The School of Business Professional Development Fund supports VCU Business students participating in established, externally hosted professional experiences such as conferences, competitions, and hackathons that include structured programming and defined learning outcomes. Students are encouraged to apply for funding to support their participation in eligible opportunities.
All VCU Business Majors are welcome to apply. All students (undergraduate and graduate) must apply individually, but should indicate if they are part of a student organization group that is applying for the same opportunity. You must be enrolled as a student at VCU Business at the time of submission through the time the opportunity will take place.
Students are eligible for one award per year not to exceed $2,000. Students are not guaranteed to receive the total amount they apply for. Award amounts will be determined on a case-by-case basis, taking into account financial need, other sources of funding, opportunity for professional growth, and the quality of responses provided. If you are awarded any funds, you will be expected to submit a summary of your experience to the Office of Student Engagement.
This application will require you to upload a budget sheet outlining the funds you are requesting. You can create a copy of the budget template by clicking here. Applications are due 3 weeks prior to the day you need the funds available.
No, we need at least 3 weeks to review your application and process the payment.
Eligibility is limited to students pursuing a major in business. While we value your connection to the School of Business through your minor, this particular fund is currently restricted to declared business majors.
The fund primarily supports student participation in established, externally hosted professional experiences (such as conferences, competitions, and hackathons) with structured programming and defined learning outcomes. The only exception is professional membership dues that directly support a student’s academic and career development.
Funding cannot be used for VCU tuition, certifications, professional attire, or medical expenses. The fund is intended specifically for structured, externally hosted professional development experiences.
The review process focuses on the quality of the application, financial need, and relevance of the opportunity for the applicants' professional development.
While the review process does not consider specific GPAs, all applicants must be in "Academic Good Standing" at VCU for at least one full semester to be eligible to receive funding.
This funding is considered taxable income and is not treated as a scholarship. Awards are paid directly to students rather than applied to tuition. A 1099 will be issued for total payments of $600 or more in a calendar year. Please consult a tax professional for individual guidance.
The funds are deposited directly into your personal bank account for use on professional development expenses.
Yes, to ensure that students have the chance to experience a variety of professional development opportunities, there is a limit of 10 attendees per professional development fund opportunity per year.
Each person is awarded funds individually so an application needs to be completed for every person who wants to attend needs to fill out their own application. However, in the application you should indicate that you are applying with other people in the same organization for the same event. We will take this into account when we review your application.
Applications are evaluated based on how well they align with eligibility criteria, including participation in established, externally hosted professional development experiences with structured programming and defined learning outcomes. Being part of a student organization does not increase or decrease eligibility.
No, if you are no longer pursuing the experience you were awarded funds for you are required to return the funds to VCU.
No. Additional funding is not available for the same experience in the same academic year. Students should carefully estimate costs when submitting their budget, as award amounts are fixed and any additional expenses are the student’s responsibility.
VCU Business Students (undergraduate and graduate) can receive this award one time per academic year. Each funding cycle resets on July 1. Remember that you also need to be enrolled as a student at VCU Business at the time that the opportunity will take place.
