Professional Development Grants and Funding for Students

Grants can help you access learning and professional development activities throughout your education. From conferences to field trips to undergraduate research, you can build skills, make connections, and increase your employability.


Green and Gold Student Leadership and Professional Development Grant

The Green and Gold Student Leadership and Professional Development Grant (Green and Gold Grant) helps U of A students become leaders in their profession following graduation.


The grant funds 80% of the total cost of participating in an activity, up to a maximum of $1,500. Eligible activities include, but are not restricted to, leadership conferences and seminars, skill-building workshops, meetings and events hosted by professional associations, and experiential learning activities.


Professional Development and Experiential Learning Fund (PDEL)

The Professional Development and Experiential Learning Fund (PDEL) helps U of A students become leaders in their profession following graduation.

PDEL covers 100% of the activity cost for activities costing between $7 and $250. Eligible activities include, but are not restricted to, leadership conferences and seminars, skill-building workshops and courses, meetings and events hosted by professional associations, and experiential learning activities.


Undergraduate Research Initiative

The Undergraduate Research Initiative (URI) helps undergraduate students to engage in research and creative activities, both in and out of the classroom. Undergraduate research provides high-impact, hands-on experiences that can help students build your skills, explore possible career paths, and uncover hidden career opportunities.

URI offers a variety of funding opportunities to help students put their ideas and curiosities to work.


Informal Funding Avenues

Some funding opportunities are not widely advertised but can be accessed through various networks. Consider the following actions:

  1. Talk to professors, faculty, department offices, and student associations. They may be aware of funding sources, have discretionary funds you can access, or offer advice.
  2. Join a professional association in your area; many offer reduced rates for students to participate in their conferences and other professional development activities.
  3. Ask your employer about professional development they offer and if they have funds employees can access to participate in activities that have a cost.
Audience

Students

Category

Financial , Career & Professional Development

Provider
Provost Provost