The Graduate School

Awards for Career Exploration (ACE)

Awards for Career Exploration (ACE) is a program that supports the career exploration and professional development of Stony Brook University's graduate students and postdoctoral scholars, offering up to $750 to prepare them for careers beyond traditional expectations for academic research.

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Both graduate students - including master’s and doctoral students - and postdoctoral scholars are strongly encouraged to apply. We particularly welcome applications from scholars whose professional development activities contribute to diversifying the workforce in their fields. Applicants should have engaged in career exploration activities held between June 2, 2025 to June 1, 2026 for which they have documented expenses that have not been reimbursed by any other funding source. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and funding is approved as available. There are no restrictions on the mode of reimbursement for international students.

Past Awardees

Activities that directly support applicants’ thesis/dissertation research and related activities (such as conference registration or travel to present research or thesis/dissertation topics) are NOT eligible for this award.

If you or your activity are ineligible, consider exploring alternative sources of support at SBU, including: 

Rules and Eligibility Criteria

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

Applicants must be prepared to provide the following:

  1. Information and Demographics:
    1. Complete all mandatory questions on the ACE application form.
    2. Pre-prepare answers and documentation; refer to the application sample before accessing the portal.
  2. Budget Documentation:
    1. Compile a PDF document containing receipts, tickets, quotes, etc. for either paid expenses (if the activity is completed) or estimated expenses (if pending).
    2. Total requested amount should not exceed $750.
    3. Name the document: LASTNAME Firstname - Documentation (e.g., WILLIAMS Serena - Documentation)
    4. Retain physical receipts for later sponsorship verification.
  3. A 2-Page CV:
    1. Create a PDF CV (2 pages) showcasing career exploration activities, skills, and research-related achievements relevant to career development.
    2. 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.
  • Judges won't access external links.
  • 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.

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.

  • 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, 2025 and June 1, 2026.
  • 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, career development subscriptions with training activities.

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. 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. 

Applicant's Responsibilities:

Applicants must demonstrate how the funded activity:

  • Prepares them for a non-academic career.
  • Supports exploration outside their academic path.
  • Does not primarily fulfill academic requirements.

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

Application progress cannot be saved, so prepare answers and uploadable files beforehand. Refer to the application sample before accessing the ACE portal.

  • 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 eligibility criteria and adhere to submission rules, 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.

Questions

Please contact gradprofdev@stonybrook.edu.