The SPS Academic & Professional Development Grant (APD) is designed to empower students through personalized, hands-on learning experiences that complement and elevate their academic pursuits. Whether funding graduate research, supporting capstone projects, or enabling participation in international conferences, the APD Grant helps students bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. The 2025 recipients have used the grant to present at research conferences, obtain career-specific certifications, connect with international scholars, and more.
“This year, 26 students across a range of programs were awarded the APD Grant. From Technology Management to Narrative Medicine, Sustainability Management to Applied Analytics, each recipient used the funding to accelerate their growth, deepen their expertise, and expand their professional networks,” said Director of Student Support Phong Luu. “The diversity of experiences reflects the grant’s flexibility and its alignment with SPS’s commitment to applied learning and real-world impact.”
Established in 2019 to advance student learning and experiential education, the APD Grant has become one of SPS’s premier student support initiatives. Funding for this award is made possible by contributions to the School of Professional Studies Annual Fund, which exists to demonstrate an investment in a culture of quality and success for our students and community. Since its inception, approximately 200 students have received the grant.
Several of this year’s recipients traveled to present research at national and global conferences, often opening the doors to more research and networking opportunities. Others earned industry-recognized certifications or participated in programs that fostered cross-cultural collaboration for leadership development. In each case, the grant served as a catalyst for confidence, direction, and professional momentum.
Below, 12 of the 2025 APD Grant recipients share how the grant has shaped their academic paths, influenced their career aspirations, and opened doors to future opportunities.
The Summer 2025 Academic & Professional Development Grant application window is now open. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, July 18, 2025, or when all funding has been exhausted, whichever comes first. Submit your application here.
Views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Columbia School of Professional Studies or Columbia University.
