Opportunities to present research at conferences or attend professional meetings or trainings provide students with important learning experiences as well as a way to network and explore careers. To help support these types of opportunities for students in the College of Public Affairs, Dean Roger Hartley has launched a new Student Professional Development Grant Program.
“The Student Professional Development Grant Program is my way of encouraging an engaged learning experience and helping students build networks in their intended career field,” Hartley said. “By taking advantage of professional development opportunities, our students will not only develop complementary career skills and make valuable connections, but they will also help raise the visibility of the college.”
This pilot program will support airfare, car mileage, overnight stay, or a registration or fee for a banquet. Applications must demonstrate the value of the proposed opportunity to the student’s education and professional development, as well as the benefits to the college. Additionally, students must provide a short letter or email of support from a faculty member. And upon completion of the experience, students must also submit a one- to two-page summary and reflection paper to the dean.
Several students have already taken advantage of the new program, including M.P.A. student and Schaefer Center for Public Policy graduate fellow, Ken Weaver. Ken accompanied School of Public and International Affairs Assistant Professor Aaron Wachhaus to the Southeastern Conference for Public Administration held in Charleston, South Carolina in early October. Aaron and Ken gave a presentation entitled, “Building Healthy Communities,” which was the culmination of a project they’d been working on together on behalf of the Schaefer Center.
“I made lots of contacts with both academics and practitioners in public administration, and just had a great time,” said Ken in his reflection paper. “I learned even more by attending lots of panels and participating in many discussions. This was not only a big help to my professional development, but also my personal development.”
Students are eligible for a single grant for up to $500 in the 2015-16 academic year. For more information or to apply for a Student Professional Development Grant, contact Stephen Shirley, senior budget analyst at sshirley@ubalt.edu or 410-837-6209.