Conference and Travel Stipend
Cooke Undergraduate and Graduate Scholars may apply for funding to cover travel and conference fees to develop academic expertise and career readiness.
The Cooke Conference and Travel Stipend is now closed. The application will reopen on August 15 for travel during the 2023-2024 academic year (September 2023-May 2024).
Cooke Undergraduate and Graduate Scholars may apply for funding of up to $1,500 for travel and up to $300 for conference registration fees to develop your academic expertise and career readiness. Cooke Conference and Travel Stipends may be used to:
- Develop skills and knowledge through immersive learning experiences
- Access primary source materials or experts not available at your academic institution
- Network with other students and professionals in your chosen field of study
- Improve public speaking and presenting skills with industry-related audiences
- Deepen your understanding of a different culture, heritage, and/or environment
- Build language skills through everyday interaction with native speakers
- Only Cooke Undergraduate and Graduate Scholars actively enrolled are eligible for this funding.
- Applicants must complete the Cooke Conference and Travel Stipend application which includes the submission of a proposed budget.
- Applications may be funded once per academic year for travel occurring during an academic term (between September – May) in which the student is enrolled full-time.
- Stipends will be paid directly to the Scholar within four weeks after the approval of the proposed travel budget.
- Funding may be used to pay for the Scholar’s transportation, lodging, food, registration, and fees needed to visit locations or participate in events or conferences related to their educational purpose. Funding cannot be used for travel companions.
- Travel may be within the United States or international. Personal travel unrelated to the Scholar’s educational and career purpose will not be approved. Funds may not be used for moving or for job interviews.
- Recipients will be required to submit an Outcomes Report within two weeks of completing the travel. The report should briefly summarize the experience and its impact on the Scholar’s academic and professional development.
- Recipients will be required to submit receipts for all expenses.
- Any unused funds must be returned to the Cooke Foundation.
To help you better prepare your application, please consider the following:
- Explain how the travel experience aligns with your academic, research, or career development.
- Provide specific details of your expected travel experiences and planned activities.
Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis but must be submitted at least six weeks before the proposed travel will take place.
Cooke Undergraduate and Graduate Scholars may apply for funding of up to $1,500 for travel and up to $300 for conference registration fees to develop your academic expertise and career readiness. Cooke Conference and Travel Stipends may be used to:
- Develop skills and knowledge through immersive learning experiences
- Access primary source materials or experts not available at your academic institution
- Network with other students and professionals in your chosen field of study
- Improve public speaking and presenting skills with industry-related audiences
- Deepen your understanding of a different culture, heritage, and/or environment
- Build language skills through everyday interaction with native speakers
- Only Cooke Undergraduate and Graduate Scholars actively enrolled are eligible for this funding.
- Applicants must complete the Cooke Conference and Travel Stipend application which includes the submission of a proposed budget.
- Applications may be funded once per academic year for travel occurring during an academic term (between September – May) in which the student is enrolled full-time.
- Stipends will be paid directly to the Scholar within four weeks after the approval of the proposed travel budget.
- Funding may be used to pay for the Scholar’s transportation, lodging, food, registration, and fees needed to visit locations or participate in events or conferences related to their educational purpose. Funding cannot be used for travel companions.
- Travel may be within the United States or international. Personal travel unrelated to the Scholar’s educational and career purpose will not be approved. Funds may not be used for moving or for job interviews.
- Recipients will be required to submit an Outcomes Report within two weeks of completing the travel. The report should briefly summarize the experience and its impact on the Scholar’s academic and professional development.
- Recipients will be required to submit receipts for all expenses.
- Any unused funds must be returned to the Cooke Foundation.
To help you better prepare your application, please consider the following:
- Explain how the travel experience aligns with your academic, research, or career development.
- Provide specific details of your expected travel experiences and planned activities.
Applications may be submitted on a rolling basis but must be submitted at least six weeks before the proposed travel will take place.
Required Final Reports
Recipients of the stipend are required to submit an Outcomes Report within two weeks of completing their travel. The report should briefly summarize the experience and its impact on the Scholar’s academic and professional development. Recipients should also submit the Conference and Travel Expense Report within two weeks, downloadable here.
FAQs
General
What happens if I spend more than I proposed in my travel budget – over the stipend amount?
The Foundation will not reimburse Scholars for additional expenses over the requested stipend amount.
What happens if I spend less than I proposed in my travel budget and haven’t used the full stipend amount?
If you do not use the full stipend, you will be required to return any unused funds to JKCF.
How do I set up a direct deposit (ACH) to receive my stipend check?
Select the option for direct deposit on the application, and we will send you the Direct Deposit form.
How can I receive my stipend check most quickly?
Please select the option for direct deposit (ACH) to have funds transferred electronically to your bank account.
Can the Foundation pay the conference registration fee directly?
Stipends are paid only to the Scholar. The Foundation cannot pay registration fees directly to the conference provider.
Will the Foundation cover my expenses if I have to extend my stay due to COVID-19 exposure?
The Foundation is mindful of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic and wishes to protect everyone’s health as best we can. We encourage Scholars to follow COVID-19 safety protocols as outlined by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Department of State, and/or state and local public health officials. Please do not travel if you are unwell. The Foundation will not cover expenses related to extended stays due to COVID-19 exposure.
What the Stipend Covers
In addition to the examples stated in the introduction, can the stipend be used for:
- Short (1-2 week) study abroad programs, either through independent companies or schools, such as over winter or spring break? Yes.
-
Independent travel that is not through an educational organization or study abroad program or with the purpose of accessing materials only available at the location? No.
- Participation in medical/dental shadowing programs? Yes.
- Short-term work opportunities, such as job shadowing, that are relevant to a Scholar’s educational purpose? Yes, if the experience is clearly relevant to their field of study.
- Travel to visit prospective graduate schools and/or go for interviews? No.
- Travel and lodging for job interviews? No.
- Travel to visit cultural sites or engage in research in or near my hometown? No, it is preferred that you visit a new location.
Is there a limit to how much I can spend on hotel, food, travel, or other expenses?
The Foundation encourages Scholars to propose and submit receipts for reasonable expenses. Taxes, tips, and daily meal costs up to $65 may be included, but personal expenses such as souvenirs, health clubs, pay television in hotels, and meals for others may not be included.
Does the Foundation provide any type of support in planning travel?
No, Scholars are required to book their travel independently.
Can the stipend cover change fees for flight or train changes?
Yes, the stipend can cover fees for reasonable changes to travel plans.
Does the stipend cover passport fees and COVID-19 tests required for travel?
Yes, the stipend can be used for passport and visa fees and required COVID-19 testing.
