Spencer grant application with European Consortium

TEL4All – Mainstreaming an Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive approach to
Transformational Experiential Learning through Vertically Integrated Projects - The proposal titled "TEL4All – Mainstreaming an Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive approach to
Transformational Experiential Learning through Vertically Integrated Projects" aims to address the
challenge of ensuring Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Higher Education (HE) through
Transformational Experiential Learning (TEL). TEL profoundly shifts learners' perspectives, enhancing
competencies, leadership, and career prospects. However, historically under-represented student groups
face barriers to accessing TEL opportunities.
The proposal examines Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs) as a model to increase EDI in TEL. VIPs
involve interdisciplinary, inter-year, team-based learning, engaging students in collaborative, faculty-led
research for academic credit. This model has been adopted by over 50 institutions worldwide and
provides key advantages integral to TEL, such as critical thinking, self-awareness, and resilience.
The project aims to develop a 'TEL4All' systems transformation framework to make TEL accessible to all
undergraduate students, including historically under-represented groups. This involves integrating VIP
into existing curricula with large scale academic and leadership buy-in, addressing administrative and
resource challenges. TEL4All will guide VIPs into US and European curricula, measuring the EDI-TEL gap
and the VIP model's impact on closing it. The project aims to inform HE policy and support
mainstreaming TEL in HEIs, providing equitable access to TEL for all students.

This is a grant application that is led by University of Malmo, but which I had a significant input to in terms of steering the direction and writing the main narrative piece if the proposal. This is a Vison Grant worth £75K in total (spread across 8 institutions - Strathclyde, Bath, St Andrews, Riga Stradens University, Riga Technical University, University West), however, if successful we are positioned to apply for a much larger (up to $3.5 million) Systems Transformation grant.