The Experiential Learning Fund (ELF) provides scholarships for a wide variety of domestic and international applied opportunities, including internships, community service, study abroad, conferences, and local, off-campus opportunities. Students can receive financial assistance with costs (excluding tuition) to facilitate their participation in an experiential learning project or program.
Covered Expenses
We cannot cover tuition, but we can cover a variety of other costs including (but not limited to):
- Transportation costs (gas, airfare, public transport fees)
- Professional attire costs
- Housing/lodging costs
- Childcare costs
- Luggage
- Medical visits for vaccinations required for international travel
- Immigration visa and other immigration fees
Eligibility
Must be a USU undergraduate student with a declared ArtSci major. Applicants must be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or above.
Awards
This is a competitive funding option. Funds are NOT guaranteed! The size of the award depends on the number of applications submitted and student funding needs. Students may request up to $750 to help support their experiential learning needs.
Application Deadlines
The Experiential Learning Fund is accepting applications!
Fall
Application Deadline: 1 August - 31 October
Who should apply?
- Students looking to fund Spring experiential learning opportunities
- Students considering participation in a Spring or Summer Study Abroad
Spring
Application Deadline: 1 January - 1 March
Who should apply?
- Students looking to fund Summer experiential learning opportunities
- Students considering participation in Summer or Fall Study Abroad
Summer
Application Deadline: 1 April - 1 May
Who should apply?
- Students looking to fund Fall experiential learning opportunities
- Students considering participation in Fall Study Abroad
Application Requirements
Students Must:
- Be declared an ArtSci Undergraduate Major
- Be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.0
- Be involved in or plan to be involved in an experiential learning opportunity at the time of application
- While these experiences are often credit-bearing programs sponsored by USU, the committee will also consider sponsoring costs associated with non-credit-bearing experiences not sponsored by USU, though preference will be given to USU and ArtSci credit-bearing experiences.
- Complete the online application which will require students to login with their A# and password.
- Provide an itemized budget that lists unmet expenses, such as (but not limited to): gas, professional clothing, airfare, meals, etc.
- Students should request no more than $750. The size of the awards will be a function of the amount of eligible student applications and student funding needs. To help reach as many students as possible, we estimate that most awards will range between $150 and $750, but that range is not guaranteed.
- In 250+ words, describe the experiential learning opportunity in detail. What type of experiential learning opportunity is this (internship, community service, study abroad, conference, other)? How did the student find this opportunity? Is the student working with any faculty, community members, or alumni?
- In 250+ words, describe how this opportunity will provide the student with a transformative experience and/or advance the student’s academic/career goals. What is the student hoping to learn from this experience that will enhance their field of study? What role does this opportunity play in helping the student reach their academic goals? How does the student think this experience will impact their career goals and development of durable skills?
- In 250+ words, describe why this funding is necessary for the student’s participation in this experiential learning opportunity. Use this as an opportunity to share the student’s story, reveal any other funding resources, and share how receiving this funding is essential for the student’s participation in this experiential learning opportunity.
Application Review Process
- Applications will be reviewed for initial suitability and eligibility by the Director of Experiential Learning Strategy for the College of Arts & Sciences.
- Two faculty committee members will review eligible applicants for funding suitability.
- In conversation with the Dean, final determinations on funding amounts will be considered in relationship to the amount of eligible student applications and student funding needs.
- Students will be notified of their award status and required to complete paperwork to receive funding
- Following completed and signed paperwork, funds will be transferred to the student’s USU account as a non-qualified scholarship.
- Students can anticipate receiving word of funding status within 3-weeks of the application deadline.
I was able to experience firsthand what I had been learning about for so long. Reading about cultural differences and participating in them are two completely different experiences. I have a much deeper understanding and appreciation for Spanish culture…after my study abroad.