Ferris State University is here to support both your academic and career growth. This includes participating in professional development experiences. These types of experiences are a crucial step in helping to bridge the gap between your academics and your career. These experiences will also allow you to begin building social capital that will support your career success beyond graduation.
We also know that college is expensive, and it can be hard to come up with the money to cover the costs involved in attending professional development experiences, so we want to help cover some of those costs. Thanks to funding through a Title III grant, we are able to offer Pell Eligible First-Gen Students funding to help cover professional development experiences.
What Types of Professional Development is Covered?
- Professional Organization Membership
- Conferences and Symposiums
- Webinars
- Workshops
- Class Fieldtrips
- Study Abroad
- External Certifications
- Internship Costs (excluding tuition)
What Can Typically Be Covered?
- Professional Organization Membership
- Conference Registration
- Transportation (flights, rideshare, taxi, etc.)
- Hotel/Lodging
- Parking (hotel, airport, etc.)
- Meal Per Diem
- Passport Fees
- Material Cost for Presentations
What Cannot Typically Be Covered?
- Tuition Cost
- Alcohol
- We are not able to provide cash in any form.
Please note that applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to when the funds are needed.
Be on the lookout for workshops throughout the semester for help with the application process. Additionally, we will be offering pre-travel professional etiquette trainings throughout the semester.
If you are awarded funds, you will be asked to prepare a short presentation for an upcoming First-Gen RSO meeting.
Click here to begin the application process. It is recommended that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid delays and additional costs.