Note: Spring 2022 applications are now CLOSED. Applications for Summer 2022 will be announced at the beginning of the Summer semester.
Through active engagement and reflection, experiential learning allows students to gain real world experience, acquire valuable knowledge and skills, and develop meaningful connections with their course materials. By serving as a financial resource, the SPS Academic & Professional Development Grant aims to support students in pursuing tailored, hands-on learning experiences aligned with their academic programs that include, but are not limited to: graduate research, capstone projects, and experiential learning/professional development opportunities (e.g. internships, co-ops, conferences, events, etc.).*
Academic and/or professional development opportunities must be related to the student’s field of study and are required to have faculty and/or academic program approval. Additionally, the experience should demonstrate a strong commitment to the recipient’s developing academic and/or professional aspirations, with ample opportunity to bring back and contribute relevant learnings to the classroom. Funds may be used to cover costs including but not limited to: transportation, lodging, meals, registration fees, and research project materials. Funds may NOT be requested as a substitution for income (whether it be salary or hourly pay). but can be used to offset related costs.
Note: all grant recipients are required to submit a follow-up report describing how their opportunity benefited them professionally.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact sps-scholarships [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu.
Award Amount Per Person
Awards range from $200 to $3,000 based on the availability of funds and academic program approval. Awards may not be used to cover tuition, university fees, or personal expenses.
Eligibility Requirements
- Currently enrolled Master of Science (MS) and Master of Professional Studies (MPS) students who will have completed at least 12 credits towards their degree by the beginning of the Spring 2022 term and a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average.
- Students must be in good academic, administrative and behavioral standing at the time of application and for the duration of the award.
- Academic and/or professional development opportunities must be related to the student’s field of study and have academic program approval.
- Students must submit a completed application and all associated components by the deadline.
- This funding is for the Spring 2022 term. Academic and/or professional development opportunities that will not utilize the funding during this term will not be considered.
Required Documents
- a copy of your resume
- a PDF document that confirms your acceptance/involvement in the academic and/or professional development opportunity
- a signed PDF copy of the Academic Program Approval Form. Fill this form out and have an administrative representative (non-faculty member) from your Academic Program sign the document. Program Directors, Associate Directors, Assistant Directors, and Deputy Directors may sign this form.
- a detailed statement (500 word maximum) explaining how the academic and/or professional development opportunity aligns with your personal and professional goals (to be copied/pasted into the application form).
- a detailed statement (500 word maximum) providing more detail on how you will utilize the funds and why you should be selected to receive this grant (to be copied/pasted into the application form).
- please log in with your Columbia email account to download the budget sheet template as an Excel file (or make a copy on Google Sheets) and fill it out to submit with your application. This document should contain the actual (or estimated) costs tied to your academic and/or professional development opportunity. Note: This is a total budget and not reflective of the amount, if awarded, you will receive.
*In accordance with University COVID-19 guidelines: https://covid19.columbia.edu.