Purpose

SNF Paideia Course Extension Grants provide funding for students engaged in research-related activities that build meaningfully on academic work initiated in a Paideia designated course. The grants contribute to Paideia’s mission to foster learning from dialogue, about dialogue, and how to dialogue by extending opportunities for dialogic research beyond a one-semester classroom experience.

Structure

Undergraduate and graduate students who have completed (or will soon complete) a Paideia designated course may apply for funding of up to $1,500 to support work that:

• relates directly to their Paideia course(s); AND
• facilitates dialogic learning and/or dialogic research appropriate to the chosen discipline.

As part of the review process, SNF Paideia will reach out to your Paideia course instructor for comment on your proposal. It is a good idea to reach out to your instructor to discuss your plans prior to completing an application for funds.

Course extension grants may be used to support research-related activities, including but not limited to:

• Participation in academic or other relevant conferences (e.g. registration fees, travel and lodging expenses);
• Visit to a museum or archives (e.g., entrance fees, travel costs, research expenses);
• Research travel (e.g., airfare, lodging, food; research expenses);
• Research expenses (e.g., survey costs, interview expenses, materials for research project, etc.); and
• Platforms for communicating research (e.g., website or archive creation, documentaries, podcasts, articles or blog posts).

Process

1. Apply for a Course Extension Grant through CURF (log in and search for SNF Paideia Course Extension Grant)
2. Wait up to 2 weeks to hear back on your application. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and reviewed around the 15^th and 30^th of each month, September - May. 
3. If approved:
   1. You will receive a formal award letter via email, detailing award conditions and including instructors on next steps for processing funding.
   2. Indicate in writing your acceptance of the award conditions by replying to the email.
   3. Take any necessary administrative steps (e.g. setting up an account in Penn Marketplace).
   4. Receive funding (can take up to a month for processing; usually less)
4. Complete any required pre-activity conditions (like meeting for advising or submitting a detailed research plan/trip itinerary) according to the agreed-upon timelines.
5. Complete the funded research-related activity.
6. Complete an end-of-funding report according to the agreed-upon timeline.
7. If denied funding, you will receive a note of explanation via email. You may be invited to revise and resubmit the application with additional information or requested clarification, or the project may simply be ineligible according to the purpose and parameters of the grant. 

FAQ

Can I apply for course extension grants while I am still taking the course?

Yes, you may apply for a grant while you are still enrolled in the course. However, the funds are intended to be used after the course has completed. Course extension grant funds are not designed to fund required course assignments.

Is there a deadline by which I have to apply?

You may apply for course extension grants any time after you have completed a Paideia-designated course while you are a student at Penn.

Can I apply more than once for a course extension grant?

Yes, you may apply for multiple course extension grants. However, priority will generally be given to applicants who have not yet received Paideia funding.

I am an SNF Paideia Fellow. Can I apply for a course extension grant?

SNF Paideia Fellows are not eligible for course extension grants. You may, instead, apply to use your dialogue funds to support research-related work.

Are course extension grants considered taxable income?

Yes, course extension grants are considered taxable income and must be reported when filing your taxes each year. 

I’m an international (non-U.S. citizen/non-resident alien) student. Can I still receive funding?

Yes! But please be aware that if you are an international student, your award is subject to a 30% nonresident tax unless exempted under a tax treaty or reduced rate of 14% for F, J, or M visa holders. Payments are reported on Form 1042-S for the calendar year. To learn more about how to request tax exemption or a reduced rate, you can connect directly with Penn's Tax & Compliance department at doftaxoper@pobox.upenn.edu and they may be able to help you.