Grants for Engaged Learning

At Sweet Briar, we believe that the best way to learn is to DO. That’s why students can apply for Grants for Engaged Learning.

These grants — awards of up to $2,000 during a student’s time at Sweet Briar — support a variety of experiential learning opportunities including research projects, artistic endeavors, entrepreneurial activities, travel, internships, job shadowing and more. Projects can be broadly imagined and should align with academic or career interests. To apply, students write a formal proposal that includes a description of the project and their goals, as well as a detailed timeline and budget. At the end of their project, students submit a brief report of their work.

The Student Advancement Committee evaluates proposals and makes funding recommendations, based on the quality of the proposal, the merits of the project, the alignment of goals to project activities, and the alignment of budget to purpose. For projects that are not funded, students are encouraged to take feedback from the committee and resubmit a revised proposal for a subsequent deadline.

Students are strongly encouraged to seek advice from faculty members when drafting proposals. Information sessions with members of the Student Advancement Committee are an additional opportunity to get informal project critiques. Students are required to have a faculty member outside of the Student Advancement Committee review their proposal, though projects are not required to have a faculty supervisor. A select number of superlative proposals are awarded the distinction of being named Pannell Grants for Engaged Learning.

For access to the full Canvas site for the Grant for Engaged Learning, email the program contact, Dr. Bryan Kuhr, at grantengagedlearning@sbc.edu or call 434-381-6560.