Stephenson Experiential Learning Fund (SELF)

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Career Treks are short, high-impact travel experiences that connect students with data science professionals, companies, and alumni across various industries. These treks are designed to expand students' professional awareness and expose them to real-world environments where data science is actively practiced. 

• J-Term 2027 Trek: A regional Career Trek to New York City, designed for 2nd or 3rd-year BSDS students. This experience will include site visits, alumni panels, and networking opportunities with leading data science firms and startups operating in one of the world’s most dynamic tech ecosystems.  
• Spring Recess 2027 Trek: A regional Career Trek to Philadelphia, designed for 2nd or 3rd-year BSDS students. This experience will include site visits, alumni panels, and networking opportunities with leading data science firms and startups. 

Career Treks are selective, cohort-based experiences that require an application and active participation throughout the program. 

Funding: SELF funding for Career Treks are awarded through pre-booked travel through the School of Data Science and selective community engagement opportunities while on the trek. Students do not receive funds for treks directly.

Watch this video to learn more: 

The SELF Fund Application for Summer 2027 Internships will open later this Fall.

Internships provide an invaluable opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience by working with companies, research labs, government agencies, nonprofits, or startups during the summer. Over the course of 10–12 weeks, students apply the concepts and technical skills they’ve developed in class to real-world projects while gaining exposure to workplace culture, team dynamics, and industry tools.  

• Application: Rolling basis; students are encouraged to begin exploring early  
• Who’s eligible: Open to 2nd- and 3rd-year BSDS students  
• When: Primarily during Summer 2027 
• Format: Can be in-person, hybrid, or remote 

Students must submit these two items with their SELF application:

• Verification of the opportunity, such as an offer letter, supervisor email, or position description with a host contact
• A basic budget of expected expenses, such as travel, housing, meals, transportation, or professional materials

Whether an internship is paid or unpaid, if students have out-of-pocket costs associated with participation, they're encouraged to apply for support through the Stephenson Experiential Leadership Fund (SELF).

Students may apply for funding to cover:  

• Housing and utilities
• Transportation (local or travel to internship site)  
• Meals and groceries  
• Business attire or technology needs  

Funding: SELF funding for Internships will be distributed directly to the student through their student account and may vary in amount based on the location and/or length of the internships, and demonstrated financial need as described in the student application. 

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Work on real-world problems for real companies as part of a class project-great for gaining teamwork, communication, and problem-solving experience that employers value. 

Micro-internships are short-term, project-based experiences that allow students to apply their skills in real-world settings. Micro-internships typically last a few weeks and are designed to build professional experience, enhance resumes, and support career exploration. The Micro-Internship opportunities are coordinated by the School of Data Science and accepted students will be assigned a project team, employer sponsor, and project deliverable.

Funding: SELF funding for students will be distributed directly to the student through their student account. Each student will receive the same amount for their work on a micro-internship.

What criteria must I meet to be eligible to receive SELF funding? 

• BSDS student in good academic standing (2.0 GPA)  
• Students must complete the application for the opportunity 
• The opportunity must occur while the student is enrolled at UVA 
• Each opportunity may have additional requirements or restrictions on which class year may participate 
• For more information, please review the details of the specific opportunity

What will reviewers look for in competitive applicants?

When reviewing SELF funding applications, we look for thoughtful, intentional planning—not just a great opportunity. Competitive candidates clearly connect the experience to their academic, professional, or leadership goals and explain why it matters at this point in their journey. Show how the opportunity will help you explore an interest, build skills, or take a meaningful next step.

A strong, well-organized application also matters. Answer all required questions thoroughly, upload an updated résumé, and make your responses clear and engaging. We value students who demonstrate curiosity, a desire to grow, and an interest in sharing what they learn with peers and the broader community.

How are the funds distributed?

If your application is approved for SELF funding, the awarded amount will typically be disbursed directly to your UVA student account through the University’s financial aid system. This ensures an official and timely distribution process that aligns with how most institutional aid is managed. There are some exceptions to this based on the opportunity, wherein the School may directly cover fees associated with an opportunity without disbursing funds directly to the students. This will be clearly outlined in the sections above about each opportunity. 

