because each school is unique, school teams will identify a specific issue, related to the broader area of focus, that is a priority at their school.  Up to five projects will be selected from Kentucky’s rural counties. (Eligible counties: Adair, Allen, Anderson, Ballard, Barren, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyle, Bracken, Breathitt, Breckinridge, Butler, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Carroll, Carter, Casey, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Crittenden, Cumberland, Edmonson, Elliott, Estill, Fleming, Floyd, Franklin, Fulton, Gallatin, Garrard, Grant, Graves, Grayson, Green, Hancock, Harlan, Harrison, Hart, Henry, Hickman, Hopkins, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Larue, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lewis, Lincoln, Livingston, Logan, Lyon, Madison, Magoffin, Marion, Marshall, Martin, Mason, McCracken, McCreary, McLean, Menifee, Mercer, Metcalfe, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Muhlenberg, Nelson, Nicholas, Ohio, Owen, Owsley, Pendleton, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Robertson, Rockcastle, Rowan, Russell, Simpson, Spencer, Taylor, Todd, Trigg, Trimble, Union, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Whitley, Wolfe and Woodford. .)

Each selected student group will be awarded $1,000 to implement their project. Schools are expected to be the fiscal agent for the award.  Student groups at public or private schools with a 501c3 designation are eligible to apply.

Awarded Proposals and Implementation of Projects

The UK CERH research team will review and score all proposals using the scoring guide attached to the request for proposals. Student groups with winning proposals will be notified during the fall semester.

Projects will be implemented during the fall and early spring semesters of the school year. The UKCERH will provide monthly check-in meetings for each school group to receive technical support and feedback from a project manager and research mentor. Student groups will be expected to present their research at a professional conference hosted by the UK CERH (i.e. Appalachian Research Day or a similar conference or seminar setting).