MLA Pathways Step Grants
The MLA Pathways Step Grants from the Modern Language Association fund innovative humanities projects that boost undergraduate recruitment, retention, and career readiness.
Funder: Modern Language Association
Due Dates: October 30, 2026
Funding Amounts: Up to $10,000 per award for a 12-month project period; approximately 20 awards expected in 2026.
Summary: Supports innovative projects by US and Canadian higher education institutions to enhance undergraduate recruitment, retention, and career readiness in the humanities.
Key Information: Institutional (not individual) applications only; indirect costs are not allowed.
Description
The MLA Pathways Step Grants, funded by the Modern Language Association as part of its Pathways: Recruitment, Retention, and Career Readiness initiative, are designed to help departments and programs in literature, language, writing, culture, area studies, and related fields build new resources and networks. These grants enable the development of new structures at the program, campus, and regional levels to broaden and diversify participation in the study of languages and literatures. Supported activities include curricular innovation, cross-unit collaboration, creation or expansion of internships and professional development opportunities, and outreach or pipeline-building between institutions. The ultimate aim is to improve undergraduate recruitment, retention, and career readiness in the humanities, with a strong emphasis on equity and broad student impact.
