Office of Undergraduate Education

Undergraduates can now apply for funding from Student Engagement Network

Grants of $1,000 to $2,000 available; deadline to apply is Sept. 8

Engagement Grants can help fund research, internships, study abroad and more. Credit: Steve Tressler / Penn StateCreative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Undergraduates from all campuses and academic disciplines can apply for funding from the Student Engagement Network for a wide range of projects, research and more. Groups also can apply for funding. 

Engagement Grant applications are open now through Sept. 8 for the fall 2024 semester. Funded engagement experiences must be completed by Jan. 12. Successful applicants will receive $1,000 or $2,000 to cover a range of costs. The application and additional information can be found here

Each student will be assigned an engagement coach to help them complete the required SEN Online Canvas course and excel in their engagement experience. The SEN Online Canvas course is a non-credit bearing, no-cost added course centered on the student engagement journey. A total of $90,000 in grants will be awarded for fall and winter 2024, with $70,000 for individual grants and $20,000 for group grants.  

“Experiential and immersive learning is invaluable for student growth and success, offering them a powerful way to reduce anxiety, overcome fears, and develop the mindset and critical skills the world needs,” said Michael Zeman, SEN director. “The SEN grant program provides the perfect opportunity for them to achieve this.” 

Types of experiences funded by Engagement Grants 

Below are examples of engagement experiences SEN will consider for funding. Students and faculty are encouraged to reach out to SEN staff with questions at engage@psu.edu

  • undergraduate research    
  • internships  
  • community-based learning    
  • creative accomplishments    
  • courses with an out-of-class component    
  • organizational experiences    
  • peer mentoring    
  • self-directed student engagement    
  • volunteerism    
  • employment experiences    
  • study away/study abroad experience    

The Engagement App is another way to explore and discover engagement opportunities on all campuses. Visit the site or download from the App Store or Google Play.   

Engagement Grant deadlines for spring and summer 2025 

The Engagement Grant application for spring 2025 and Maymester will open on Nov. 20 and close on Dec. 15. Applications for summer 2025, which also includes Maymester, as well as Summer I and Summer II, will open Feb. 28 and close March 23. 

The Student Engagement Network is a joint initiative between Undergraduate Education, Student Affairs, and Outreach and Online Education. The mission of the Student Engagement Network is to advance the power of participation by connecting students with experiences that empower them to make a positive impact as citizens and leaders of the world. 

Last Updated August 20, 2024