Tow Foundation Special Professional Opportunities Fund

The purpose of the Tow Foundation Special Professional Opportunities Fund is to support Barnard College student activities that will further a career in her chosen field, including conference registrations and associated travel and lodging expenses.  The fund’s support will focus on event attendance or research that will contribute to the student’s career success.  

Eligibility

All Barnard College students, except students who are currently or were previously recipients of Tow Fellowships, are eligible to apply for grants from the Tow Foundation Special Professional Opportunities Fund.  Students who have previously received awards from the Tow Foundation Special Professional Opportunities Fund may apply again for a grant but the standard of review will be higher for requests from previous grantees. 

Selection Criteria

Students should clearly demonstrate the connection between the proposed professional development event and their career development goals.  The selection committee will also consider the professional presentation of the applicant’s résumé and essay, as well as the quality of the proposed professional development event.

Grant Amounts

The amount of the grant awards will vary depending on each student’s request and the funding available.  Grantees are provided with reimbursement checks after submission of receipts.  Advance stipends may be available on a case-by-case basis.

Application Instructions

The application form is available on NACElink (Go to the “Documents” tab and click on “eLibrary”).  Students should submit completed applications, along with copies of their résumés, via NACElink:

1. Download the application form.
2. Complete the form and save to your computer.
3. Log-in to NACElink (https://barnard-csm.symplicity.com/students/).
4. Upload a résumé under the “Documents” tab.
5. Upload your saved application file as “Other Documents” under the “Documents” tab.
6. Search for “Tow Foundation Special Professional Opportunities Fund” under the “Jobs – Barnard CD Jobs” tab and click “Apply”.
7. Select the appropriate documents to include (i.e., your résumé and saved application file as “Other Documents”).
8. Click “Submit”.

Students should submit their applications at least 10 business days prior to any event registration deadlines.

Review Process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.  Students will be notified of grant decisions via e-mail within 10 business days of their application dates.

Grantee Requirements

Grantees are expected to fulfill a number of requirements, including:

1. Preparing “thank you” notes for the grant donors.
2. Writing a short reflection piece on the professional events attended by utilizing the grant.
3. Completing an online evaluation form.
4. Submitting all receipts for grant-related expenses and returning any unused funds, if applicable.

Questions

Please e-mail internshipgrants@barnard.edu or call Barnard Career Development at 212-854-2033 with any questions regarding the Tow Foundation Special Professional Opportunities Fund.