Funds for the Mentoring Grant Program total $5,000 per year, which are split between sections. The awarded amounts are not meant to fully fund projects, but to help offset costs and support outreach. For example, if there are 10 Sections awarded a portion of the grant, they're likely to be awarded $500 each. The Section Assembly Executive Committee (SAEC) will look favorably on the availability of matching funds as part of the application and for use at the Annual Meeting.

By mentoring we mean activities that support professional growth in teaching, research, and academic service and provide knowledge that will help in advancing one's career. We are especially interested in funding activities that provide a foundation for developing long-term mentor-mentee relationships.

Mentoring grants are intended to encourage sections to develop new and innovative approaches to mentoring. As such, preference may be given to activities and events that have not previously received funding. Mentoring programs can also be virtual.

The timeline for grant projects is flexible but must be included in the proposal. Each grant should identify a specific need for organizing and/or enhancing mentoring programs as well as the expected outcomes. The mentoring activity must benefit an identified group such as undergraduate students, graduate students, early career professionals, late career professionals, or people in the process of changing careers. On the form, you will need to provide information for the Section Contact, Section Treasurer, and Site Contact.

What do the funds cover?

A mentoring activity proposal may either be directed toward a specific event or a multi-year project. Examples of fundable activities may include but are not limited to any program/addition to a website, research, or directed workshops.

On-Site Hotel Catering Requirement

Mentoring grant funds may be used for snacks or box lunches when an activity is scheduled over the lunch break or at another appropriate time. Up to $1,000 of the mentoring grant may be allocated toward beverages, snacks, lunches, honoraria, and similar expenses. Conference venues customarily oblige the contracting association to guarantee a minimum level of spending on food and beverages for the conference's scheduled events held in venue facilities, as a condition for receiving favorable venue rates. In order for us collectively to meet this requirement, all food expenditures must be made exclusively through the Annual Meeting venue catering services. AAA Mentoring Grants cannot be used for large-scale receptions, restaurant meals, or any food purchased off-site from the Annual Meeting venue. AAA will not reimburse any food purchased from external restaurants or food vendors. To pay for venue catering, Sections may send the venue invoice to the AAA Controller directly, or they may submit a reimbursement request, but only if accompanied by a receipt from an Annual Meeting venue catered expense.

For virtual events, funds could be used to cover attendee registrations, honorariums, licensing for online interactive platforms (examples include: icebreaker, video, virbela.com, or Gather (tripleseat.com), as examples.

Apply

This application is now closed. The deadline was April 15, 2025. If you have any questions, please contact Ashley Bruckner, Manager of Membership and Section Relations.

The results of the grant must be described in the section's annual report in order to be considered for future funding. If awarded a grant, follow the Annual Meeting call for paper process, in order to secure a room in the conference hotel.