Awards for Career Exploration (ACE) Rules and Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility:

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.

International Students:

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

Application Requirements:

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.

Award Amount:

- Applicants may request up to $750.
- Most awards are partially funded based on the availability of resources and the ACE committee's goal of maximizing opportunities for a wide range of experiences.
- Applicants who have participated in the Exploring Career Ladders Program (ECLP) and who engage actively in professional development opportunities (i.e., presenting at a conference v. conference attendance without a presentation) have a higher chance of receiving funding for their applications.

Award Reporting:

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.

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

ACE Eligible Activities:

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.

Where to Apply:

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

Refer to the application sample before accessing the application.

Application Form

Odds of Receiving an Award:

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. Most awards are partially funded (see "Award Amount").
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.

Award Notifications:

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis
Questions?
Contact Dr. Molly Lotz, Director of Research Training Initiatives at gradprofdev@stonybrook.edu