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Education Department Student Support Fund

The Education Department, with generous contributions from alumni donors — including Dr. P. Kay Carl (’59) — has established the Student Support Fund to help students thrive at every stage of their academic and professional journey.

We understand that while meaningful learning often extends beyond the classroom, financial barriers can sometimes stand in the way. The Student Support Fund is designed to ease those burdens and empower all Education students to succeed — whether through internships, field experiences, licensure, or professional growth opportunities.

How the Fund Can Be Used

Professional Development Support

Funding may be used for costs related to professional learning experiences, including (but not limited to):

  • Registration fees for professional development sessions or conferences
  • Preparation materials for professional presentations
  • Expenses related to hosting or coordinating a professional event

Education-Specific Costs

Funding is also available for expenses directly tied to Education and Educational Studies majors or minors, such as:

  • Background checks
  • Licensure exams (limit: one exam)
  • Additional materials or resources required for internships or field placements (limit: $100)
  • Transportation to and from internship or field placement sites (limit: $500)*
  • Professional clothing for internships or field placements (limit: $300)**

Professional Clothing Details

  • Students enrolled in 100-, 200-, or 300-level EDUC courses may receive funding for professional clothing, up to a lifetime total of $200 across all three levels.
  • Students enrolled in senior practicum or student teaching may receive up to $200, regardless of prior requests at earlier levels.
  • A list of suggested clothing stores is available upon request.

Transportation Notes

Transportation support will be determined based on:

  • The student’s expressed need
  • Location of the field experience or internship site
  • The number of required visits

Students requesting placements outside of Wittenberg’s normal partnership sites may still apply for transportation funds; however, placement location will be considered when determining award amounts. Costs will follow the university mileage reimbursement rate and calculated round-trip mileage between Wittenberg and the placement site.

Applying for Student Support Funds

All students enrolled in EDUC courses are eligible to apply for assistance at any time, provided they are in good academic and financial standing with both the university and the department.

  • Students may receive multiple awards, but total lifetime funding will not exceed $500 at Âé¶¹´«Ã½É«Ç鯬. Exceptions may be made under extenuating circumstances.
  • Awards will not exceed the documented cost of each item (e.g., registration fees, background checks).
  • Students must submit receipts within 14 days for reimbursements.
  • For pre-payment requests, an invoice or billing statement is required before funds are released. Failure to submit documentation may result in ineligibility for future funding.

Before applying, students should explore other campus resources such as:

  • The Barbara Steele Kane Resource Room
  • The Student Emergency Fund
  • Campus Cupboard

Applicants must provide documentation confirming they have checked these resources (e.g., email correspondence or notes verifying availability).

Accessing the Application

The Student Support Fund application is available on the Education Department’s website and can also be requested from the Administrative Assistant in Blair Hall, Room 119.

We understand that asking for help can sometimes feel stressful, and we want to assure you that all information shared in your application will remain confidential and will only be reviewed by the necessary Education Department faculty and staff involved in the fund’s administration.

If you have questions or need guidance, please contact the Education Department Administrative Assistant — your best point of contact for the Student Support Fund:

Blair Hall, Room 119
educ-mail@wittenberg.edu
937-327-6417

Review Process

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by a committee of Education Department faculty and staff.

  • Applications should be submitted during the semester in which the need arises (funds cannot be retroactively awarded for past semesters).
  • Applicants can expect a decision within two weeks of submission.
  • During breaks or outside the regular academic calendar, review times may be longer.
  • Requests for emergency funds will be prioritized and reviewed as quickly as possible.

If additional information is needed, applicants may be invited to meet with the committee before a decision is finalized.

Important Note

If a student receives funding but does not fulfill the related obligation — for example, not completing a course, internship, or licensure exam — they will not be eligible for future awards from the fund.

Apply for Education Department Student Support

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