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Dean of Studies

Vassar College

Funding

Funds for Academic Work, Fieldwork, and Internships

The Dean of Studies Office administers three specific funds designed to enhance the Vassar experience: the June Ross Marks ‘49 Travel Fund, the Academic Enrichment Fund, and the Geraldine Gewirtz Friedman ’41 Career Development Fund.

Important: There is a single common application for all three funds. The maximum award for the June Ross Marks ‘49 Travel Fund and the Academic Enrichment Fund is $500; the maximum award for the Geraldine Gewirtz Friedman ’41 Career Development Fund is $800.

Fill Out the Common Application

Note: To maximize availability, students are limited to one award from one of these funds per academic year.

Please review the descriptions below to determine which fund best fits your project.

The June Ross Marks ’49 Travel Fund

Best for: Students needing travel assistance connected to academic work.

Overview: Established in 2008 in honor of June Ross Marks' 60th Reunion, this fund reflects her love of travel. It supports student travel with a preference for travel in conjunction with academic work. $500 cap.

Restrictions: Does not support expenses associated with tuition- or fee-based programs.

The Academic Enrichment Fund

Best for: For-credit projects (eg, Thesis, Senior Projects, Research).

Overview: Provides financial support for individual academic work. Priority is given to projects taking place during the academic year. $500 cap.

  • Eligible Expenses: Travel, conference fees, entrance fees, production costs.
  • Requirements: If human participants are involved, you must provide evidence of [Institutional Review Board (IRB)] exemption or approval.
  • Restrictions: Does not support expenses associated with tuition- or fee-based programs.

The Geraldine Gewirtz Friedman ’41 Career Development Fund

Best for: Juniors/Seniors in Drama, Film, Literature, or Visual Arts.

Overview: Established in 2001, this fund supports students pursuing special professional opportunities (internships, unpaid professional experiences, summer employment) that enhance skills in the arts. $800 cap.

  • Eligibility: Limited to Juniors and Seniors. You do not need to major in Drama, English, or Art, but the project must relate to your professional aspirations in these fields.
  • Financial Criteria: Awards are intended for students whose financial circumstances would otherwise prevent them from pursuing the opportunity.
  • Timing: Projects may take place during the semester, winter/spring breaks, or summer.

Travel & Safety Policy

Refer to the College Policy on Student Travel for guidance on eligible travel.

Reporting Requirements

Recipients of any Vassar grant funds are required to submit a written report and/or a note to the donors of the Fund upon completion of their project.

Ready to Apply?

  1. Ensure you have read the eligibility requirements for the specific fund above
  2. Fill out the common application form.
  3. Request that a letter of endorsement from a faculty member be sent by the writer directly to dos@vassar.edu