CS Student Travel Scholarship

The Department of Computer Sciences offers Student Travel Scholarships to broaden participation in computing by supporting student attendance at conferences, hackathons, and other professional events. These scholarships help students engage in activities that expand their knowledge of computing, build professional networks, or present their work.

Eligible students may request up to $500 in travel support to help cover registration, transportation expenses, or lodging. Scholarship funds are processed once the student has provided proof of registration and completed their travel purchase.

Applicants must:

• Be declared and be in good academic standing in a Department of Computer Sciences CS undergraduate major, graduate degree program (MS/PhD, Data Engineering, PMP), or graduate certificate program (PCP or Kickstart).  
• Be enrolled full time during the semester in which the request is being submitted and money is being used.
• Must have travel expenses that are not fully covered by personal funds, a faculty advisor, or another funding source. Graduate students presenting research are expected to request travel support from their faculty advisor first. If the faculty advisor is unable to provide funding, the student must submit a statement from the advisor confirming that support is unavailable. 
• Receive no more than one Department of Computer Sciences Student Travel Scholarship per fiscal year (July 1–June 30).
• Submit a completed application at least 14 days before the start of travel.
  • Application includes providing response to these questions:
    • Describe how you will engage in event activities and how participating in this event will support your academic and professional development in computing.
    • As a recipient of travel support, how will you share what you learn at the conference with your peers? Describe the program, presentation, workshop, or other activity you will provide to benefit the broader Computer Sciences community. 

Graduate students (MS and PhD):

Before submitting an application, consult with your faculty advisor to determine whether grant or research funds are available to support your travel. As part of the application process, your advisor will be asked to confirm that they are unable to provide funding.

After travel

Scholarship recipients must work with Computer Sciences Student Services and Financial Services after returning from travel to submit the required documentation for scholarship processing and complete the program, presentation, workshop, or other activity you will provide to benefit the broader Computer Sciences community.

Scholarship fund processing:

• For US-person and Resident Alien, scholarship funds will be applied to the student’s bursar account.
• For nonresident Alien, scholarship funds will be processed through payroll, in accordance with university policies.

Proof of benefit to the CS community

Within 30 days of completing the experience, recipients are expected to share their experience and insights with the broader Computer Sciences community. Examples of ways to contribute include:

• Give a presentation or talk to peers about your experience and key takeaways.
• Work with the CAI Communications team to develop a story or article for department publications.
• Create resources, guides, or other materials that would benefit your peers.
• Develop another creative or innovative way to share your experience with the CS community.

Funding availability

Scholarship funds are limited. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. Applications are reviewed based on available funding and departmental priorities.

Funding is not available for attendance at the Grace Hopper Celebration, as the department provides separate support for that conference.