Bridgewater State University is committed to the professional development of its students. This fund, hosted by BSU’s Career Services & Internships office, serves to support students engaging in a variety of professional development activities that will enhance their academic experience and increase their career readiness skills.
Eligibility
- Must be a currently enrolled, degree-seeking undergraduate or graduate student at Bridgewater State University (must be enrolled for the duration of the funded semester*).
- Must be in good standing with the University, both academically and in conduct.
- Must have a staff or faculty reference in support of the experience.
- Funds must be used for skill development, networking, and/or experiential learning as they relate to your professional interests (see below for eligible experiences)
- Must submit the application at least one month prior to the experience.
- Must provide documentation of expense(s) including receipts and confirmation emails.
- Must be able to pay for the experience up front as this funding comes in the form of a reimbursement.
- Student must submit a one-page reflection of what they learned from the experience after their participation.
Eligible Experiences
- Registration & Fees: Conference registration fees, professional memberships, networking events, workshops, or webinars.
- Travel: Airfare, bus, train, mileage (car rentals do not qualify).
- Accommodation: Hotel rooms or housing.
- This grant does not offer funding for unpaid internships or undergraduate research. Please consult with the Career Services & Internships office for unpaid internships and the Undergraduate Research office for research-related funding questions.
Application & Reimbursement Process
Please note that this funding offers reimbursement which means the student will have to pay for their expenses up front but will receive the grant money in the form of reimbursement if selected for a grant. The student is responsible for submitting all necessary documentation of expenses including receipts and invoices as part of the process.
Please submit this application form to be considered for a professional development grant. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Students must apply at least one month in advance of the professional development experience for which they are seeking funding. If your timeline does not align with this, please email careerservices@bridgew.edu to see if an exception can be made.
As part of the application, students must submit a Budget Workshop which indicates a breakdown of projected costs for the professional development experience. Please use this Sample Budget Worksheet to help you determine the amount of funds you need for your experience.
After submitting an application, students will be notified with an update on their application approximately three weeks later.
Reimbursement Process
Students are required to submit supporting documents as proof of expenses such as the link to the professional development activity you are engaging in, travel receipts, hotel receipts, conference registration confirmations, etc. All receipts must be submitted to the Career Services & Internships office within 30 days of completion of travel to allow time for processing. Please email your expense documents in one message to careerservices@bridgew.edu.
Reflection
After participating in the professional development experience, students must submit a one-page reflection of what they learned and how they can apply it in the classroom or in their future career.
FAQ’s
What information do I need to apply?
- Name
- Banner ID
- BSU Student Email
- Major
- Class Year
- Name of Professional Development Experience
- Date(s) of Professional Development Experience
- Location of Professional Development Experience (In-Person, Remote, Hybrid)
- Name and email of BSU staff or faculty member reference
- What is the nature of this professional development experience? (Please indicate the focus of the experience, if you are attending, presenting, or will have another type of engagement):
- Please provide a breakdown of the cost you are requesting. Only include the cost you are asking if it is partial funding. (Attach budget spreadsheet).
- How will this contribute to your academic and/or professional interests and goals? What do you hope to learn in terms of new skills by engaging in this experience?
Am I guaranteed funding?
There is no guarantee that you will receive funding just by applying. Each year. the university sources donations for this fund and reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once the money has been exhausted, we will not be able to give out additional funding for that fiscal year.
How are funding decisions made?
The decisions are made based on a variety of factors. Each application is individually reviewed to determine your eligibility for funding and how it relates to your professional goals and will support your career readiness skills. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and students will be notified with an update roughly within three weeks of applying.
How much money can I anticipate receiving in a professional development grant?
The grant amount depends on how much you are seeking and the amount of funding available for that fiscal year. Most professional development grants will not exceed $500 per student.
When will I get my grant?
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis so you can expect an update on your application roughly within 3 weeks after you submit your application. The money will only be reimbursed once all documentation is provided for the expenses. Please anticipate a wait time for the money to be disbursed.
How will I get my grant?
Professional development grants are disbursed through your student account/eBill. Please note that if you owe a balance on your eBill, the money from the grant will be applied to that cost first. If you have direct deposit set up and do not owe any money, you will receive the money deposited into your direct deposit account. If you do not have direct deposit set up, you will receive a check in the mail. Students can sign up for direct deposit via eBill which is safe, reliable, and easy.
Who do I contact if I have questions about my application?
If you have questions about a completed application, you can contact careerservices@bridgew.edu or call 508-531-1328.