It is important to know that once funds are deposited into your student account, they are first applied to any outstanding balances you may have with the University. This is UVA’s standard financial aid practice. 

If your account is clear and you do not owe anything to the University, you may receive the funds as a refund, which is typically deposited into your designated bank account (via direct deposit). The timing of this refund depends on several factors, including when your documentation is verified, the timing of your experience, and Student Financial Services’ processing windows. 

We recommend that students log in to SIS to view your account or connect with Student Financial Services if you have concerns about how your award will be processed. 

What if I am unable to participate and need to withdraw my application?

We understand that sometimes plans change: unexpected conflicts, personal matters, or shifts in opportunity timelines can all impact your ability to move forward. If you find yourself in a situation where you’re no longer able to participate in the experience you applied for, we ask that you notify the Office of Student Support as soon as possible at stephensonscholars@virginia.edu. 

How can the funding be used?

Depending on the opportunity, you might use your award to cover travel or lodging — for example, if you’re relocating for a summer internship or attending a professional conference. Funding should only be used for the financial obligations fully outlined in the application, such as travel, lodging, conference registrations, and meals.  Some opportunities are paid for directly by the school to cover expenses and will not be received as a reimbursement to the student account. 

Can I use it to pay for housing in a different city?

Yes. Many meaningful opportunities, like internships, require students to temporarily relocate. If your experience takes you to another city or state, housing expenses such as rent, utilities, and related living costs are eligible for support through SELF. Be sure to clearly outline these costs in your application budget so we can fully understand and support your needs.

When can I apply?

For the 2026-2027 academic year, applications will be coming soon and we will share exact dates and deadlines via email and on the Stephenson Scholars website. The earlier you apply, the more likely we can ensure timely support, especially for opportunities that require travel or up-front expenses. 

Can I stack multiple opportunities in one academic year?

Funding for multiple experiences in a single year is not guaranteed and we want students to only expect a singular opportunity to be funded per year. We do our best to support strong, well-planned applications across terms that benefit the most students. If you’ve already received SELF support this year, future applications will be considered based on overall funding availability and demand.  

Additionally, you may be eligible to combine SELF funding with other UVA resources, such as:  

• Cavalier Fund
• Student Engagement Fund
• UVA Parents Fund
• Student Council

For internships, do I need to verify the opportunity with a letter from a supervisor?

Yes. As part of your application, you’ll need to provide some form of verification that confirms your participation in the experience. 

This could be an official offer letter, a confirmation email from your supervisor, or even a position description that includes a point of contact from the host organization. This step helps us ensure that the opportunity is confirmed and that your funding request aligns with the scope and timeline of your experience. 

For internships, do I need to provide a budget?

Yes. Part of the SELF application includes submitting a basic budget outlining your expected expenses. This does not need to be overly complex, but it should give us a clear picture of what you’ll need support for, whether that’s housing, travel, meals, transportation, or professional materials. 

Do I have to report back on my experience to the Office of Student Support team? 

Yes. All SELF Fund recipients will share a reflection about their experience after it concludes. This isn’t just a requirement; it’s a meaningful way to pause, look back on what you learned, and celebrate how far you’ve come. 
 
Your insights help us tell the story of the Stephenson Scholars Program and the impact of the SELF Fund. We are currently planning a student showcase where Scholars can share highlights from their journeys through photos, brief write-ups, or even short presentations. It’s a chance to inspire your peers, affirm your growth, and contribute to the legacy of this program. 
 
Think of it as the final chapter in your experience, an opportunity to reflect with pride and help pave the way for future Scholars to follow in your footsteps.

Can I receive funding if my internship is for academic credit?

Yes. If you're earning academic credit for your internship, that does not disqualify you from receiving SELF Fund support. We understand that some opportunities, especially those coordinated through academic departments, come with a credit-bearing component. As long as the experience aligns with the goals of the SELF Fund and meets the eligibility criteria, you are welcome to apply. 
 
Just be sure to clearly outline your responsibilities in the internship, how it connects to your academic and professional goals, and whether there are any costs associated with receiving credit (such as summer tuition or fees). The more context you provide, the better we can assess your needs and determine the level of support.