The Student Enrichment Funds augment students’ academic journeys by providing funds for dissertation grants, conference grants, book awards and other related academic activities.
Students are awarded these funds throughout the year to cover the supplemental costs of a graduate degree such as purchasing textbooks, participating in professional development conferences, conducting field research, and/or completing the rigorous data collection or expenses related to their dissertation research.
We thank Heller alumni and friends who give generously to this fund and make these experiences and opportunities for students possible.
If you are a current Heller student and want to apply, visit the Heller Student resources page in the “Finances at Heller” section.
Make a Gift to the Student Enrichment Funds through the heller annual fund
Your gift put to work
Conference and Fieldwork Grants
Networking and professional development help students lay the foundation for job placement after confirming their Heller degree. These grants support students attending or presenting original work at conferences. In the past four years, students have visited more than 50 cities and 10 countries. Most recently, MBA students traveled to Guatemala to conduct field research with Chica Bean, a specialty coffee and social enterprise for their Team Consulting Project. A few popular career building conferences students attended in recent years were the APPAM Research Conference; Gerontological Society of America (GSA) Conference; APHA Annual Meeting; Race, Equity, and Justice Conference; and Building Sustainable Peace: Ideas, Evidence, Strategies.
Students frequently return from these experiences with stories about expanding their network and job opportunities, finding potential PhD dissertation committee members, and building even more confidence in their presentation skills.
Dissertation Grants
Heller PhD students often need financial support to purchase or collect data in the final stages of completing their dissertation. This award gives up to $3,000 to PhD students who are post-proposal, providing an extra financial boost to help them finish their degree. Recent examples include providing gift cards for focus group participants, costs associated with transcription services, and the ability to access data sets. Below is a selection of dissertation grant titles from recipients:
- Social Protection Programs in Ghana: A Study of LEAP - Afia Adaboh, PhD Candidate
- Illuminating the Ruling Relations that Shape Survivor Agency in the Aftermath of College Sexual Assault - Kaitie Chakoian-Lifvergren, PhD Candidate
- The Impact of Economic Sanctions on Iranian Social Welfare - Hadi Kahalzadeh, PhD Candidate
- Does Worker Voice Impact Worker Well-Being in Health Care and Social Services? - Yaminette Diaz-Linhart, PhD Candidate
Book Awards
The out of pocket expenses for graduate school, such as purchasing books and readings for classes, can add up. This award helps relieve costs for students so they can purchase books, readings, optional readings, and documents for their classes. These awards for fundamental educational materials make a difference for students as evidenced by these words of appreciation.
- “Your award has allowed me to purchase texts that will no doubt influence my professional trajectory and impact on others for years to come. Every time I open one of these books, I will be reminded of both the graciousness of Heller alumni and the importance of always giving back. Thank you for continuing to embody the spirit of Heller. I hope to soon uplift others like your gift has uplifted me.” - Andrea Tyree, MPP’22