Course Micro-Grants

Chicago Studies Course Micro-Grants

• Chicago Course Connections micro-grants (for any class)

  The Chicago Course Connections micro-grant program provides small amounts of funding to instructors who wish to enrich any undergraduate class with Chicago-based experiential learning opportunities. Instructors can also receive pedagogical and logistical support with integrating and executing funded experiences.

  Funding can be used to support field trips (including transportation and admission/ticket costs), honoraria for guest speakers, reimbursements to students for individual explorations in the city, or costs associated with experiential learning projects that engage Chicago's communities, institutions, or data. Funding for meals is subject to additional limits, and the dining experience must clearly contribute to the academic outcomes of the class.

  Instructors may apply for up to $500 per class, per quarter to support learning experiences. The application requires an estimated budget. Unrestricted funds will not be issued. Applications are considered on a rolling basis; funding decisions are generally made within three business days.  Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be re-applied for each quarter.

  Apply here for Chicago Course Connections micro-grants (webform).

• Experiential Learning micro-grants (CHST cross-listed classes)

  Chicago Studies Experiential Learning Grants are only available to those classes that are CHST cross-listed during the quarter for which funding is sought.  All other classes are eligible for Chicago Course Connections micro-grants (see previous section). To apply for CHST cross-list, visit our CHST Classes page.  Maximum grant amounts described here are current as of October 15, 2024.  We expect this funding level to remain constant throughout this year.

  Chicago Studies Experiential Learning Grants support experiential learning in Chicago Studies (CHST) classes. Instructors in these classes may request up to $2000/class* to support 

  • field trips, 
  • honoraria, 
  • individual student explorations, 
  • fieldwork or community-based learning, 
  • undergraduate research, 
  • publication/presentation, 
  • or other forms of experiential learning that directly engage students in the life of the city and its diverse communities.

  The application requires an estimated budget, and unrestricted funds will not be issued. Funding for meals is subject to additional limits, unless the dining experience clearly contributes to the academic outcomes of the class.

  Applications are considered on a rolling basis, and funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be re-applied for every quarter.  Although funding decisions are generally made within three business days, instructors of Chicago-focused classes that plan to base their learning strategy around Chicago experiences are encouraged to consult with Chicago Studies while designing their course to secure funding in advance.

  Apply here for Chicago Studies Experiential Learning Grants (webform)