2024-2025 SEN Grant Timeline
Students have the opportunity to apply for a grant and complete an experience three times each year, in the fall, spring, and summer. We refer to these as “cycles.” Apply for funding during the same cycle you want to complete your experience.
Fall 2024August 19–Application opens
September 8–Application closes
Week of September 16–Applicants are notified of the decision and receive further instructions
January 12–All experiences should be complete for this grant cycle
Spring 2025November 20–Application opens
December 15–Application closes
Week of January 13–Applicants are notified of the decision and receive further instructions
May 31–All experiences should be complete for this grant cycle
Summer 2025February 28–Application opens
March 23–Application closes
Week of April 1–Applicants are notified of the decision and receive further instructions
August 15–All experiences should be complete for this grant cycle
Application Tip:
In the “Growth Areas” section, you’ll reflect on how your experience can transform you as a student, citizen, leader, or future working professional. Express in detail how you will use your experience to grow and transform. The more genuine, the better.
Application Tip:
In the “Impact Statement” section of the application, you’ll explain how your experience will impact you, your peers, your campus, your community, or society at large. Some experiences may even have national or global impact! It’s amazing to consider the possibilities.
FAQs
-
Will receiving a grant affect my financial aid package?
Although this is typically not the case, in certain cases receiving a grant could result in a hold being placed on your account. Please contact the Office of Student Aid for more information on how your account may be impacted. The SEN will also address this question in the mandatory information session for grant recipients.
-
What is expected of me if I receive a grant?
If chosen for an award, you will be expected to: 1) Attend a mandatory information session; 2) Complete a free, non-credit-bearing course through Canvas; 3) Meet each week with an assigned faculty or staff Engagement Coach; and 4) Complete an assessment at the end of your experience, write a reflection, and submit photos.
-
Are graduate students eligible for grants?
No, graduate students are not eligible.
-
What types of costs are not funded?
Funding cannot be used for tuition, student club or organization fees and dues (including Greek life), research that is not supervised by a Penn State faculty member, travel not affiliated with the University, personal bills or expenses, or miscellaneous costs that don't directly pertain to an engagement experience.
-
Can I use the grant to pay my tuition?
No, funding cannot be used to pay tuition.
-
Can a student club or organization seek funding for projects, events, or community-service?
No. Student clubs and organization leaders are encouraged to seek funding first through their campus allocations committee, academic department or college, and/or student government.
-
Can I apply for multiple grants in a funding cycle? Can I receive multiple grants throughout my Penn State career?
You may only apply for one grant per cycle. Students can apply as many times as they wish, but after they receive a grant, they are not eligible for additional funding.
-
Can I apply for a summer experience during the fall or spring cycles, or for a fall or spring experience during the summer?
No, your experience must take place within the same cycle you apply for funds.
-
Should I plan for my experience to be remote or in person?
You can plan for either, depending on your needs and goals. Experiences can be remote/virtual, in person, or they can include a combination of both elements. Students are strongly encouraged to follow COVID mitigation protocols during their experience.