Grants for Engaged Learning

In order to support a broad range of experiential learning opportunities, Sweet Briar urges students to apply for a Grant for Engaged Learning. Awards of up to $2,000 support, for example, research projects, artistic endeavors, entrepreneurial activities, travel, internships, and job shadowing. Projects can be broadly imagined and should align with academic or career interests. In order to apply, students write a formal proposal that includes a description of the project and their goals, as well as a detailed timeline and budget. At the end of their project, students submit a brief report of their work.

The Student Advancement Committee evaluates proposals and makes funding recommendations. Awards are selected based on the quality of the proposal, the merits of the project, the alignment of goals to project activities, and the alignment of budget to purpose. For projects that are not funded, students are encouraged to take feedback from the committee and resubmit a revised proposal for a subsequent deadline.

Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from faculty members when drafting proposals. Information sessions with members of the Student Advancement Committee are an additional opportunity to get informal project critiques. Students are required to have a faculty member outside of the Student Advancement Committee review their proposal, though projects are not required to have a faculty supervisor. A select number of superlative proposals are awarded the distinction of being named Pannell Grants for Engaged Learning.

Program details:

Students are eligible to apply beginning in their 2^nd year at Sweet Briar.
Transfer students are eligible to apply after completing at least one 12-week session and having completed a total of 30 credits (including those in 12 week). A student may submit an application during their first 12-week session but funds cannot be used until grades are provided.
Students should have a GPA above 2.0. Study abroad experiences (those NOT lead by a Sweet Briar faculty member) require that students have a GPA of 2.7 or above.
Students from all majors are eligible.
Students with financial holds are not eligible to apply.
Students that are on honor probation are not eligible to apply.
Students do not need to be a part of the Honors Program to apply.
Part time, non-degree seeking students, and graduate students are not eligible to apply.
Students may receive funding twice, so long as the total requested is no more than $2,000.
In the proposal, the student selects the term when awarded funds are made available.
When funds are used for the fall semester, a final report (final narrative, receipts, etc.) is due on the last day of fall classes (12-week term). When funds are used in the spring semester, a final report is due either by the last day of classes (3-week term) for projects without a summer component or by August 10th for projects with a summer component.
If an adequate report is not submitted, the student will be charged for the disbursed funds against her student account.
Funds may not be applied towards the cost of a study abroad program. However, a proposal may be submitted to cover some costs related to study abroad. Possible expenses may include passport and visa fees, airfare, optional field trips/research/excursion/local travel in the host country before, during or after the program.
Using funds outside the scope of the project may be an honor code violation.
Equipment purchased with grant funds is the property of the college.
Application details are here (required grant cover page, description of required sections, etc.).
Reporting template and requirements are here.
Proposals and final reports are submitted as an Assignment on this canvas site.
Any project travel must be consistent with the college travel policy; current mileage reimbursement is $0.50/mile (last updated February 12, 2024)
Program contact: Cyndi Fein, Dean's Office, cfein@sbc.edu (434-381-6205) or grantengagedlearning@sbc.edu.

Proposal deadlines from 2024-2025:

August 16, 2024, (intended only for "emergency" fall 3 week projects), complete application due, funding decisions communicated by August 23
October 1, 2024, complete application due, funding decisions communicated by October 20
December 1, 2024, complete application due, funding decisions communicated by December 18
February 1, 2025, complete application due, funding decisions communicated by February 20
March 30 , 2025, complete application due, funding decisions communicated by April 15