Career Development Opportunity Fund

CDOF funding is now exhausted - we do not currently have funding to continue the program, but hope to bring it back in the future once we have sufficient funding. We encourage you to make a career coaching appointment if you want to discuss other ways to support your participation in unpaid or underpaid opportunities.

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What is the Career Development Opportunity Fund?

How do I know if I am eligible for the fund?

How do I apply?

How do I find fundable opportunities?

When will I know if I am selected to receive funding?

Questions

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What is the Career Development Opportunity Fund?

The Career Development Opportunity Fund is a yearly scholarship program that provides funding for students pursuing unpaid internships, fellowships, volunteer, and/or research opportunities.

The Career Development Opportunity Fund is a scholarship fund processed through your financial aid package. You may apply for as much funding as you need up to $5,000 for the experience you are participating in. Awards will be based on the capacity of the funds, room in your Financial Aid Package, and overall number of requests.

For example, a student completing an unpaid experiential learning opportunity could request an hourly wage of $15.50+ per hour for the hours they will complete. A student who anticipates working 300 hours over the course of the academic year could request $4,650 plus any additional incurred expenses like travel or clothing for the experience. Please contact Career Success at ucscel@ucsc.edu with any questions.

How do I know if I’m eligible for the Fund?

Any currently enrolled undergraduate students, regardless of work authorization, may qualify for the opportunity fund. Priority consideration will be provided to students with the highest demonstrated financial need as assessed by Financial Aid & Scholarships

Eligibility for funding depends on whether there is room in your Financial Aid package to receive funding. Learn more about Financial Need here. Please contact ucscel@ucsc.edu if you have any questions about the application process.

How do I apply?

CDOF funding is now exhausted - check back here to see if/when we obtain funding to reopen CDOF applications in the future.

How do I find opportunities?

We recommend finding unpaid opportunities on Handshake, our job and internship platform. View our pdf or video below for a brief guide about how to secure an opportunity.

When will I know if I am selected to receive funding?

CDOF funding is now exhausted - check back here to see if/when we obtain funding to reopen CDOF applications in the future.

Questions?

Email us at ucscel@ucsc.edu with any questions.