UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students can now apply for a Student Engagement Network (SEN) Grant to support undergraduate engagement experiences during Maymester, Summer I and Summer II 2022. Engagement experiences can take many forms and grants can help students cover many kinds of costs.
The deadline to apply for an Engagement Grant is March 20. The application and additional information can be found at the Student Engagement Network website. Award decision notifications will be sent during the week of April 4, and all engagement experiences during this grant cycle should be completed by Aug. 15.
This will be the first grant cycle that students can apply for a group grant. Group grants are for five or more students seeking the same engagement experience. To apply for a group grant, contact Student Engagement Network Director Michael Zeman at mjz120@psu.edu.
Engagement grants can be used by students at all campuses
Undergraduate students from all Penn State campuses are invited to apply. Students granted funding will receive $1,000 or $2,000 to complete their engagement experience and must participate in the SEN Online Canvas course (no tuition cost, non-credit bearing), centered on the student engagement journey. Each student will also be assigned an engagement coach to help them complete their engagement experience. A total of $100,000 in grants will be awarded for Maymester and summer 2022.
Below are examples of the types of engagement experiences SEN will consider for funding. Students are encouraged to reach out to SEN staff if they have questions about Engagement Grants.
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undergraduate research
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professional experiences
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community-based learning
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creative accomplishments
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courses with an out-of-class component
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organizational experiences
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peer mentoring
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self-directed student engagement
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volunteerism
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employment experiences
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study away/study abroad experience
To see previously funded projects, visit engage.psu.edu/stories.
Special fund can cover museum-related experiences
The Max and Shirley Kogan Museum Experience Fund was established to provide funding for students to visit museums, participate in museum internships and attend professional museum conferences. Up to $3,000 in funds will be awarded, but students are encouraged to apply for grants of up $2,000, with higher amounts considered on a case-by-case basis.
The museum-based experience must be based in the U.S. at an art museum, history or anthropological museum or science museum. It is preferred that museums be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. Museum conferences must be based in the U.S.
If requesting funding solely to visit museums, students must plan to visit at least five museums and allow for sufficient time to adequately experience the museums’ collections and exhibitions. Students must also interview at least one museum professional at a minimum of one of the museums visited, take part in at least one tour or guided experience during their visits and participate in at least two museum programs organized by at least one of the museums visit either in person or virtually before or after the visit.
Museum internships should include at least 50 hours of museum experience and students should interview at least one museum professional during the internship.
If students request funding to attend a professional museum conference, they should make at least on significant contact with a museum professional at the conference who can assist in the student’s career aspirations.
The Student Engagement Network is a joint initiative among Undergraduate Education, Student Affairs and Outreach and Online Education. The mission of the Student Engagement Network is to advance the power of participation by connecting students with experiences that empower them to make a positive impact as citizens and leaders of the world.