The SPS Academic & Professional Development Grant (APD) is designed to empower students through personalized, hands-on learning experiences that complement and elevate their academic pursuits. Whether funding graduate research, supporting capstone projects, or enabling participation in international conferences, the APD Grant helps students bridge the gap between classroom learning and professional practice. The 2025 recipients have used the grant to present at research conferences, obtain career-specific certifications, connect with international scholars, and more.
“This year, 26 students across a range of programs were awarded the APD Grant. From Technology Management to Narrative Medicine, Sustainability Management to Applied Analytics, each recipient used the funding to accelerate their growth, deepen their expertise, and expand their professional networks,” said Director of Student Support Phong Luu. “The diversity of experiences reflects the grant’s flexibility and its alignment with SPS’s commitment to applied learning and real-world impact.”
Established in 2019 to advance student learning and experiential education, the APD Grant has become one of SPS’s premier student support initiatives. Funding for this award is made possible by contributions to the School of Professional Studies Annual Fund, which exists to demonstrate an investment in a culture of quality and success for our students and community. Since its inception, approximately 200 students have received the grant.
Several of this year’s recipients traveled to present research at national and global conferences, often opening the doors to more research and networking opportunities. Others earned industry-recognized certifications or participated in programs that fostered cross-cultural collaboration for leadership development. In each case, the grant served as a catalyst for confidence, direction, and professional momentum.
Below, 12 of the 2025 APD Grant recipients share how the grant has shaped their academic paths, influenced their career aspirations, and opened doors to future opportunities.
I was looking to transition into the technology start-up space. This grant went toward attending AfroTech 2024 in Houston, Texas, which allowed me to learn more and best position myself for the competitive landscape post-graduation."
The grant was used to support my participation in the prestigious N-Conference in Zurich, where I learned how to negotiate across various types of conflicts. I connected with world-renowned leaders, including Daniel Shapiro from Harvard’s Negotiation Program, and Jasmin Aziz, general manager at Estée Lauder Companies Switzerland. This experience deeply shaped my understanding of what it means to be an effective conflict resolution consultant."
I used the grant to obtain the PMP® certification, which has strengthened my foundation in global project management practices and reaffirmed the leadership values I’ve developed through years in the defense technology industry. This opportunity from SPS has not only expanded my technical skill set but also positioned me to take on more strategic, high-impact roles in the future. It’s a pivotal step toward my long-term goal of leading complex, mission-driven projects on a global scale."
The grant funded my participation in the 2025 Harvard Program on Negotiation AI Summit, where I explored cutting-edge research on AI-mediated bargaining, negotiation coaching bots, and digital dispute resolution. This directly supports my capstone, which proposes a non-adversarial, contractarian framework for resolving copyright disputes between AI developers and media organizations."
I used the grant to speak about my work in the polar regions at the EarthX conference in Dallas. It was such a blast sharing more about my current and previous work. It means so much to be able to seize the incredible opportunity of speaking at EarthX, without any financial barrier."
Being a grant recipient opened the doors for me to discuss high-level issues on a global basis through interacting with international scholars. The grant allowed me to travel abroad and form lifelong connections around the world."
Being a 2025 SPS Academic & Professional Grant recipient is an incredible honor and a testament to the importance of advancing AI-driven solutions in sustainability. This grant empowered me to present my research at the IEEE SusTech 2025 conference in California, where I engaged with experts shaping the future of sustainable innovation. The experience has strengthened my ability to drive impactful AI strategies that help businesses and policymakers accelerate sustainability initiatives, reinforcing my commitment to using technology as a force for positive global change."
The grant supported my participation in a sustainability impact competition at the University of Colorado Boulder, where I collaborated with peers to design a tangible renewable energy transition plan for a fictional municipality. Our team developed a financially and environmentally viable road map that integrated solar, wind, and community engagement strategies to drive a just and equitable transition."
With the grant, I completed the Scrum Product Owner Certification from Scrum Alliance, through which I was able to focus on mastering the material we cover in the Technology Management program while applying these new skills immediately in my coursework."
The grant supported my participation in the 2024 Spatial Data Science Conference in New York, where I explored how location intelligence is being used to solve real-world challenges in logistics, infrastructure, and urban systems. It gave me the opportunity to deepen a personal and professional curiosity I’ve had for a while—understanding how spatial data can be used to make smarter, more efficient decisions in the real world."
The grant will support my travel to the 2025 64th Southwestern Finance Association Annual Conference, where I will present my research on the impact of global risk factors on cryptocurrency markets as the first author, and also serve as the session chair of decentralized finance."
I’m deeply humbled to use this grant to advance a cross-cultural tea initiative that safeguards Machu Picchu’s century-old tea groves, fuses Peruvian biodiversity with Chinese tea craftsmanship, and empowers local women through a community-led training center—culminating in a UNESCO-aligned tea culture festival that honors both heritage and nature."
The Summer 2025 Academic & Professional Development Grant application window is now open. The deadline to submit applications is Friday, July 18, 2025, or when all funding has been exhausted, whichever comes first. Submit your application here.
Views and opinions expressed here are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Columbia School of Professional Studies or Columbia University.
