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Career Education

Vassar College

Career Development Grants

Career Development Grants are intended to help offset the costs of expenses related to career preparation, job and internship search, and graduate/professional school applications for individual students. Examples of eligible expenses include, but are not limited to:

  • Interview attire such as suits, dress shoes, ties, and professional bags
  • Individual travel expenses related to interviews, career fairs, consortia recruiting events, and professional conferences not supported by academic departments or other funding sources
  • Graduate/professional school test registration fees and application fees (please note that you are expected to also apply for fee waiver/reduction opportunities if available)

Career Development Grants may not be used for:

  • Test prep courses
  • Outside educational programming and/or coursework
  • Income while undertaking a low-pay or unpaid internship at any time of the year 
  • Travel or other expenses for internships during the academic year.

All current students are eligible to apply for a Career Development Grant. While students may apply to the fund more than once, individual students are limited to $500 in total awards over their time at Vassar.
Important details:

  • Funds for this program are limited. Applications will be prioritized based on financial need and on the planning demonstrated in the application.
  • Grants will be disseminated until funds are depleted for a given academic year.
  • Decisions will be made on a rolling basis, and applications will be reviewed weekly.
  • Students should allow up to 2 weeks for a decision to be reached, please plan accordingly.
  • Grants are treated as reimbursements; monies are not provided in advance.
  • Receipts (paper or electronic) will be required in order to process reimbursements.
  • As these funds could be 1099 reportable, we recommend that students consult with a tax advisor on how to treat and report this grant for tax purposes.

Application Process:

  1. Complete the Career Development Grant online application form which includes an anticipated budget.
  2. The Center for Career Education will review applications and verify each applicant’s need level with the Office of Student Financial Services.
  3. If your application is approved, you will be contacted by email with information on the amount of your grant award.
  4. Once receipts are provided, a payment request will be issued. Funds are transferred to students via direct deposit; you will be notified if you need to set this up.

Please contact Aimee Cunningham (aicunningham@vassar.edu), Associate Director of Fellowships, Funding, and Communications, with any questions about the application process.