As part of UNLV’s Top Tier 2.0 mission, the university is dedicated to engaging youth across our community and expanding high-quality programming for children and teens ages 5 to 18.

We are pleased to announce a mini-grants competition designed to support the development of new programs and the enhancement of existing ones. Funding is available for programming offered during spring, summer, fall, or winter 2027. Continuing programs are welcome to apply; however, proposals must demonstrate meaningful and measurable improvements or innovations to existing programming to be considered for funding.

Priority consideration will be given to proposals that incorporate one or more of the following areas:

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Partnerships among two or more UNLV colleges, schools, departments, or academic programs to develop a single camp that intentionally integrates multiple disciplines into a cohesive learning experience. Programs should combine complementary areas of expertise through hands-on activities and projects that demonstrate how different fields intersect and apply to real-world challenges.
• Sports-Centric Programming: Camps that use sports, athletics, or the sports industry as a foundation for interdisciplinary learning and career exploration. Programs should incorporate hands-on experiences that introduce students to the academic disciplines and career pathways connected to sports, such as leadership, business, hospitality, marketing, health sciences, sports medicine, and event management.
• Community Collaboration: Partnerships between UNLV academic units and external organizations, including local businesses, nonprofits, schools, government agencies, and industry partners. Programs should leverage community expertise, resources, and partnerships to create meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect students with local industries, community needs, and potential academic and career pathways.

Grant awards will be determined based on budget availability, demonstrated need, and the proposed program’s scope, impact, and duration.

Scholarship Reinvestment Requirement: Summer 2026 mini-grant recipients whose programs generated profits exceeding 50% of their grant award are required to reinvest the amount exceeding that threshold into need-based scholarships for future campers. Returning recipients must fulfill the scholarship reinvestment requirements associated with their previous award to be eligible for 2027 funding. Recipients should coordinate with Early Outreach to determine an approved method of distributing scholarship assistance, such as registration discounts.

Submission and Contact Information:

All proposals must be submitted by Dec. 14, 2026, to receive priority consideration. Funding decisions will be announced by Jan. 15, 2027.

Click HERE to review the full Call for Proposals and access the UNLV Young Rebels Mini-Grant application.

For questions or additional information, please contact: Devan Harris, UNLV Early Outreach, earlyoutreach@unlv.edu.