Introducing the Career Accelerator Award

According to a 2019 student survey conducted by the Center for Career and Academic Planning, the top barriers to doing internships for Fisher students were wages (citing that they needed to work instead of doing an unpaid internship), transportation issues, and heavy course load. Enter Fisher’s new Career Accelerator Award.

The award was established to help students defray the out-of-pocket costs associated with experiential learning and career preparation, such as internships, job shadowing, employer site visits, conference attendance, graduate school exams and application fees, or the purchase of professional clothing.  The funds may also be used for summer credit-bearing internships or research courses.

“While there is little we can do to address heavy course load or childcare issues, we can begin to help our students overcome the other barriers,” said Dr. Julia Overton-Healy, director of career services in the Center for Career and Academic Planning (CCAP). "Un- or underpaid internships are a real concern. We’re working with several employers in the area to develop new internships so our students have more options. This award—generously supported through gifts—can change the trajectory for a student. Pre-career experiences are a fast-track to success."

Interested students must complete an application form, which requires them to submit a budget of expected expenses with supporting documentation (mileage, bus fare rates, hotel fees, etc.), and an essay articulating how the experience will advance their career pathway. 

An applicant’s financial need, academic standing, and conduct records will be reviewed as part of the selection process.  Award amounts are determined at the discretion of the reviewer(s).

To learn more, contact Overton-Healy at joverton-healy@sjfc.edu or (585) 385-8050.