The Greene Center, in line with our strategic plan, is offering funding for online and virtual 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:
- 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.
- Courses are focused on developing a skill set or mindset valuable to the student and their career interests, or to potential future employment opportunities.
- Include at least 8 hours of instruction and individual work, and result in a final assessment or project that is shared with other students or the course instructors. If due to the nature of the program that is not an option, examples of work should be submitted to the Funding Coordinator.
- You may also be asked to complete an evaluation of the opportunity or course, which will become part of a shared library for other students and alumni.
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 Fall 2024
- Very limited funding will also be available for graduate students who are enrolled through Fall 2024
- Enrolled in the Colleges of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering 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 learner with portable and 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 for each academic semester (i.e. fall and spring)
Application Process
- Determine learning opportunity you would like to participate in
- Career advisers in the Greene Center are available throughout the semester to discuss options with you. The Greene Center has a list of pre-approved options at http://www.rochester.edu/careercenter/experience/success-skills.html and adds to this throughout the year.
- Complete the online application for funding assistance
- Once approved, participate in course, and complete evaluation provided by the Greene Center (REQUIRED)
Evaluation and Payment Process for Skill-Building Funds
Applications are evaluated based on funding requested and the rubric provided. Funding is NOT guaranteed. That being said, please submit an application prior to purchasing an online learning opportunity, subscription, software, etc. as your request may not be approved.
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.
Awards will be processed as reimbursements. Once you receive notification regarding your application, you will need to register for the learning opportunity, and forward your receipt to Christina Pero at christina.pero@rochester.edu. Please note that only authorized receipts that include the date of the transaction, nature of the transaction, details of the vendor, method of payment, and any additional taxes or costs are acceptable. Screenshots of bank statements, app details, or other unofficial documents will not be accepted as authorized receipts and therefore will not be eligible for reimbursement.
