Career Accelerator Grant Application Now Open

The Career Accelerator initiative at St. John Fisher University, launched in 2020, helps students manage the financial demands of experiential learning and career preparation.

Initially, it offered just one award, but thanks to alumni support, the program now provides three distinct awards to fund various career-enhancing experiences. Each award focuses on specific needs, ranging from transportation and living expenses for internships to exam fees and professional attire, and aims to make career development more accessible for students across disciplines.

The Michael O’Conor ’78 Career Accelerator Award offers up to $1,000 for Fisher students undertaking internships in the New York City area, covering essential expenses such as public transit passes and housing stipends. The Career Services Career Accelerator Award, with a maximum of $500, supports students' out-of-pocket expenses for unpaid internships, graduate school preparation, required certifications, and other career-oriented costs. Finally, the Deli Rogers ’92 Career Accelerator Award provides up to $200 for professional clothing needed for interviews and internships, underscoring the importance of a professional appearance in the workplace.

To apply, students submit an application via Handshake, including a detailed budget and an essay linking the opportunity to their career goals. Each application is reviewed based on financial need, academic performance, and conduct record, with one award available per student per academic year. Students can apply through Nov. 24. For questions, contact the Center for Career and Academic Planning at ccap@sjf.edu.