Career Development Grants

Cycle 2 Career Development Grants are available to all UNCSA students who seek grant funding to assist with Summer 2026 opportunties:

• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Unpaid positions in professional companies (non-union)
• Underpaid positions in professional companies (non-union)

Grant awards range from $300 - $1000.

This is a competitive grant. A successful application will clearly articulate how the proposed summer opportunity will benefit your career. In your proposal, fully explain the type of opportunity you are seeking, what you will learn, and industry connections you will make.

If you have already secured an opportunity, include pertinent details like:

• Name and location of employer
• Mission of the organization
• Position description
• Dates of the position
• If paid, what is the pay rate/stipend? You must include expected payment as a funding source in your budget.

In addition, consider how you will network to make professional connections and describe those plans in your proposal. UNCSA faculty can advise on networking and informational interview strategies. 

Please note that this is a reimbursement grant for expenses in support of an internship/apprenticeship/professional non-union experience.

Deadlines for 2025-26 Career Development Grants

*Students may apply for both the CDG and the Cycle 2 CDG grants; however, they may only accept one of them. Only one award per student per academic year is allowed.

Important Information for Applicants

• Grant awards range from $300 to $1000 to cover one activity.
• Funding can only be used for the activity outlined in the grant application.
• One award per student per academic year is allowed. 
• This is a reimbursement grant. Be sure to read the reimbursement instructions before submitting grant application.
• Contact the Writing Center for assistance with your grant application.

Application

The grant application includes:

1. Student information section
2. Project details section
3. Project documents section (submit a single 5-page PDF file, with the applicant’s name appearing at the top of each page, that includes the following)
   • Page 1. Position description (must include specifics, 500 words maximum)
   • Page 2. Short summary of how this grant will directly impact your career (250 words maximum) 
   • Page 3. Project approval from your primary faculty member/adviser/mentor (this can be an email converted into a PDF or a signed letter in PDF form)
   • Page 4. Budget $300-$1000 (See example of a budget)
   • Page 5. Resume (See example of a resume)

The PDF file you upload should be labeled as follows:

• Last name_First name_CDG_Spring 2026

This rubric will be used to score the applications. It is recommended that all applicants review the rubric prior to submitting their application.

The Cycle 2 CDG application will be open February 9 - March 9, 2026, for the Summer 2026 cycle.

Cycle 2 CDG Application

Career Development Grant committee members

• Dance: Ming-Lung Yang
• D&P: Jessica Kammerud
• Drama: Sara Becker
• Film: Shawn Harwell
• Music: Oskar Espina-Ruiz

Career Development Grants are made possible through the generous support of the Talented Students in the Arts Initiative, a collaboration of the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Surdna Foundation.