Professional Development Grant

🛑 CLOSED until Fall 2026

The CLS Professional Development Grant helps Grinnell students build skills, expand professional networks, and explore career interests through conferences, certifications, professional associations, and other career-related learning opportunities.

Note: Students seeking to present research completed at Grinnell College (usually from a MAP) at a conference should first apply for funding from the Dean’s Office by submitting their Student Conference Travel Form.

WHAT does the Professional Development Grant fund?

Professional Development Grants may be used for:

  • Attending professional conferences, workshops, or related programs (in person or virtual).
  • Conference registration fees and associated travel expenses.
  • Membership dues for professional associations.
  • Non-credit courses, certifications, and professional designations.
  • Required materials associated with professional development activities.

This grant may not be used for:

  • Graduate or professional school application expenses (see the Graduate School Grant instead).
  • Internship or summer research expenses (see the Summer Internship Grant instead).
  • Educational fees associated with earning academic credit (e.g., tuition to another institution).
  • General networking visits.
  • 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:

  • Senior
  • Third-year
  • Rising third-year; that is, second-year students applying for funds to cover an experience that takes place during the summer before their third 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 $7oo total during a student’s time at Grinnell
  • Moderate need: up to $525 total
  • Low need: up to $350 total
  • No need: up to $175 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 Professional Development Grants are considered taxable income and additional tax-related adjustments may apply for non-resident taxpayers.

WHEN should I apply?

Professional Development 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.

Graduating seniors must have all purchases, conferences, and trainings completed prior to commencement. For processing purposes, November 20, 2026 is the last day applications will be considered from seniors graduating in December and the experience must be completed by 5 p.m. on November 30, 2026. April 16, 2027, is the last day applications will be considered from seniors graduating in May 2027 and the funded experience must be completed by 5 p.m. on April 30, 2027.

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.

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