Green and Gold Student Leadership and Professional Development Grant66 Views

Green and Gold Student Grant — Fuel Your Growth at the University of Alberta

In today’s evolving academic landscape, leadership and professional development are more critical than ever. Academic credentials alone are no longer sufficient to distinguish oneself in the job market. The ability to lead, innovate, and engage in meaningful professional experiences outside the classroom is increasingly valued by employers and institutions alike. To support these aspirations, the University of Alberta offers a prestigious and impactful funding opportunity: the Green and Gold Student Leadership and Professional Development Grant.

This grant is designed to empower students across all disciplines—whether they are undergraduates aiming to attend a leadership summit or graduate students seeking to deepen their skillset through international training. The program provides not only financial assistance but also a clear pathway to personal and professional transformation.

What Is the Green and Gold Student Leadership and Professional Development Grant?

The Green and Gold Grant is a competitive funding initiative facilitated by the University of Alberta’s Career Centre. It is specifically aimed at students who wish to engage in leadership-building or professional development activities beyond the confines of regular coursework.

Students who are awarded the grant receive funding that covers up to 80% of the eligible activity costs, with a maximum limit of $1,500 per application cycle. The ultimate goal of this program is to support and inspire students to:

• • Develop leadership and employability competencies.
  • Explore career possibilities and professional paths.
  • Gain exposure to diverse cultural and professional environments.
  • Strengthen their academic and career ambitions through experiential learning.

This initiative demonstrates the university’s commitment to student-centered education by investing in the long-term success of its learners.

Official Page – University of Alberta Green and Gold Grant

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The grant is open to a wide range of students within the university community. You are eligible to apply if:

• • You are a currently registered full-time or part-time undergraduate or graduate student at the University of Alberta.
  • You have maintained at least satisfactory academic standing.
  • You are enrolled at the time of application and during the activity for which funding is sought.

It’s important to note that while students can apply during multiple academic years, only one application per cycle is permitted.

Activities Eligible for Funding

The Green and Gold Grant focuses exclusively on non-credit activities that enhance leadership and professional capacity. Examples of eligible activities include:

• • Leadership or career development conferences.
  • Skill-building workshops focused on specific industries.
  • Events organized by professional or academic associations.
  • International or domestic experiential learning opportunities.
  • Programs promoting cross-cultural leadership and innovation.

Activities That Are Not Funded

The following types of activities are not eligible for funding:

• • Presenting research at academic conferences.
  • Activities that are required for academic credit.
  • Training necessary for mandatory accreditation or licensure.
  • Personal development retreats that do not offer professional engagement.

Application Timeline and Deadlines

Applications for the grant are open four times a year, based on the calendar quarter of the intended activity:

Once submitted, applications are typically reviewed within eight weeks, and applicants are notified regarding the status of their funding request.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying

The application process is intuitive and structured for easy access:

1. 1. Log in to BearsDen using your Campus Computing ID (CCID).
   2. Access the Green and Gold Grant application form.
   3. Complete the following sections:
      • Basic applicant information.
      • Detailed overview of the proposed activity.
      • Budget estimate including expected expenses.
      • Short-answer responses explaining the relevance of the activity to your goals.

Additional Documents (as required):

• • Confirmation of participation in the proposed event or training.
  • Cost breakdowns (e.g., travel, accommodation).
  • Letters of recommendation (where applicable).

Strong applications are typically those that draw a clear connection between the student’s personal growth and professional trajectory.

Reimbursement and Payment Policy

The Green and Gold Grant functions as a reimbursement-based program, meaning students are expected to pay upfront and will be reimbursed afterward. Here’s how it works:

• • Students cover their initial expenses related to travel, registration, accommodation, etc.
  • Upon completion of the activity, students must submit a final report and original receipts.
  • Up to 80% of approved costs, not exceeding $1,500, will be reimbursed by the university.

Important Travel Note:

All flight arrangements must be made through the university’s official provider, Maritime Travel. Any bookings made outside of this channel are ineligible for reimbursement.

Why This Grant Is So Valuable

In an increasingly global and interconnected world, career development goes beyond what is taught in lectures or exams. The Green and Gold Grant recognizes this reality and offers a powerful mechanism to enrich student experiences in meaningful ways. Whether it’s networking with industry professionals at a national summit or learning through hands-on fieldwork in a new environment, these activities play a pivotal role in building confidence and career-readiness.

By lowering the financial barriers to participate in such programs, the grant makes leadership and experiential learning more accessible and equitable.

Example Use Case

Imagine a Political Science student accepted to attend a civic leadership summit in Vancouver focused on sustainable governance and Indigenous rights. The total estimated cost including travel, lodging, and registration is $1,900. Here’s how the grant could assist:

• • Eligible reimbursement of up to $1,500 (80% of cost).
  • The student pays upfront.
  • After attending, they submit a brief summary and receipts.
  • Funds are reimbursed within a few weeks.

This simple yet transformative process allows students to gain exposure to leadership and advocacy that they might otherwise not be able to afford.

Support and Assistance

If you’re unsure about your eligibility or have questions about your application, the Career Centre team is available to help:

• • Email: [email protected]
  • Phone: 780-492-4313

They can assist with budget templates, application guidance, and policy clarification.

Conclusion

The University of Alberta’s Green and Gold Student Leadership and Professional Development Grant is more than a financial resource—it’s a strategic investment in student growth and leadership. By making global, interdisciplinary, and practical experiences more accessible, the grant helps bridge the gap between academic theory and real-world application.

For students ready to embrace new challenges, build their networks, and grow into the professionals and leaders of tomorrow, this grant serves as a powerful springboard.

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Reference

University of Alberta Career Centre. Green and Gold Grant. 

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