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. 

• Fall 2025 Trek: A local Career Trek curated specifically for 2nd-year BSDS students. Students will visit a range of organizations in and around Charlottesville during Fall Reading Days. The goal is to introduce early-career students to potential paths in data science and encourage exploration in a familiar setting.  
• J-Term 2026 Trek: A regional Career Trek to New York City, designed for 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. 

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

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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 2026  
• Format: Can be in-person, hybrid, or remote 

Support through the Stephenson Scholars Program 

We understand that internships, particularly those that are unpaid or located in high-cost areas, can create financial barriers. That’s why the Stephenson Scholars Program provides flexible funding to help ensure every student can pursue impactful, career-building experiences—regardless of financial circumstances. 
 
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  
• Professional attire 

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

Selected Experiential Learning Opportunities  

• Internship (10–12 weeks): Get real-world experience over the summer by working with a company or organization, helping you apply what you're learning in class, build your resume, and explore potential career paths.

Work with professors or teams on research projects to dive deeper into a topic you're curious about, build skills, and explore academic or industry-focused careers.

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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-internship (2–8 weeks): Try out short-term, project-based experiences during the semester or breaks. They’re a great way to explore different fields and gain experience without long-term commitment.

Take courses and earn certifications to build new skills (like coding, data analysis, or communication) at your own pace—perfect for boosting your resume and trying out new interests (AWS certifications, etc.).

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

To be considered for SELF funding, you’ll need to meet a few key criteria that help ensure the experience is aligned with your academic and professional growth. 
 
First, you must be a declared Bachelor of Science in Data Science (BSDS) major within the School of Data Science, and the School of Data Science must be your official school of enrollment at UVA. This program is designed specifically to support undergraduate Data Science students as they explore hands-on learning opportunities. 
 
You’ll also need to be in good academic standing, which means maintaining at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA at the time you apply. 
 
When you’re ready to apply, we ask that you submit a complete application. That includes your responses to all required questions, your current résumé, and any supporting documentation that helps us understand your opportunity—like an event flyer, a research proposal, registration details, or even a letter of support from a faculty member. 
 
Finally, the opportunity you’re pursuing — whether it’s a Career Trek, Undergraduate Research project, Micro-Internship, or Project-Based Learning experience — must take place while you’re enrolled at UVA. In your application, you should be able to clearly show how this experience will contribute to your leadership development and supports your professional goals in a meaningful way. We are looking for thoughtful reflections that demonstrate how this fits into your broader academic journey.

What will reviewers look for in competitive applicants?

When reviewing SELF funding applications, we are looking for more than just a great opportunity—we are looking for thoughtful, intentional planning that reflects who you are and where you’re headed. Competitive candidates are those who take the time to connect the dots between the experience they’re applying for and their broader academic, professional, or leadership goals. 
 
Strong applicants will demonstrate why a particular opportunity matters to you right now. Maybe it’s your first time stepping into a professional space, or perhaps this experience will deepen a growing interest in a specific field. Either way, reviewers want to see that you’ve reflected on your journey and can articulate how this moment fits into your bigger picture. 
 
We also pay close attention to how your application is presented. A polished, well-organized submission speaks volumes; it tells us you’re serious about the opportunity and respectful of the process. That means answering all required questions thoroughly, uploading an updated résumé, and making sure your responses are clear and engaging. 
 
Finally, we are inspired by students who show genuine curiosity and desire to grow, not just for themselves, but for the broader community. Whether it’s bringing insights back to your peers, informing future projects, or simply becoming more confident in your path, we are looking for applicants who view this opportunity as a meaningful step in their development and who are excited to share what they learn along the way. 

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. 

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. For example, if you have a remaining tuition charge, the funds will automatically be used to cover those costs. 

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. 

Because each student’s situation is a bit different, we recommend that you 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. If your funding needs are time-sensitive (for example, securing housing or travel), be sure to communicate that clearly in your application and follow up with the Office of Student Affairs so we can help anticipate your needs.

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 Affairs as soon as possible at stephensonscholars@virginia.edu. 
 
