The School of Public Health Student Senate offers grants for students to grow both personally and professionally. These grants are funded by the SPH Student Senate budget and are open to all University of Minnesota School of Public Health students.

Past funding was awarded for the following student groups and professional development opportunities:

• Diversity Network
• Public Health Review
• Maternal and Child Health Interest Group
• American Public Health Association Annual Conference
• Minnesota Public Health Association Conference
• American Heart Association Scientific Sessions
• Annual Conference on the Science of Dissemination and Implementation in Health
• Black Health Matter Conference
• World Critical Dietetics Conference
• Annual Meeting and Scientific Sessions of the Society of Behavioral Medicine
• ASHCA Safety Summit

Available Grants

Professional Development Grant

School of Public Health students can apply for grant funding, for a maximum award of $600 per academic year per student, to assist them with direct expenses related to professional development opportunities. This award may cover academic and professional workshop and conference registration fees. Funding is not available for airfare, ground transportation, lodging, internships, certificate programs, required research, or classes taken for credit.

Professional Development Grants could also be used for technology subscriptions that are not covered by the school, access to data or other reference materials for research, professional development tools, and coursework that does not count for credit.

Explore the list of potential professional development opportunities and the Professional Development Grant Application.

There is an annual maximum budget for grants awarded, so we encourage students to apply early so that they have the best chance of receiving funding.

Professional Development Grant submission deadline for the 2023-2024 fiscal year (July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024) will be April 29, 2024.

SPH Student Group Grant Funding

SPH Student Groups are eligible to apply for funding to support the group’s work for hosting events, speaker fees, group subscription fees (examples include podcast services or Canva Pro), and a range of other possibilities that benefit the SPH community. These funds should not be used to purchase services or equipment that are already available to students of the University.

Please contact sphss@umn.edu for inquiries about Student Group Grants.

SPH Student Group Grant submission deadline for the 2023-2024 fiscal year (July 1, 2023–June 30, 2024) will be April 29, 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to present at the conference to be eligible for a grant?
No; however, please note that priority is given to applicants who are presenting.

Can I apply for a grant if I have been awarded a grant in a previous year?
Yes, you may. It is also possible to receive a second award in the same semester. However, please note that priority is given to applicants that have not received funding in previous years.

How do I apply for conferences that occur in the summer?
You will need to apply before April 29, 2023 to receive an award. You must be a student at the time of the conference and the conference must occur before June 30, 2023. It is your responsibility to submit reimbursement documents before the fiscal year closes.

Can I apply for a grant even if the event has passed?
Professional Development grant applications may be submitted within 30 days of attending the conference/event.

Am I eligible to apply for funding?
All current students of the School of Public Health are eligible and encouraged to apply.