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Caltech Y Awards - Applications Available Now!

September 28, 2023

Applications are due by Noon on Monday, October 23rd

The Caltech Y is pleased to announce our 2023-24 Awards: five great opportunities for exploration (4 available for both grads and undergrads, and 1 more for undergrads only). Follow the links below for more details and applications, or [email protected] if you have any questions.  Don't miss out on the opportunity to explore this winter, spring, or summer!

The Studenski Award (UG Only)
Applications and Proposed Budgets are due by Monday, October 23rd at noon
More info at: https://www.caltechy.org/studenski-award

Are you wondering about the next step in life? Have you reached a crossroad where an opportunity to explore would help you gain clarity?  The Studenski Award is a grant of up to $6,000 awarded to cover expenses including transportation (flights, trains, shuttles, taxis, tolls, travel insurance, visas, required vaccinations, etc.); lodgings (hotels, hotels, rental properties, etc.); excursions (museums, monuments, venues relevant to the proposal); and program costs (registration and program fees for conferences, classes, mentor organizations, etc.) for a Caltech undergraduate in good academic standing who, has reached a crossroads in life, and would benefit from a time away from the academic community to find clarity and a better understanding of self, and to explore possible directions for the future.  Local, national, or global travel /experiences are all welcome.

The ACT Award (UG or G | Solo or Pairs)
Applications and Proposed Budgets are due by Monday, October 23rd at noon
More info at: https://www.caltechy.org/act-award

Do you have an issue or cause that warrants attention?  Attend a training or workshop, or go volunteer, with an organization or a mentor that is addressing an issue of concern – and increase your understanding, commitment, and impact.  ACT awardees receive up to $4,500 to cover expenses including transportation (flights, trains, shuttles, taxis, tolls, travel insurance, visas, required vaccinations, etc.); lodgings (hotels, hotels, rental properties, etc.); excursions (museums, monuments, venues relevant to the proposal); and program costs (registration and program fees for conferences, classes, mentor organizations, etc.) for the educational or engagement experience.  Grads or undergrads in good academic standing; local, national, or global travel; short-term or multi-week experiences; as well as solo applications or those submitted with a co-applicant; are all accepted.

The Hastrup Adventure Award (UG or G | Solo or Pairs)
Applications and Proposed Budgets are due by Monday, October 23rd at noon
More info at: https://www.caltechy.org/hastrup-award

Would you like to explore your family roots or history or are you interested in learning about other cultures?  The Hastrup Award is open to all current Caltech undergraduate and graduate students in good academic standing with a love of travel, a spirit of adventure, and a desire for cultural connection.  It provides up to $5,000 for individuals, and $6,000 for pairs, to cover expenses including transportation (flights, trains, shuttles, taxis, tolls, travel insurance, visas, required vaccinations, etc.); lodgings (hotels, hotels, rental properties, etc.); excursions (museums, monuments, venues relevant to the proposal); and program costs (registration and program fees for, classes, tours, mentor organizations, etc.) those interested in delving into their family roots/history/culture, and/or exploring a different culture.  Proposed experiences can be local, national, or global travel; as well as solo applications or those submitted with a co-applicant including non-student spouses / life partners.  

The Hummel/Gray Award (UG or G)
Applications and Proposed Budgets are due by Monday, October 23rd at noon
More info at: https://www.caltechy.org/hummel-gray-award

Are you looking for an opportunity to attend an academic conference – perhaps to present a paper or engage in a workshop or symposia – or an opportunity to develop leadership? The Hummel/Gray Award is a grant of $500 to $1,000 for domestic travel, or $1,000 to $2,000 international travel, awarded to cover expenses including transportation (flights, trains, shuttles, taxis, tolls, travel insurance, visas, required vaccinations, etc.); lodgings (hotels, hotels, rental properties, etc.); and conference costs (registration and program fees for conferences, workshops, etc.) for a Caltech student in good academic standing to promote professional and leadership development.  Local, national, or global travel /experiences are all welcome.

The Beckman Award (UG or G)
Applications and Proposed Budgets are due by Monday, October 23rd at noon
More info at: https://www.caltechy.org/beckman-award

The Beckman Political Award provides motivated Caltech students with an opportunity to explore various facets of elective government—as possible careers in government and/or to increase general understanding of the legislative process.  The Beckman Award provides up to $6,000 to cover expenses including transportation (flights, trains, shuttles, taxis, tolls, travel insurance, visas, required vaccinations, etc.); lodgings (hotels, hotels, rental properties, etc.); excursions (museums, monuments, venues relevant to the proposal); and program costs (registration and program fees for conferences, classes, mentor organizations, etc.) for grads or undergrads in good academic standing for local, state, or national experiences that may include working in government offices, in fellowships and internships, or in policy-related programs.

Note: Awardees cannot hold multiple travel awards (e.g. Bishop, San Pietro, ACT, etc.). SURF students are not permitted to have other commitments during SURF, including evenings or weekends. However, activities that occur before or after the SURF period are eligible).  Travel / exploration must be completed by September 12th. Awards may have tax and financial aid implications.  Students are advised to consult with advisors as needed.