This allows us to formally withdraw your application and ensure that the funds you were awarded can be reallocated to another deserving student. Funding is limited, and early communication helps us support the broader Stephenson Scholars community. 
 
The good news? You’re welcome to reapply during a future application cycle. If your opportunity is simply postponed or you find a new experience that aligns with your goals in a later term, we encourage you to submit a new application when the SELF Fund reopens. 
 
We are here to support your journey, even if the path takes a few unexpected turns.

How can the funding be used?

The SELF fund is designed to help reduce the financial barriers that can come with engaging in meaningful, hands-on learning experiences. We know these opportunities often come with real-world expenses, and this funding is here to help you make the most of them. 
 
Depending on your experience, 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. You can also use it to purchase supplies or materials tied to a research project or equipment needed for a hands-on learning experience. 

If you're participating in an off-site opportunity, the fund can help cover daily expenses such as meals and local transportation — whether that’s a bus pass, metro fare, or occasional rideshare. 

If your opportunity requires professional attire, you can request funding to help build a wardrobe that allows you show up with confidence. Every experience is different, so we encourage you to include all relevant expenses in your budget when applying. If you're not sure whether something qualifies, just reach out — we're happy to help. 

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

Yes. Many meaningful opportunities, like internships, research placements, or project-based work, 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 the SELF Fund. Be sure to clearly outline these costs in your application budget so we can fully understand and support your needs.

When can I apply?

The SELF Fund follows a rolling application cycle that aligns with the timing of various experiential learning opportunities throughout the academic year. This gives you multiple chances to apply when the timing feels right for you and your goals. 
 
Here’s a quick breakdown of when to apply based on the experience you’re pursuing: 

Fall Application  

This round is perfect if you’re planning to participate in:  

• January-Term Career Treks
• Internships  
• Micro-Internships 

Spring Application 

This round supports experiences happening over the summer, such as:  

• Summer Internships

For the 2025-2026 academic year, 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?

Yes, it’s possible to stack the SELF Fund with other experiential learning opportunities, like participating in a Career Trek during J-Term and securing an internship during the summer. We recognize that your growth doesn’t happen in a single moment, and we want to support your ongoing development throughout your time at UVA. 

While funding for multiple experiences in a single year is not guaranteed, we do our best to support strong, well-planned applications across terms. If you’ve already received SELF Fund 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

We encourage you to explore the full list of available funding options. Contact the Office of Student Affairs at the School of Data Science for guidance on building a well-supported experience. Planning ahead and being transparent about your needs helps us, and our campus partners, support you more holistically. 

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. 

If your documentation is still in progress at the time of applying, just let us know. Communication is key, and we are happy to work with you. 

Do I need to provide a budget?

Yes. Part of the SELF Fund 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. 

Providing a budget helps us fairly and equitably allocate funds across all applicants and ensures that the support you receive matches the scope of your experience. If you’re unsure how to create one, we are happy to share a sample or walk you through the process.

Do I have to report back on my experience to the Office of Student Affairs 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 use funding to buy clothes for my internship/opportunity? 

Yes. We know that showing up with confidence sometimes starts with feeling prepared and appropriately dressed, especially if your opportunity requires professional or specific attire. 
 
Whether you need business casual clothing for an office internship, field gear for a research placement, or specific items to meet a dress code, these are considered eligible expenses under the SELF Fund. Just be sure to include these costs in your application budget and explain how they relate to the requirements of your experience.

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.

In the case of an emergency, whom do I contact?

Your safety and well-being are our top priority. If an emergency arises during your experience — whether it's medical, personal, or related to your opportunity — please contact the Office of Student Affairs right away at stephensonscholars@virginia.edu. We can help you navigate next steps, connect you with resources, and make any necessary adjustments to your funding or plans. 
 
For after-hours or urgent concerns, UVA offers 24/7/365 support through the Care and Support System (CASS). You can reach CASS on Call (COC) by calling 434-924-7166. They are available nights, weekends, and holidays to assist UVA students in crisis or unexpected situations.