The Frank Fund Grant for Professional Development
Created in honor of Professor Frank Blossom, a well-known veteran of the ad industry and a former professor at GVSU, the Frank Fund supports professional development opportunities for Advertising and Public Relations majors. The fund can be applied toward airfare to conferences and conference registration fees.
Award Amount
Awards up to $1000 are available. The amount will vary based on funds available, demonstrated need, and the number of requests received.
Eligibility
The Frank Fund is available to all Advertising and Public Relations majors who meet the following criteria
- At least half-time enrollment in the program at Grand Valley State University at the time of travel (6 credits for the semester)
- Good financial and judiciary standing with the University
- Good academic standing at the University
- Have had their research/creative activity accepted for a poster/presentation at a professional conference/meeting or whose creative work is accepted for an exhibition or performance at a state, regional, or national competitive, juried event
- Has admission to a conference, workshop, or seminar at a venue outside Grand Valley State University
Review
Although this is a non-competitive grant, applications will be
reviewed by the Chair presiding over the fund and the Ad/PR Unit
Coordinator for eligibility and alignment with the intent of the Frank
Fund. Please allow 10 business days for grant application review.
Applications can be made using the form appended below and will be accepted through the fall and winter semesters every year until funds are depleted. Award will be determined based on the merit of the application and on a first-come, first-served basis.
When to apply
Applications are due at least 30 days before intended travel or before the date of the conference.
How to apply
You will need the following to apply:
- Proof from the conference organizers which includes your name, the title of the paper or creative work that has been accepted for presentation, and the name of the conference/workshop
- The recommendation of a faculty member who can speak to his/her support of your request for a travel grant, and attest to the quality of the work ((be sure to enter the name of the faculty member supporting your application).
Post-award student reflection essay (to be submitted within 2 weeks from the last day of conference/travel)
Students are expected to submit a brief, post-conference/workshop essay on their experience, focusing on any takeaways or insights they gained from it. These reflections, due within two weeks from the last day of the conference or travel, should be no more than 350 words.
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