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, preparing them for careers beyond traditional expectations for academic research.
Awards for Career Exploration - 2026-2027
Eligible Activity Dates: June 2, 2026 to June 1, 2027
Awards for Career Exploration (ACE) offers up to $750 to support meaningful career exploration activities focused on preparation for the professional workforce outside the standard academic research track and the traditional expectations of the applicant's graduate program or postdoc position.
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, 2026 and June 1, 2027 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.
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.
These funds support career development activities that focus beyond the standard academic research track and are intended for postdocs and graduate students in research programs. 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.