Experiential Learning Schratz Grant
Frequently Asked Questions by Students
Eligibility
What are the eligibility requirements for this grant?
- Student must have completed two full-time terms.
- Must be an undergraduate student at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh campus.
- The student will return to the university as a full-time student the semester immediately following the experiential learning experience.
- Student must complete 160 hours of work during their internship.
- If accepted, the student must attend at least two one-on-one sessions with an Experiential Learning Consultant and one meeting after completing their experiential learning opportunity.
2. Do I need to be a full-time student to apply?
- Yes, applicants must be full-time students to apply.
3. Are there any GPA restrictions?
- GPA 2.5 and higher
4. Are international students eligible?
- Yes. International students must work with the Office of International Services to secure the proper documents for experiential learning.
Application Process
1. What documents do I need to submit with my application?
- Students must submit their answers to a series of questions on the application. The application can be found on PittFund$Me (MyPitt).
2. What is the deadline for applying for this grant?
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
3. How long does the application process usually take?
- Once a completed application is received, the student will receive a response within three weeks.
4. What should I do before filling out the application?
- To ensure you qualify, carefully read all the eligibility requirements.
- Secure an experiential learning opportunity.
- Have on hand:
- name of the organization
- location (City/State/Country/Virtual)
- name of your contact and their email address
- your role and/or title in your program
- include your start date, end date
- the number of hours you expect to be working per week
5. What if I don’t have the required information when filling out the form?
- You can return to the form after you start filling it out.
Experiential Learning Specifics
1. Can I choose any experiential learning that fits my field of study, or are there restrictions?
Yes, you may choose any field of study. All majors are welcome to apply for the Experiential Learning grant. This fund supports those pursuing unpaid internships, research projects, community service initiatives, volunteering, and other experiences contributing to student academic and professional growth.
2. Do I need an experiential learning opportunity before applying for the grant?
Yes. Students must have secured an experiential learning opportunity before applying. (The name of the company, the supervisor’s name, and contact information, start and end date, and number of hours working per week.)
3. What should I expect during the experiential learning opportunity?
Organizations operate their experiential learning programs differently. It’s important that students manage their expectations. The Experiential Learning team will train the selected candidates before starting their experience on strategies on how to make the most of their experience. Your supervisor will evaluate your performance mid-point and at the end of your experience and give you feedback.
4. What should I do after the experiential learning opportunity?
You will re-evaluate your career readiness skills to check for areas of growth, learn how to include your experience on your resume to make your resume stand out, give feedback about your experience with surveys, and meet with your experiential learning consultant to discuss the experience.
Funding Details
1. How much funding is available per student?
Students will receive a $1,500 grant.
2. What can the grant money be used for?
It is a student’s payment for working at an unpaid experiential learning opportunity.
3. How will I receive the funds?
The funds will be transferred to the student’s account.
Review and Award Process
1. How are applications reviewed?
A committee will review applications and inform student of the decision.
2. When will I be notified if I have been awarded the grant?
Within three weeks after submitting a completed application.
3. What happens if I receive multiple internship grant offers?
Student will be asked to select one of the grants.
4. What if I am unable to complete the internship?
Student must contact the Assistant Director of Experiential Learning at the Career Center if they cannot complete their program.
Reporting and Accountability
1. What kind of reporting is required during and after my internship?
The student’s supervisor will complete a mid-point and final performance evaluation. Student will be expected to complete a pre-and post-experience survey to evaluate themselves and the experiential learning program’s success in helping them achieve their objectives.
Frequently Asked Questions by Employers
1. What is the purpose of this grant program
The overarching goal of the experiential learning grant is to empower students to engage in transformative learning experiences beyond the classroom. This fund will support students pursuing internships, research projects, community service, and other experiential opportunities that enhance their academic and professional growth.
2. How is the grant funding being used (specifically)?
The fund is used to pay the student with an unpaid experiential learning opportunity.
3. Who is ultimately responsible for the student’s performance and progress?
The experiential learning opportunity will expose students to a professional working environment and to develop skills. The student is responsible for their performance. The supervisor and student will be responsible for the student’s progress.
4. What is the duration of the grant and the student’s involvement?
Students are required to complete 160 hours of work. The student and their supervisor will arrange and agree on the work schedule.
5. What are the reporting requirements for the student and/or the employer related to the grant?
The supervisor will complete a mid-point and final evaluation of the student’s performance. Student will be expected to complete a pre-and post-experience survey to evaluate themselves and the experiential learning program’s success in helping them achieve their objectives.
6. What kind of supervision and mentorship should we provide?
The supervisor should provide guidance and constructive feedback, set expectations, and offer professional development opportunities.
7. What is the process for addressing any issues or concerns that may arise during the student’s time here?
The supervisor will need to have clear procedures for resolving conflicts and /or performance problems and review the process with the student during onboarding. Supervisors are welcome to contact the Assistant Director of the Experiential Learning at the Career Center.
For questions, please contact Marie Newkirk, Assistant Director for Experiential Learning, at man333@pitt.edu.
