Career Development Grants
Career Development Grants are need-sensitive awards that help students offset out-of-pocket expenses associated with career preparation.
What Is Covered?
Category
Eligible Expenses
Professional Attire
Business professional and business casual attire and accessories (eg, shoes, ties, professional bags, etc.).
Travel Expenses
Travel to/from job/internship interviews, career fairs, recruiting events, or professional conferences (if not funded by academic departments).
Grad School Fees
Application and test registration fees (e.g., GRE, LSAT, MCAT).
Note: Applicants are expected to apply for primary fee waivers/reductions first (e.g., school-specific waivers, GRE Fee Reduction Program, LSAC/LSAT Fee Waiver Program, AAMC/MCAT Fee Assistance).
What is NOT Covered?
- Test preparation courses
- Outside educational programming/coursework or fee-based programs
- Income replacement or living stipends for unpaid/low-pay internships
- Travel or living expenses for internships during the academic year
Key Details
- Eligibility and Limits: All current Vassar students are eligible to apply. Students can receive multiple grants up to a $500 total lifetime maximum per student while at Vassar.
- Need-Sensitive Prioritization: Because funds are limited, applications are prioritized based on demonstrated financial need (verified with Student Financial Services) and the quality of planning shown in the application.
- Reimbursement Basis: Funds are provided as reimbursements after purchase, not in advance. Itemized receipts (paper or digital) are required to process payments.
- Review and Timeline: Decisions are made weekly on a rolling basis until funds are depleted for the academic year. Please allow up to 2 weeks for a decision to be reached—plan accordingly!
- Tax Note: Grant awards may be 1099-reportable; consult a tax advisor regarding tax treatment.
Application Process:
- Complete the Career Development Grant online application form, including your itemized budget.
- CCE reviews your request and verifies your financial need with Student Financial Services.
- If approved, you will receive an email confirmation with your approved grant award amount.
- Submit your receipts; funds will be distributed directly via direct deposit.
Please contact Aimee Cunningham (aicunningham@vassar.edu), Associate Director of Fellowships, Funding, and Communications, with any questions about eligible expenses or the application process.