Student Professional Development Grant Application
The application is now closed.
- Overview
- Program Requirements
- Project Ideas
- Application and Award Schedule
- Application Rubric
- Application Checklist
- Reporting
- Submit a completed project application with an identified staff/faculty advisor.
- Project proposals must support the scholar’s professional development and future employment pathway planning.
- Projects must be designed to help scholars develop key competencies in areas such as critical thinking, professionalism, communication, technology, career management and/or multi-cultural fluency.
- The scholar and identified staff/faculty advisor must provide all necessary reporting to the American
- Indian College Fund in a timely manner.
- Projects must be completed August 1st, 2025
Please review the following suggestions for possible project activities. Please note: SPD grant funding may be used to pay for project expenses and provide scholars with a salary for planned projects.
Internship
- Gain practical experience in your field.
- Assist faculty with community-based data collection and analysis.
- Collaborate with organizations for virtual work assignments.
- Develop projects to enhance professional skills.
Research
- Support faculty by compiling data for analysis.
- Engage in literature reviews, data analysis, and data organization.
- Enhance analytic skills with new technology.
Service Learning
- Organize community service, e.g., highway clean-up, to develop community-based solutions.
- Create a one-day event or event series to support community action for positive, focused change.
Field Work
- Implement research and data collection methods in community-based projects that enhance understanding of in-class curriculum.
- Enhance understanding of classroom curriculum through specific research projects.
| Application Notification | |
| April 28th, 2025 | SPD grant application announced |
| Application Deadline | |
| May 9th, 2025 |
EMAIL completed application – project work plan, timeline, learning outcomes, staffing support, and budget to: Annamarie Stevens at careers@collegefund.org PLEASE NOTE: Your application will be reviewed by a committee using the rubric provided below. Scholars’ applications that score “High” in both personal/professional development and proposal innovation/explanation are most likely to be awarded an SPD grant. |
| Grant and Award Timeline | |
| Upon SPD grant award selection |
Scholars who receive an SPD grant will be emailed formal copies of the grant award letter and agreement. Scholars will also be asked to complete a W-9 form and an electronic funds transfer (EFT) form. The American Indian College Fund will directly deposit SPD grant funds to awarded scholars’ bank accounts. Awarding will start on the week of May 19-29, 2025 |
| Check-in and Reporting Schedule | |
| July 2025 |
Annamarie Stevens, Career Readiness & Employment Student Programs Administrator, will conduct periodic check-ins with awarded scholars to answer questions and address concerns as needed.
Scholar/faculty team complete evaluation forms (provided to scholar/faculty at end of project) |
| August 1, 2025 | Finalize all scholar and faculty evaluations |
| August 8, 2025 |
Deadline for scholars and faculty to submit SPD grant evaluation documents to the American Indian College Fund.
|
Each project application will be reviewed and rated upon the following:
- Innovation – a unique, interesting, fun, cool tactic or strategy that will support growth/deepen the understanding of the applicant’s professional or employment future.
- Explanation – a strong conveyance of how the tactic or strategy will impact and change the professional growth of the applicant.
- Personal/Professional Development – a clear sharing of what will change or grow in the applicant because they were able to attempt/complete this innovative project.
Innovation
🔴 Low: Generic or lacks originality; little connection to growth.
🟡 Average: Some creativity but lacks strong innovation or depth.
🟢 Exceptional: Highly original, engaging, and deeply impactful.
Explanation
🔴 Low: Weak or unclear connection to professional growth.
🟡 Average: General explanation with limited depth or examples.
🟢 Exceptional: Clear, detailed, and strongly tied to career impact.
Personal/Professional Development
🔴 Low: No clear reflection on growth or future impact.
🟡 Average: Mentions benefits but lacks depth or vision.
🟢 Exceptional: Thoughtful, specific, and outlines long-term value.
Application Checklist/Required Documents DUE BY May 9th, 2025
SPD grant applicants must submit the following documents and information to receive full and equal consideration during the selection process.
- Cover Page and Course Credit Authorization (if applicable)
- Project Proposal/Work Plan
- Project Learning Outcomes
- Project Support and Budget
Completed SPD grant applications and all supporting documents must be emailed to Annamarie Stevens at careers@collegefund.org by 11:45 pm (MST) on May 9th, 2025.
August 1, 2025 – Finalise all scholar and faculty evaluations.
August 8, 2025 – Deadline for scholars and faculty to submit SPD grant evaluation documents to the American Indian College.
On or by August 8, 2025 conclusion of the project, scholars must complete and submit the following:
- Report cover sheet
- Scholar evaluation (worksheet will be provided)
- Faculty evaluation (worksheet will be provided)
- Final budget report
- Photos (5 to 15) or video
Tribal Colleges and Universities
Tribal colleges and universities provide dynamic higher education opportunities, most on or near reservation lands. Known for their remarkable programs, culturally-relevant curricula, and familial student care – tribal colleges allow students to further their careers, attain an advanced degree, or better support their communities.
