Awards for Career Exploration (ACE)

All Stony Brook enrolled graduate students and postdoctoral scholars across research disciplines, regardless of citizenship, can apply for this round of ACE funding. Priority is for those who haven't received a previous ACE award. 

If you are a graduate student in an academic program primarily focused on industry preparation, we encourage you to look at other opportunities for professional development funding, like those offered by the GSO and GSEU.

There are no restrictions on the mode of reimbursement for international students.

Applicants must be prepared to provide the following:

• Application: 
• Complete all mandatory questions on the ACE application.
• Prepare answers and documentation in advance; refer to the application sample before beginning your application.

Budget Documentation:

• Compile a PDF document containing receipts, tickets, quotes, etc. for either paid expenses (if the activity is completed) or estimated expenses (if pending) with a cover sheet that provides an itemized view of expenses and explanations of your attachments. You can find a sample cover sheet here. 
• The total requested amount should not exceed $750.
• Name the document: LASTNAME Firstname - Documentation (e.g., WILLIAMS Serena - Documentation)
• Retain physical receipts for later sponsorship verification.

A 2-Page CV:

• Create a PDF CV (2 pages) showcasing career exploration activities, skills, and research-related achievements relevant to career development.
• Name the document: LASTNAME Firstname - CV (e.g., WILLIAMS Serena - CV)

Applicant's Responsibilities:

• Explain how the funded activity prepares for a non-academic career.
• Describe how the activity supports exploration beyond academia.
• Emphasize how the activity doesn't primarily fulfill academic requirements.

Additional Notes:

• Award granted for only one activity per applicant, per year, with a total of two funded activities throughout the duration of an applicant’s academic program or postdoc.
• Graduate students in academic programs primarily focused on industry preparation are not eligible for this award.
• Lack of budget documentation leads to disqualification.
• Dissertation-related activities (academic conferences, research travel) are ineligible.

Important: Refer to the application sample before accessing the portal.

• Applicants may request up to $750.
• Please note that partial funding may be awarded based on the availability of resources and the ACE committee's goal of maximizing opportunities for a wide range of experiences.

• Awards are exclusively provided via reimbursement; upfront payments are not possible.
• Upon activity completion, awardees must submit original receipts and details about the concluded activity. Further instructions will be provided to awardees.

• GSEU Professional Development Awards Program
• RF Professional Development Fund
• GSO's diverse funding opportunities

• Eligible activities include those that further career exploration beyond academia and traditional research paths. They should not involve typical academic research or requirements.
• Activities can take place in the United States or online.
• They must occur between June 2, 2026 and June 1, 2027.
• Award disbursement is via reimbursement after the activity. Proposed activities not yet completed by the deadline can be submitted if they fall within the funding period.

Activities NOT Supported:

• Activities tied to academic research, theses, dissertations, or lab work.
• Compensation for the applicant or others, course-related expenses, equipment, supplies, food expenses, or activities outside the US.

Examples of supported activities: consulting competitions, internship-related travel, professional workshops, exam preparation courses for alternative credentials, industry events, and career development subscriptions with training activities.

Active engagement with opportunities (i.e. presenting at a workshop rather than simply attending) and activities leading to alternative credentials are prioritized in funding decisions. 

ACE funding is granted for only one activity per applicant per award cycle.

Note: Application progress cannot be saved, so prepare your answers in advance. 

Refer to the application sample before accessing the application. 

Application Form

• Awards are granted only through a reimbursement process; advance payment isn't possible. Proposed activities not yet conducted by the deadline are acceptable if they fall within the funding period.
• If you meet the eligibility criteria and adhere to the submission rules, the chances of receiving an award are favorable.
• Awards are limited and based on funding availability. 
• Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and so funding for eligible applicants is first-come, first-served.

• Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis