Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Initiative (SVFSI) Program Award

About this program

Tobacco-Related Disease Research Program (TRDRP) funds the Smoke and Vape Free Scholars Initiative (SVFSI) to support California State Universities and California Community Colleges in partnership with doctorate-granting institutions to develop mentorship and training programs for undergraduates, post-baccalaureate, and master’s students—particularly those from tobacco priority populations—to conduct mentored tobacco-related research and local tobacco control projects. Awards provide up to $1,150,000 in direct costs for a maximum of four years, with a budgeted cohort of roughly 15 scholars per award (e.g., 5 per year) and specified travel support for PIs and scholars. Eligible applicants are CSU/CCC institutions partnering with doctorate-granting institutions, and each partner institution must submit a budget as part of the partnered award. Allowable direct costs include salaries and fringe for key personnel and mentors, scholar stipends, tuition/fees, health insurance, temporary relocation room and board, childcare/elder care, project supplies, and travel (including TRDRP events and limited conference support).