Explore Grant
The CLS Explore Grant helps Grinnell students investigate their career interests through experiential learning opportunities and connections with alumni and other professionals.
WHAT does the Explore Grant fund?
Explore Grants may be used for activities designed to help students discover career path avenues, such as:
- A job shadow experience
- Networking and informational interviews
- An independent project
- Attending a conference or workshop
- A course, training opportunity, certification, or similar activity
- Membership in a professional organization
- Other exploratory activities… talk to your CLS Exploratory Adviser for ideas!
This grant may not be used for:
- Internship or summer research expenses (see the Summer Internship Grant instead).
- Educational fees associated with earning academic credit (e.g., tuition to another institution).
- Personal electronic devices.
- Expenses that have already been incurred. Grants cannot be awarded retroactively.
WHO is eligible for the Professional Development Grant?
Eligible class years:
- Second-year
- First-year
All CLS grant recipients must be in good conduct standing and have completed their CLS Greenlight appointment.
HOW MUCH funding is available?
Funding awards are based on a student’s level of financial need, as determined by the Office of Financial Aid:
- High/very high need: up to $5oo total during a student’s time at Grinnell
- Moderate need: up to $350 total
- Low need: up to $250 total
- No need: up to $150 total
Eligible students can receive funding for more than one request during their time at Grinnell, provided each application supports a different eligible expense. Approved awards are distributed as a lump-sum deposit to the student’s bank account on file with the College. Note that Explore Grants are considered taxable income and additional tax-related adjustments may apply for non-resident taxpayers.
WHEN should I apply?
Explore Grant applications are reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the academic year, subject to funding availability.
Plan ahead! Applications must be submitted before expenses are incurred and incomplete applications will not be considered. Applications involving air travel should be submitted at least three weeks before departure. Requests submitted fewer than 15 business days before an event may not allow sufficient time for review and processing. If you will miss class because of a funded activity, you are responsible for communicating with your faculty members in advance.
Students seeking funding for conferences or programs outside the United States should contact CLS before submitting an application. When reviewing international travel requests, the CLS may consider visa and travel requirements as well as timing and logistical feasibility. International applications submitted fewer than six weeks before departure may not be approved. Students traveling internationally are encouraged to review Institute for Global Engagement travel resources before making final plans.
Need transportation assistance? Students traveling through approved CLS funding may be eligible for transportation support.
WHAT is required after receiving funding?
Grant recipients must maintain a detailed, itemized expense record, submit original receipts for all funded expenses, and complete a brief reflection describing how the grant supported their professional goals. Failure to complete all required documentation by the stated deadline may result in a charge to the student’s account for the full award amount and a 12-month hold on future CLS funding eligibility.
