REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS
The Community, Opportunity, Recruitment, and Engagement (CORE) Committee is pleased to announce the Mission Driven Mentoring Program (MDMP). The MDMP aims to advance diversity and equity work within pediatric anesthesiology and support the growth and advancement of individuals who participate in these efforts. The MDMP provides training and funding through a structured curriculum and supports research skills building through practical work. It also provides opportunities for mentees to network with diverse faculty at the national level.
Click here for the MDMP program description and application.
MDMP Focus areas are informed by an organizational framework for SPA’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts as well as the 2020 SPA member survey. These areas represent three levels of influence:
- SPA: Internally focused work aimed at building the capacity of the organization itself. An example of a potential project is developing a process to increase efforts to diversify membership outreach, recruitment, and retention.
- Field of Pediatric Anesthesiology: Work that contributes to a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive field of pediatric anesthesiology, including initiatives that impact pathways into the field; the education and training of medical students, residents, fellows, and practicing providers. An example of a potential project is developing a relationship with ongoing pipeline expansion project to represent careers in medicine and pediatric anesthesiology.
- Clinical/Patient-Centered: The level of programs and activities that are externally focused – beyond the SPA – and have a direct impact on, or advocated directly for patients, organizations, communities, and the public, with a particular focus on reaching those who are societally marginalized. Potential projects could be within the realms of advocacy, clinical education for patients, solutions to integrating diversity and equity into clinical practice, or research.
ELIGIBILITY
MDMP is looking for applicants from a variety of career pathways, institutional affiliations, and experience/areas of interest. We especially encourage SPA members early in their career to apply. Research experience is not a requirement. Applicants must be SPA members at the time of application.
REQUIREMENTS
The MDMP is specifically looking for proposals that will advance diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within pediatric anesthesiology.
- Impact may be at the level of the individual (providers or patients); institution (e.g. improving use of translators in the hospital); organization (e.g. improving representation within SPA of membership from underrepresented groups, or field (e.g. content for provider education).
- Proposals should indicate how the approach will serve the project goal. Examples of approaches to projects may include but is not limited to quality improvement, dissemination and implementation science or practice, advocacy, and clinical research.
- Projects must be completed within one year.
- Projects led by a team or a collaboration between institution and community should address roles and responsibilities throughout project description.
- Pilot projects should explain how the proposed work will support the development of future efforts.
FUNDING LEVEL
Applicants may request funding up to $7,500 and the MDMP Grant committee may select up to two projects per grant cycle to receive this funding. Budgets should justify how funding is allocated. This award can fund pilot research projects or build upon an existing project. Applicants are highly encouraged to seek matched funding from their organization, department or other units, though this is not required. It is important to note that funding is only for direct costs; indirect costs are not included. Funding cannot be allocated for salary support or travel for project leaders that are in the United States. Budgetary allowances for international participants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Application deadline is February 2, 2026 at 11:59pm EST. All required materials (see below) should be emailed to [email protected]. Projects will be reviewed by a selection committee consisting of MDMP faculty and SPA-CORE committee leadership. Notice of acceptance March 10, 2026.
While we can only fund up to two projects, we will provide feedback to all submissions, following the CORE committee’s commitment to support individuals working to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within pediatric anesthesiology. Funds will be available to grantees by April 2026. Grants will have a duration of 1 year without the option of a no-cost extension. All funds must be used by May 1, 2027.
Click here for the MDMP program description and application.
Application Timeline:
February 2, 2026: Submit application documents to [email protected]
March 10, 2026: Notification of acceptance
April 2026: Funding available
Unsure if your proposal would fit this program? Please email [email protected]
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SPA Mission-Driven Mentoring Program (MDMP) Informational Session
SATURDAY, JANUARY 10th at 12pm EST/9am PST
https://stanford.zoom.us/j/94201150053?pwd=emYZwUp4hob1yEQLzNREnXq2YsSqex.1
Password: 934776
Meeting ID: 942 0115 0053
Or Telephone: +1 650 724 9799 or +1 833 302 1536
Objectives:
- Familiarity with elements of application
- Understand characteristics of strong applicant/team and projects
- Gain feedback from MDMP directors
Agenda
15min: Introduction of MDMP focus, goals, and history
15min: Walk-through application documents and process
30min: Small group break-out sessions with MDMP leadership for grant and project feedback
10min: Debrief and questions