Up to six Syracuse University faculty to receive $10,000 awards for study away projects
Syracuse University is offering up to six $10,000 awards for faculty to pursue research and partnerships in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. The initiative aims to connect Central New York with national industry hubs.
Six Syracuse University faculty members could each receive up to $10,000 to support research and creative projects in Los Angeles, New York, or Washington, D.C., according to Syracuse University News. The Study Away Faculty Awards are now accepting proposals, with a deadline set for Monday, January 25.
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The awards target full-time faculty who want to build professional, industry, and community partnerships in these major cities. Syracuse University officials say the goal is to create connections that benefit both faculty research and student opportunities back in Central New York.
This program reflects a growing push by Syracuse University to expand its reach beyond the city, while keeping a focus on how those connections can feed back into the local community. The university has invested in similar initiatives over the past several years, aiming to keep Syracuse students and faculty plugged into national conversations.

By The Numbers
- Up to 6: Number of full-time Syracuse University faculty eligible for Study Away Faculty Awards, per Syracuse University News
- $10,000: Maximum award amount per faculty project, according to Syracuse University News
- January 25: Proposal deadline for the current round of awards, per Syracuse University News
Each award can fund travel, project expenses, and partnership-building activities. The $10,000 maximum per project is intended to cover costs like transportation, lodging, research materials, and event expenses in cities where living and working costs can quickly add up.
Faculty from any school or college at Syracuse University can apply, including the College of Visual and Performing Arts, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs. The university says this broad eligibility is meant to encourage interdisciplinary projects and collaborations that cross traditional academic boundaries.
What’s new with the Study Away Faculty Awards
This is the second round of the Study Away Faculty Awards, according to Syracuse University News. In the first round, faculty from the College of Visual and Performing Arts used the award to research adaptive apparel for performing artists with disabilities in Los Angeles.
The current round places a particular emphasis on building professional, industry, and community partnerships. Faculty are encouraged to use their time in these cities to develop relationships that could lead to new student programs, university initiatives, or sustained collaborations that benefit both Syracuse University and Central New York.
For example, a faculty member might partner with a nonprofit in Washington, D.C. to develop a public policy curriculum, or work with a New York City media company to create internship pipelines for students from Syracuse. These partnerships can translate into hands-on learning experiences, guest lectures, and even job opportunities for students after graduation.
Recipients of the awards will be expected to share their work through campus presentations and a universitywide showcase, according to Syracuse University News. This approach aims to ensure that the knowledge and connections gained from study away experiences are brought back to benefit students and colleagues in Syracuse.
Faculty presentations are scheduled to take place in the spring semester, with a showcase event open to the campus community. These events give students, staff, and other faculty a chance to learn about the projects and ask questions about the partnerships formed in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C.

Why this matters for Central New York
For residents of Syracuse and neighboring towns like DeWitt, Salina, and Geddes, the Study Away Faculty Awards represent more than just faculty travel. By encouraging faculty to build industry partnerships in cities like New York and Los Angeles, the program aims to create new opportunities for students in Central New York, both during their studies and after graduation.
These connections can help bring new ideas, internships, and even job pipelines back to Central New York. For example, a faculty member who develops a partnership with a Los Angeles arts organization could open doors for Syracuse students interested in creative careers, while another working in Washington, D.C. might create new pathways for public policy or communications students.
The awards also encourage faculty to develop projects that have a direct impact on the local community. Past recipients have focused on research and creative work that addresses real-world needs, such as adaptive apparel for performers with disabilities, which can inform both local and national conversations about accessibility and inclusion.
Central New York has a long history of sending graduates to major cities, but keeping those connections active and relevant is a challenge. By supporting faculty who can bridge the gap between Syracuse and national industry hubs, the university hopes to keep local students competitive in fields like media, arts, technology, and government.
Many students at Syracuse University come from nearby towns like Liverpool, Fayetteville, and Manlius. The university says that by bringing back new partnerships and ideas, faculty can help these students access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.
Local businesses and organizations in Syracuse also stand to benefit. Faculty who return with new contacts and project ideas can help connect local nonprofits, schools, and companies with national partners, bringing resources and attention to Central New York.
How this fits into a broader trend
Syracuse University’s push to connect with national industry centers is part of a larger pattern of local institutions seeking to expand their influence while keeping a strong base in Central New York. The Study Away Faculty Awards are one example of how the university is leveraging its presence in major cities to benefit students and the community back home.
Other recent university initiatives have included partnerships with local businesses and organizations, as well as expanded programming that brings national speakers and events to campus. These efforts are designed to keep Syracuse competitive as a college town, while also supporting the city’s diverse neighborhoods, from Tipp Hill to Eastwood and Westcott.
For example, the university has hosted visiting artists and policy experts from New York City and Washington, D.C. at events in Hendricks Chapel and the Schine Student Center. These events often draw students from across campus and bring new perspectives to Syracuse.
The timing of the awards also coincides with a busy season for the university, as fall sports like football and basketball draw crowds to the JMA Wireless Dome and local businesses see increased activity. For the latest on Orange sports and campus events, check our Syracuse sports page.

Downtown restaurants and shops on Marshall Street and South Crouse Avenue often see a boost when the university hosts major events. University officials say that bringing national attention to Syracuse through faculty projects and partnerships can help support the local economy and raise the city’s profile.
What’s next for faculty and students
Faculty interested in applying for the Study Away Faculty Awards have until January 25 to submit their proposals. More information and application instructions are available online through Syracuse University News.
As award recipients return to campus and share their experiences, students and colleagues can expect to see new programming, research, and creative projects that reflect the connections made in Los Angeles, New York, and Washington, D.C. This ongoing exchange is intended to keep Central New York plugged into national conversations and opportunities, while maintaining the unique character of Syracuse and its surrounding towns.
Faculty who participate in the program will be required to document their projects and report on the outcomes, including any new partnerships or student opportunities that result. The university says this accountability is key to making sure the awards have a lasting impact on campus and in the community.
For those following the intersection of education, industry, and community life in Central New York, the Study Away Faculty Awards are a sign of how local institutions are adapting to a changing world, by reaching out, building partnerships, and bringing new ideas home.
Where to check for updates
For more information on the Study Away Faculty Awards, including application details and future announcements, visit the Syracuse University News website.
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