Student Success Fund
Quick Reference
Primary contact: Susan Ellinger, Associate Director of Conservatory Professional Development, (440) 775-8686
Grant Periods: The Student Success Fund program covers expenses incurred during the academic year between August 29, 2024 and May 18, 2025. Retroactive and future expenses are eligible for reimbursement up to $500. Funds will be disbursed by the end of January 2025, once the application cycle has closed and eligible awards have been determined. Funds for this program are not disbursed on demand or outside of the normal application process. For emergency funding, please contact the Conservatory Dean's Office.
Please note that this program does not cover expenses incurred during the summer. Summer funding information for freshmen and sophomores is available here. Summer funding information for juniors is available here. Graduating seniors are eligible to apply for the Student Success Fund during their final academic year, but are not eligible for summer funding to be used after they graduate.
Application deadlines: The deadline for the 2024-25 academic year is November 27, 2024 and the application form is accessible here. Award funding will generally be disbursed by the end of January 2025 and will cover expenses incurred (retroactive and future) during the academic year.
The funding is accessible to freshmen, sophomores, juniors*, or seniors who are currently enrolled and will return to Oberlin College for the next academic year. Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply for the funding.
*In order to access the application form, you must be signed into your Oberlin account.
For more information: Contact us via email, make an appointment, or stop by Central Unit 33 during office hours Monday 10am-12pm and Tuesday/Thursday 1-3pm.
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Overview
Thanks to the generosity of Oberlin Conservatory alumni donors and friends, this fund provides support for a range of expenses related to professional endeavors such as application fees and associated expenses related to graduate schools, summer festivals, competitions as well as instrument repair and maintenance, and much more.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare for the application process by taking advantage of workshops, courses, and advising through the Office of Conservatory Professional Development.
Who should apply?
All Conservatory and Double Degree students, including graduating seniors, are eligible to apply for awards of up to $500. Students on an academic or personal leave of absence are not eligible for funding.
Application Process
Prior to starting your application please prepare the following materials:
*Once in the form, you will not be able to save and return
- Applicant Information: Name, Email, T-number, Projected Graduation Year, and Contact Information.
- Amount requested (not to exceed $500)
- Narrative description of activities proposed:
- Describe the way(s) in which the project supports professional expenses and information regarding your level of financial need.
- A timeline of your activities.
- Provide a budget summary of the expenses associated with your activities and expected revenue from other sources, if any. See sample budget linked above. Please note the following stipulations on expenditures:
- Expenditures on acquired (not renting) capital goods – such as laptops, software and equipment in general – may not exceed $100.
- Students may not pay themselves a salary, though they may pay others directly for their services.
- Award money may not be spent on liquor.
- Confirmation of Proposed Activities: an email confirmation or registration receipt are acceptable.
- Oberlin Reference: Include the name of your primary studio instructor. If you do not have a primary studio instructor, please provide the name of an Oberlin faculty member with whom you conduct your primary studies.