Wesleyan Summer Grants Program
The Wesleyan Summer Grants Program provides funding to alleviate costs associated with pursuing career-related summer experiences. Experiences eligible for funding include: internships, volunteer work, academic programs, independent projects/research, and entrepreneurial ventures. Applications open annually at the start of the spring semester and funds are awarded up to $5,000. Funding can be used to cover expenses directly related to the experience, including: housing, food, travel, clothing/equipment, and program costs.
All applicants must have a confirmed experience for the summer in order to apply. The program is open to undergraduate students who are currently First Years, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors (December graduates only). All students must be actively enrolled to apply.
2025 Wesleyan Summer Grants Information
1st Application Window: February 3rd – March 27th, 11:59pm
This window is only open to students receiving need-based financial aid
2nd Application Window: April 1st – April 24th, 11:59pm
This window is open to all students
The Wesleyan Summer Grants program is divided into the following three applications:
- Wesleyan Summer Grants Main Application
Students who apply to the main application will be considered for all available funding EXCEPT for the following two grants: The Wesleyan Black Alumni Council Memorial Fund and The Wesleyan Israel and Jewish Student Life Endowed Program Fund. Students who qualify must apply separately to these funds. Students will indicate on these applications if they would like to use the proposal for the main application as well or if they plan to submit to the main application with a different opportunity. - The Wesleyan Israel and Jewish Student Life Endowed Program Fund Application
The Wesleyan Israel and Jewish Student Life Endowed Program Fund was established by anonymous donors to assist students in financing summer experiences related to Jewish and Israel studies (Israeli history and culture) and/or contemporary Jewish life. Upon return, the awarded student(s) will be asked to share their experiences with the rest of the Wesleyan community in a meaningful way.
Additional Essay: Please describe, in detail, how your proposal and/or experience will inform and enhance your understanding of Jewish and Israeli history and culture, and/or contemporary Jewish life. (750 words maximum) - The Wesleyan Black Alumni Council Memorial Fund Application
The Wesleyan Black Alumni Council (WBAC) honors the memory and spirit of alumni Bruce D. Hall ’77, James “Donnie” Rochester ’74, and Dwight L. Greene ’70 through a summer experience grant to support projects or research pertaining to the African American experience.
Additional Essay: Please share how your proposal aligns with this intention. (750 words maximum)
How to Access the Summer Grants Application
The application is hosted on the platform, Submittable. Please follow the directions below to begin.
- Click apply and you will be prompted to create a free Submittable account or sign in with Google.
- You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the form at a later date.
- If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission. Edits can only be made prior to the deadline.
We will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable Account regularly. Check out the Submitter Resource Center or reach out to Submittable's Customer Support team with any technical questions here.
Questions? Contact wsg@wesleyan.edu
About the Political Engagement Fund
Wesleyan University has a long history of supporting student civic engagement and recognizes this moment’s unique opportunity for liberal learning through engagement with the public sphere.
We are pleased to welcome applications for the Political Engagement Fund’s 2025 Fall Cycle through Wednesday November 19, 2025 (11:59pm).
Projects and Proposal
Wesleyan undergraduate students can apply to the Political Engagement Fund for project support in one of the following areas:
- Voter Registration
- Issues Advocacy
- Local or National Campaigns
See examples of previously funded projects at our Engage Blog and in the Wesleyan Connection (Summer 2025, Fall 2020)!
Budgeting and Expenses
Fall grants, which are capped at $500.00 per applicant, provide funding to help alleviate costs in the following areas:
- Lodging Expenses
- Food Expenses (related to engagement)
- Travel Expenses: Airfare, Train Tickets, Bus Fare/Tickets, Subway/Metro Fare, Mileage (70 cents per mile)
- Program Expenses: Tuition (non-Wesleyan), Conference Fees, Supplies (i.e. notebooks, books, pens)
Political Engagement Fund grants may not be used for any of the following:
- Payment to applicant
- Payment/wages to others
- Personal expenses deemed non-essential to the project
- Other discretionary expenses deemed unrelated to the proposed project
- Tuition at Wesleyan University
- Purchasing or leasing a vehicle
- Equipment that will be retained by student or host organization (i.e. cameras, lighting equipment, laptops, etc.)
All applicants are required to submit a budget sheet, detailing the funding request. All items included in your budget must be directly related to your proposal. Based on the information you provide and available funds, an amount may be awarded to you equal to or less than your request.
Additional Political Engagement Fund requirements
Award recipients are required to:
- Enroll in CSPL 494 (Elections Internship)
- Submit a final report
- Share their experience at select Allbritton Center events
Additional Information
Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for more information.
If you need additional information or want to further workshop your ideas, please contact Sonya Hadley at shadley@wesleyan.edu.
How to access the Political Engagement Fund application
The application is hosted on Submittable, a social impact platform being used by Wesleyan's Gordon Career Center. Please follow the directions below to begin.
- Create a free Submittable account or sign in (see below)
- You can save a draft of your work if you would like to finish filling out the application at a later date.
- If anything changes with the information you submitted, please request to edit the submission. Edits can only be made prior to the deadline.
- We will follow-up with you about your submission by email. Please be sure to safelist notification emails from Submittable and check the email you used to sign up for your Submittable account regularly. Check out the Submitter Resource Center or reach out to Submittable's customer support team with any technical questions here.
Ready to Apply?
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. You may save your progress by clicking "Save Draft" at the end of the application. Once you are ready to submit your application, please click "Submit Form." Decisions will be announced on a rolling basis. The final round of decisions will be announced by Monday, November 24. Failure to meet application or program requirements will result in your application being withdrawn. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
For further information, please contact shadley@wesleyan.edu.