Career Exploration and Development
Summer Experience Funding: FAQ
Important Dates
Application Deadlines: January 19, 2026 through May 2026. Any applications received after May 1st may experience longer than usual processing times.
Application Reviews: Rolling Review Beginning February 2
Notification of Recipients: Applicants will be notified via email once their application is under review. Review decisions will be communicated within three (3) weeks.
Fundings Distributed: Beginning Mid-April through June
Frequently Asked Questions
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email an email with an award letter and next steps. Follow the instructions in your email to submit the award letter. CED will be in contact with you via email once your funding award is sent to the Office of the Controller's with an anticipated timeline for receipt of your funding.
Funding awards are directly deposited into your bank account. To avoid delays, go to Oberview, search for ‘Direct Deposit Allocation’ and ensure your bank account information is accurate and active under the Accounts Payable section, not Payroll. Significant delays may occur if this is not set up correctly.
Here is a helpful guide to help you set up or update your direct deposit information in Oberview.I applied for the summer experience but haven't been accepted yet. Can I apply for funding?
Students will not be able to complete the application without accepting a summer experience first. The application requires you to upload the offer letter and job description. Incomplete applications will not be accepted.
What should I do if I've applied to multiple organizations?
We realize that a number of organizations may provide a student with the career-related experience they want for the summer, but it is best to focus on one organization in the application.
Students will need to have fully accepted a summer experience before applying for funding.
What classifies as ineligible expenses for the budget?
Funding does not cover the following ineligible expenses:
- Professional Clothing: Any costs associated with purchasing work attire.
- Software or Hardware: Expenses for computers, software, or other technical equipment.
- Rentals: Fees for renting cars, equipment or tools needed for the internship.
- Lost Wages or Compensation: Compensation for wages lost while participating in the internship.
- Other Personal Living Expenses: Personal expenses not directly related to the internship, such as utilities, entertainment, or personal care items.
- Tuition to Other Institutions: Summer Tuition for courses or classes provided by other academic institutions.
Make sure to exclude these items from your budget to ensure your application meets the funding criteria.
Will Career Exploration and Development (CED) consider late applications?
Due to the complexity associated with the required award payment processing steps, all applications will be reviewed through Friday, May 1, 2026. (Funding applications submitted after Friday, May 1, 2026, will be reviewed based on the availability of funds.)
If I submit my application early, will I have a better chance of receiving funding?
Regardless of when you apply, your application will be reviewed based on the funds' eligibility criteria and your need level as identified by the Office of Financial Aid once you apply. Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee that your funding request will be approved. This program is limited, competitive, and awards are based on demonstrated student need.
When will my funding be available to me?
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive an email an email with an award letter and next steps. Follow the instructions in your email to submit the award letter. CED will be in contact with you via email once your funding award is sent to the Office of the Controller's with an anticipated timeline for receipt of your funding.
Funding awards are directly deposited into your bank account. To avoid delays, go to Oberview, search for ‘Direct Deposit Allocation’ and ensure your bank account information is accurate and active under the Accounts Payable section, not Payroll. Significant delays may occur if this is not set up correctly.
Here is a helpful guide to help you set up or update your direct deposit information in Oberview.
Will my funding award be subject to taxation?
This information is presented for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified tax professional. Any award over the amount of $600 may be a form of reported compensation or other income.
For national students, funding awards through the Summer Experience Funding program will not be taxed on the “front end,” and students may receive a 1099 form to file your taxes.
For international students, funding awards through the Summer Experience Funding program are subject to taxation. Only some students will be taxed at the same rate (or at all), so international students must complete tax forms in a web-based software called Sprintax Calculus. Students may receive a 1042S form to file with year end taxes.
Awarded international students will receive an email notification from the Office of the Contoller's regarding their Sprintax Calculus account and required forms. The information provided in these forms will determine the taxability of the requested award amount.
Can I apply for funding if the summer experience is paid or I will receive a stipend?
No, Internship+ is focused on unpaid opportunities only. The funding you receive will be based on the amount requested on your itemized budget worksheet, up to $4000 for eligible expenses.
Please note that funding is limited, need-based, and competitive, and applying does not guarantee approval.
What if I'm waiting to accept the organization’s offer until I know whether I will be receiving funding?
To be eligible to apply for summer funding, you must first accept your offer. This means you need to upload a job description and an official acceptance or confirmation letter from your organization as part of your application.
We understand that committing to an opportunity without confirmed funding can be difficult. However, funding decisions are made only after a complete application is submitted, and applying does not guarantee that funding will be awarded. We recommend that students carefully consider their financial ability to commit to the opportunity in case funding is not granted.