About

The Applied Psychology Professional Development Awards are available to undergraduate, master's, and doctoral students. The Awards fund skill-building activities including conference presentations, workshops, and trainings. The awards are designed to defray travel costs and registration fees for these experiences.

General Eligibility and Application Requirements 

• Eligibility: All Applied Psychology students in good standing with their program are eligible to apply. Additional requirements for APUG, MA, and PhD students are listed below.

• Timing: Awards support future travel and professional development activities only. Funding cannot be used to reimburse expenses already incurred, and the activity must take place while you are enrolled in your academic program.

• Advisor or mentor approval: Your advisor or mentor will be contacted for approval after you submit your application. You do not need to submit a separate letter from your advisor.

• Budget justification: All applications must include a budget justification. Please review the budget submission example for guidance.

• Travel and expenses: All travel and expenses must comply with the NYU Travel and Expense Policy.

• Award limit: Students may receive one Professional Development Award per calendar year (January–December). 

• Recipient participation: All award recipients must present their work at Psych Cafe. Presentations will be featured on the Applied Psychology website and YouTube page.

Application Process

Review the general and program-specific eligibility requirements, prepare your budget justification, and submit your application by the deadline corresponding to your planned travel or activity dates. Funding periods, application deadlines, and notification dates are listed below.

After submission, the Assistant Director of your program or mentor will be contacted for approval, and the Awards Committee will review your application. You will receive a decision by the notification date listed for your funding period.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply before my conference presentation or poster has been accepted?

Yes. However, funding priority goes to students whose presentations or posters have already been accepted. We recommend waiting until you receive an acceptance before applying, as long as you can still meet the funding period deadline.

Can I receive funding for an activity that takes place after I graduate?

No. Awards support current students, and the activity must take place while you are enrolled in your academic program.

Do PhD students need to apply for Steinhardt funding first?

• Yes, when the timing allows. PhD students must first apply for the Steinhardt Doctoral Research and Travel Grant when its application timeline aligns with their planned travel. Steinhardt grants and departmental awards follow different schedules.

• You cannot receive both a Steinhardt travel grant and a Professional Development Award for the same trip. The Awards Committee coordinates with the Steinhardt doctoral office to verify applications and awards.

• MA and APUG students are not required to apply for Steinhardt funding first.

Application Funding Deadlines/Notifications: 

Multiple deadlines throughout the academic year apply for travel funds.  Please apply for funds as they correspond with your travel or workshop dates.  

If you have questions, please email the Awards Committee.