Grants for Special Study
Due: n/a
Describes the grants issued for special study, through short-term educational courses, seminars, in institutes, and workshops, to fulfill specific job related career goals.
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Description |
Financial Aid for Career Development Program
Career development is the process by which individuals gain the knowledge, skill, and understanding to enable them to carry out the responsibilities of their positions with increasing competence and satisfaction and/or prepare them to move into positions of great responsibility.
To assist in the development of employees with definite career potential within Girl Scouting, funds are available through the Financial Aid for Career Development program. Job enrichment is provided through grants for special study and observation visits.
The program's aim to:
1. Enhance employee job skills
2. Serve as an employee benefit
3. Promote career development
4. Contribute to staff retention
5. Contribute to affirmative action policy
Established in 1919, the Financial Aid program is periodically revised to meet the needs of the organization and staff.
Grants for Special Study
Grants are issued for special study, through short-term educational courses, seminars, in institutes, and workshops, to fulfill specific job related career goals. (The program is not intended to assist employees in obtaining bachelor’s or advanced degree. However, study leading to matriculation may be funded if it meets all of the program’s criteria).
The employee must have a learning objective in mind when selecting special study and employee and supervisor should agree on results to be achieved. Topic of study must respond both to the needs of the staff member and the career development training provided by the council or national organization. For example, grants are not issued for national educational opportunities at the Edith Macy Conference Center.
Requests for grants should be employee initiated. Study undertaken by the staff member at the supervisor's request should be at council or organization's expense. |
Criteria |
Regulations:
1. Course content must be applicable to employee's present job or immediate next step in a career path within Girl Scouting.
2. Funds will cover tuition and registration fees.
3. The special study must be conducted by an accredited school or recognized professional training organization.
4. Employee must provide proof that the study was completed. (If completion certificates are not normally issued by the sponsor, the employee must arrange for a signed statement, verifying attendance and completion).
5. Applicant must agree to submit an evaluative report within one month after the study is concluded.
6. If the study is for college credit, proof of a passing grade must be furnished. Such documentation also serves as proof that study was completed. If a passing grade is not achieved, the grant must be repaid.
7. The employee must sign a post-study employment commitment of six months from the date study is completed. Full repayment is required if commitment is not fulfilled.
8. The maximum awarded for each request will depend on availability of funds, cost of the study, amount previously granted to the individual, and needs of the organization. In some instances, employee’s council or group may be asked to bear a portion of the cost. Grants of up to $500 may be allowed to each recipient per year, October 1 through September 30, (year in which budget is administered). Request for amounts of less than $50 will not be considered, due to processing costs.
Eligibility:
1. At the time of the request, the applicant must have been employed for at least one year with less than a 90 day break in service. Exempt and non-exempt, regular full-time and regular part-time employees will be prorated consistent with hours worked.
2. The applicant must be employed at the time the study begins and ends. An employee on leave of absence is not eligible. |
Maximum Grant Size |
$500 |
Sponsor |
GSUSA |
Awarded by |
GSUSA |
Type |
Study |
Additional Information |
Application Procedure:
1. Obtain "Application for Grant for Special Study" from Career Development or personnel consultant.
2. Complete application forms: application, AA/EEO and commitment statement.
3. Obtain proper endorsements:
Applicant: Executive Director
Who Must Endorse: Council president or personnel consultant
Applicant: Other council staff
Who Must Endorse: Supervisor or executive director
Applicant: GSUSA ANED
Who Must Endorse: National Executive Director
Applicant: GSUSA Group Director
Who Must Endorse: Assistant National Executive Director (ANED)
Applicant: Other national staff
Who Must Endorse: Supervisor and Group Director
4. Attach a fee schedule, description of course content and the address of the course sponsor. Copies of catalog or brochure (or photostats of appropriate information) is required. Also attach a current performance evaluation if not already on file.
5. Submit original application and attachments at least one month prior to registration deadline. Council staff should send to Career Development, GSUSA. National staff should send to Financial Aid for Career Development, GSUSA.
6. If application is approved, a letter and check, payable to the school will be sent to the employee. Except in unusual circumstances, individuals will not be reimbursed for payments. Requests for reimbursement must be in writing and submitted with the application.
7. If application is not approved, an explanation will be provided.
8. Every effort will be made to process the application within two weeks of its receipt. Checks will not be issued prior to one month before registration deadline unless specifically requested. |
Comments |
Download the application here. |
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