POTSDAM – SUNY Potsdam is now accepting applications for the Walker Fellowship program designed to support community-academic cooperation.

Two research projects of up to $5,000 will be awarded this year.

The Walker Fellowship Steering Committee will determine the amount of the award for each project.

Proposals are due by Jan. 15, 2014.

The purpose of the program is to encourage faculty from the region's 11 institutions of higher education to undertake research on critical issues confronting North Country communities, and to make recommendations for possible solutions.

The 11 institutions include Clarkson University, St. Lawrence University, SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam, SUNY Plattsburgh Clinton Community College, Jefferson Community College, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, North Country Community College, Paul Smith's College, and Adirondack Community College.

Full- or part-time teaching and non-teaching faculty from the 11 colleges are eligible to apply.

Proposals that include a strong statement of support from a local individual or organization that clearly explains how the community will benefit from the project results will be given preference.

Funding for this program comes from the Campaign for the T. Urling and Mabel Walker Research Fellowship Program, which is administered by the SUNY Potsdam Provost's office.

In the past, funds have been used to pay a student assistant, support travel costs and purchase software and supplies.

Only in limited cases have funds been used as a stipend for the researcher.

For further information and to obtain an application, call the Provost's office at 267-2108 or visit www.potsdam.edu/faculty/research/walkerfellowship.cfm.