Thanks to our generous donors, the College of Forestry has limited Experiential Learning Funds (ELF) for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in domestic* programs or activities which support their College of Forestry education, professional development and/or leadership experience. This includes conferences, workshops, seminars, certain training or certification and similar activities related to their area of study.

• Proposed event must be directly related to program of study or major and career goals.
• ELF awards are based on available program funding and do not typically exceed $500.
• Funds can be used for:
  • Airfare
  • Conference or workshop registration
  • Hotel
  • Transportation (miles are paid at the standard reimbursement rate of $070 per mile, up to 100 miles round trip)

 Eligibility:

1. Must be enrolled in a College of Forestry undergraduate major or graduate program of study. (Students who are minoring only in a CoF program are not eligible for ELF funds).
   1. Must be currently enrolled at least half-time in 6 or more OSU credits. 
   2. Proposals for summer term (June 19 – September 10) do not require full-time enrollment, but students should be enrolled in at least 3 summer credits and 6 fall credits to be considered.
2. CoF Students from all OSU campuses (Ecampus, Cascades, Corvallis) are eligible to apply.
3. Students are eligible to receive one (1) Experiential Learning award per academic year (summer through spring).
4. Graduate students must be presenting, either verbally or at a poster session, etc., unless a presentation is not possible/applicable, in order to be considered for ELF.
5. ELF could impact financial aid. Student Services reports ELF awards to the Financial Aid office. It is a student's responsibility to contact the Financial Aid Office about the effects of accepting ELF awards before accepting.
6. You are encouraged to submit a propsal even if you have not yet been accepted to your program/activity or are not 100% sure you will participate. You are able to decline funds awarded to you, but late applications will not be accepted.

Post-award requirements:

1. Students offered funding are required to sign a travel funds agreements, waiver of liability form, and discuss disbursement options with the College of Forestry Student Services Office.
2. Students who receive Experiential Leaning funds are required to:
   1. Submit a written statement within two weeks of the end date of the event/activity that addresses how the experience was beneficial to your education and professional development and how donor funds supported your participation.
   2. Be willing to talk about your experiences with stakeholder groups, prospective students, and others members of the College.

How to apply:
For each participation term listed below, Student Services will announce a competitive proposal submission process and deadlines via an email to student ONID accounts. Complete and submit an Experiential Learning Program proposal form by the due date (see deadlines below). Incomplete, inaccurate, poorly developed, or late proposals will not be considered for funding. A sample budget is available here (xlsx).
 

2025-26 Experiential Learning Funds Application Deadlines

Submit a proposal form and budget to be considered.
Late applications will not be accepted.

Stop by or call Student Services (116 Peavy Forest Science Center; 541-737-1593) if you have questions or would like additional information.

*We are able to fund domestic experiences only; please work with the CoF International Programs Office for study abroad, faculty led programs, or international internships.
*** The participation date or first day of formal participation occurs during this period. Please note your experience may extend beyond this period; however proposal due dates are based on when the FIRST day of participation occurs.