The STPP Student Career Development Grant is designed to provide supplemental support for students who seek to learn about science and technology policy outside of the classroom. Students use this funding to attend science and technology policy-related conferences and professional development events that may otherwise be cost-prohibitive, including conferences (e.g., AAAS Conference), workshops (e.g. Science Outside the Lab), and unpaid or underpaid internships.
Eligibility: Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The maximum grant amount is $1,000. To apply, you must be in good academic standing and have successfully completed one of the two STPP core courses. Students enrolled in their second STPP core course when the application is submitted are also eligible. You may apply once per fiscal year. Applications will not be considered for retroactive funding. MPP/MPA students should contact the Graduate Career Services department for information on how to apply for Ford School-specific professional development funding.
Deadline: Ongoing.
Award Description: The STPP Student Career Development Grant can be applied to STPP-specific career development activities, including conferences (e.g., AAAS Conference), workshops (e.g., Science Outside the Lab), and unpaid or underpaid internships. Grants are awarded in the form of a reimbursement; if that would pose a hardship for you, let us know and we may be able to make different arrangements. Grants are considered taxable income for federal and state income tax purposes. For more information on tax-related issues, visit the UM Finance Office and International Center tax sites.
Requirements: If you receive an award, you will be required to:
- Provide receipts/proof of attendance
- Write an evaluation/reflection statement upon completion of the event. This statement will summarize your experience and describe how your experience will impact your future career plans and will be highlighted in the STPP Newsletter.
- Be available for Program activities, such as information sessions on career development opportunities.
Application Procedure: Completed applications must be submitted electronically to the Education Manager prior to the start of the professional development activity. Applications are reviewed within 72 hours of receipt. Funding is determined on a rolling basis and is not guaranteed. You may apply for the funds at any time, but the funds will not be disbursed until we receive your paid registration receipt.
After you have completed the form, please send a brief email to the Education Manager.
Contact Information: Questions? Please contact the Education Manager for more information.
STPP Student Career Development Grant Application Form
Margarita Maria Rodriguez Morales, PhD student in Public Policy and Sociology writes about her experience attending the 2024 quadrennial joint meeting of the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology (EASST) and the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S).
Read more
Emily Costa, PhD Candidate, Pratt Research Group, Department of Chemistry reflects on her experience at the American Meteorological Society’s Summer Policy Colloquium in June in Washington, DC.
Read more
PhD Candidate Ember McCoy (Environmental Policy and Justice) summarizes some key takeaways from her experience at the joint meeting of the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology (EASST) and the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S) in Amsterdam in July.
Read more
Olivia David, PhD Candidate at SEAS, describes her experience at the joint conference of the European Association for the Study of Science and Technology and the Society for Social Studies of Science (EASST-4S) held in July in Amsterdam.
Read more
Christina Del Greco, PhD Student in Genetics and Genomics reflects on her experience at The American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT)’s annual Policy Summit in Washington, DC on September 18-19, 2023.
Read more
Allison Cale, PhD Candidate in Genetics and Genomics reflects on her experience attending the 15th International Conference on Bioethics, Medical Ethics, and Health Law for four days this past October in Oporto, Portugal.
Read more
Grace Burleson, a PhD Candidate in Design Science, reflects on her experience at the 2023 ASU Winter School.
Read more
Margarita Maria Rodriguez Morales, Ph.D. candidate in Public Policy & Sociology and STPP certificate student, describes her experience at the Harvard Science and Technology Studies Summer School.
Read more
Natasa Dacic, Ph.D. candidate in Climate and Space Science & Engineering and STPP certificate student, traveled to climate conference COP26 in Glasgow, Scotland as a member of the University of Michigan’s Delegation.
Read more
Elana Goldenkoff, PhD candidate in Kinesiology and STPP certificate student, helped staff Michigan Independent Citizens Redistricting Commission public hearings across the state, as part of a joint MSU/UM student effort.
Read more
Jason Albert, Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD Candidate and STPP Certificate Student, discusses his experience attending the Science Outside the Lab program at Arizona State University.
Read more
Selene Ceja, MPP and STPP certificate student, and a first-generation, low-income Latina from South Central Los Angeles wrote about how the ever-accelerating changes in science and technology will affect the next generation of disadvantaged students.
Read more
Akin Olumoroti, MPP and STPP certificate student, wrote about his experience at the student-led MIT Energy Conference in Boston, Massachusetts.
Read more
Lucca Henrion, Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. Candidate and STPP Certificate Student, wrote about going to Lansing, the Michigan Capitol, to advocate on behalf of graduate students in Michigan.
Read more
Elizabeth A. Ronan, Molecular and Integrative Physiology Ph.D. Candidate and STPP certificate student, wrote about her experience meeting with with lawmakers on Capitol Hill and how effective science communication helps ensure that legislation is created that promotes scientific advancement.
Read more
Nocona Sanders, Materials Science & Engineering Ph.D. Candidate and STPP Certificate Student, wrote about his experience at the 2019 Washtenaw County Consensus Conference on Water Security, where Washtenaw County residents came together to learn about water security issues and provide their perspectives to policymakers.
Read more
Laura Grier, MS in Environmental Justice and Policy and STPP Graduate Certificate alumna wrote about her experience as a State Climate Policy Intern with the U.S. Climate Alliance in Washington, D.C.
Read more
Kelsey Diffley, Ph.D. Candidate in Chemistry and STPP Graduate Certificate Student, wrote about her experience at the American Association for the Advancement of Science Annual Meeting in Seattle, Washington.
Read more
Stephanie Sandoval-Pistorius, M.S., Neuroscience Ph.D. Candidate and STPP certificate student, wrote about her experience with STPP courses and the experience she gained from the STPP certificate program and lecture series.
Read more