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Career Services

Enrollment and Student Success

Travel Grants

The Knowledge in Action Career Internship Fund (KACIF) Travel Grant is a reimbursement grant that is available to students who are participating in unpaid internships that will advance their career development and who need assistance in paying for their public transportation to and from the internship location (up to $300).  If you are interested, please review KACIF Travel Grant information and application instructions. The grant was initiated in collaboration with the Student Association and made possible through the generous support of alumni, parents and other donors.

This reimbursement can only be used for necessarily unpaid internships, i.e., typically those internships with non-profit, governmental, educational and non-governmental organizations that genuinely lack the financial resources to pay salaries or wages to their interns.

Important Information Regarding the KACIF Travel Grant Application

In light of the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the understanding that some students might be engaging in remote/virtual Internships during the Fall semester, we are expanding the KACIF Travel grant to include expenses related to remote internships (internet access, equipment needed, etc.) The maximum amount that can be reimbursed for KACIF Travel remains $300. KACIF Travel Applications will close on the final day of classes.  

General Information

  • Unpaid practicums, externships, internships, clinicals, etc. that are required as a part of program curriculum and unpaid research assistantships supporting faculty members are not eligible to receive grants.
  • Students must register their metro card with WMATA or the public transportation system used in that state, country, etc. at the start of their internship.
  • The grant covers reimbursement for public transportation expenses only (NO UBER, LYFT, personal mileage). Expenses for public transportation outside the DC metropolitan area are eligible; however, airfare is only eligible for international internships.
  • The total amount requested for reimbursement cannot exceed $300.00.
  • Recipients may be awarded only once during their career at GW.
  • The reimbursement may be used only for opportunities that took place during the semester in which the application is submitted.
  • Opportunities pursued to support a required research project/course (Practicum, etc.) are ineligible for funding.
  • Opportunities outside of the United States may be considered- approval of the opportunity through GW Passport must be included with your application.
  • Internships at or connected with the George Washington University are not eligible.
  • First-year undergraduate students are not eligible until the summer following their first academic year of study.  GW encourages first-year students to prioritize academics, explore campus life, and become active participants in the GW community. 
  • Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis (based on the availability of funding).
  • In order to receive the reimbursement, recipients are required to have direct deposit set up through Payroll Services. If you do not, please complete the direct deposit authorization form and return it via e-mail or in person at the Faculty & Staff Service Center.
  • Students will submit receipts and a summary of their travel expenses one time at the conclusion of their internship. Bank statements will not be accepted. Reimbursements will be paid at the conclusion of the internship (one-time only) after receiving all receipts and summary of all travel expenses.
  • Students who have internships that are contingent upon a security clearance are eligible to apply, but the award, if granted, will be contingent on the student eventually obtaining their security clearance.  If they do not pass, the KACIF grant award will be rescinded.

Eligible Students

  • Undergraduate and graduate students who are currently enrolled full-time or part-time in any degree program at GW during the application and internship period are eligible.  Your primary designation must be "student" in order to be eligible to submit an application. Exchange students are not eligible.
  • Awardees may only receive a grant once during his or her academic career at GW.  Past KACIF Travel recipients are not eligible to reapply for future funding.
  • Graduate students enrolled in the first semester of their degree program may apply for subsequent semesters, i.e., a graduate student who begins in the fall can apply for spring funding.
  • First-year undergraduate students may apply for funding for the summer after their first academic year of study.
  • International students who fit into the categories above are eligible to apply, but should first understand how the award would affect their taxes.

NOTE: It is the student's responsibility to review and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements.  Funding is dependent on students meeting all requirements and funding will not be distributed if a student is found ineligible at any time during the funding semester.

Apply

KACIF Travel applications will be accepted on the first day of classes for each semester.  Submit an application through the MyGW application portal to be considered for a grant.  Students will receive a response within 14 business days of applying.  Applications will close on the final day of classes.