Skill-Building Funding Application

The Greene Center, in line with our Strategic Plan, is offering funding for online programs or trainings that support student career interests, exploration, and competency development.

Learning opportunities can complement learning already taking place in the academic classroom, and/or may focus more specifically into particular skill sets or industry sectors, including topics such as programming languages, business and marketing, data science, entrepreneurship, finance, software basics, and others.

Opportunities must follow these guidelines:

1. Offered by a known and credible online learning provider. These may include, but are not limited to, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, IDEO, LifeLabs Learning, Tableau, Google, CodeAcademy, Allison, Canva, Adobe, CreativeLife, etc.
2. Other skill-building activities could include competitions, hackathons, boot camps, and more, as long as they connect to your career interests.
3. Courses are focused on developing a skill set or mindset valuable to the student and their career interests, or to potential future employment opportunities.
4. Include at least 8 hours of instruction and individual work, and result in a certification, assessment, or project. If that is not an option, you're encouraged to send examples of your work.

To help us assess student demand and funding needs, we encourage students to apply year-round. Applications are actively reviewed during the fall and spring semesters, and funding decisions are subject to the availability of funds.

Skill-Building Funds are available thanks to the generous gifts of University of Rochester friends and alumni who believe in the importance of experiential opportunities.

Eligibility

• Undergraduate students who will continue enrollment into spring 2027
  • We will also have very limited funding available for graduate students who are enrolled through spring 2027
• Enrolled in the School of Arts & Sciences, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and Simon Undergraduate Business students for at least one degree program
• Learning opportunity has a standard program fee or course tuition, but is not credit bearing through a higher education institution

Not Eligible for Funding

• Learning opportunities that do not provide you with portable or demonstrated skill development, experience, or project-based learning.
• Courses taken through another higher education institution for credit.

Funding Guidelines

• In order to maximize our ability to support as many students as possible, funding is limited to $250 per student, per semester (fall and spring). No exceptions will be made.
• Please keep in mind that submitting an application does not guarantee an award. For this reason, please submit an application prior to purchasing an online learning opportunity, materials, software, subscriptions, etc. as your request for funding may not be approved.

Application Process

• Find the learning opportunity you would like to participate in. If you need ideas, the Greene Center has a list of pre-approved options to help you get started, though other opportunities may also be considered. You can also schedule an appointment with a career advisor to find opportunities relevant to your career interests.
• Complete the application below.
• If awarded, you'll receive an email from the Greene Center. 
• Upon completion, email Deborah Baker to receive an evaluation form to upload a copy of your certification, assessment, or project (if applicable), and share feedback about your experience. Your insights help us understand the impact of these opportunities and advocate for funding to support future students. 

Evaluation & Payment Process

Applications are evaluated based on funding requested and the rubric provided. Funding is NOT guaranteed. 

Award amounts are based on full or partial coverage of learning opportunity registration and materials or software cost. Many online learning providers offer scholarships, free or discounted accounts, etc., so please do your due diligence on this prior to applying for funding.

Upon Receiving Award Notification

Awards will be processed as reimbursements only. If your application is approved, you will need to register for the learning opportunity, and forward your receipt to Deborah Baker.

Set up your reimbursement method in Workday by selecting either direct deposit or check. Direct deposit is highly encouraged. Be sure to add your banking information to the  appropriate option for reimbursements.

Please note: The University only authorizes reimbursements on receipts that are submitted within 30 days of the purchase date. Anything beyond that time frame may not be accepted for reimbursement.

Each receipt must include your name or email address, the date of the transaction, nature of the transaction, details of the vendor, method of payment, and any additional taxes or costs.

Screenshots of bank statements, app details, or other unofficial documents will not be accepted as authorized receipts and will not be eligible for reimbursement.

 

Academic Information:

Please describe how you researched each of your estimated expenses, any additional sources of support you'll be utilizing, how you will maximize any funding granted, and why receiving funding is important in completing this experience. (Limit 500 words)

Please describe your motivation for completing this skill-building opportunity, the connections you see between this experience and your academic and/or career interests, and how this experience will help you develop career competencies critical for future success. (Limit 500 words)

Grading Rubric for Application:

 

By signing (typing your legal name) in the space below, you are certifying that all information is correct and that you are the person completing this application. When you press the submit button, you will receive an email confirmation that your application was received. Please print for your records and retain as verification of your application.