The Grainger College of Engineering
IDEA Institute

IDEA Institute Travel Grant

The IDEA Institute Travel Grants provide financial support to students participating in engineering excellence and innovation-focused conferences, meetings or workshops. Supported events include, but are not limited to, the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference and Exposition, Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD), and Understanding Interventions. The goal of this funding is to expand opportunities within The Grainger College of Engineering by enabling students to present research and learn strategies for implementing best practices that broaden participation in engineering. Students also gain valuable communication and networking experience while enhancing their professional academic and career pathways.

IDEA Institute Travel Grants may cover conference expenses such as registration, travel, lodging, ground transportation and per diem. Awardees will share insights from their conference participation at an upcoming IDEA Institute meeting. Applicants may receive one travel grant per academic year. Preference will be given to applicants actively involved in the IDEA Institute (e.g. GIANT team members or participants in IDEA activities) and first-time applicants. Full or partial awards of requested amounts will be based on availability of funds.

Eligibility
To be eligible for the IDEA Institute Travel Grant, applicants must:

  • Be a member of The Grainger College of Engineering
  • Present or co-present research at an upcoming conference, workshop or meeting.
  • Be an active member of the IDEA Institute. If not currently a member, please join!
  • Receive permission from their faculty mentor to travel and present research.
  • Complete the application form including:
    • Proof of abstract acceptance to conference, meeting, or workshop.
    • Event information with location and dates.
    • Statement of financial need and benefit from attending/participating in event.
    • Estimated budget (airfare, lodging, registration, ground transportation, per diem based on Illinois policy).

Application Cycles
The IDEA Institute Travel Grant Award accepts applications during three time periods. Applications should be submitted by the following deadlines. Applications may be accepted for reimbursements, and it is preferred that applications be received at least 30 days before funds are needed. Questions about deadlines and submissions should be directed to idea-institute@illinois.edu

  • Application deadline: August 1, 2024 for conference participation  September 1, 2024 - February 28, 2025
  • Application deadline: February 1, 2024 for conference participation  March 1, 2025 - May 31, 2025
  • Application deadline: June 1, 2024 for conference participation  June 1 - August 31, 2025

Select Conferences
Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)

  • 2025 Conference: February 8 – 11, 2025; San Antonio, TX
  • Call for Abstracts closed; registration open

American Society of Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition (ASEE)

  • 2025 Annual Conference: Engineering Educators Bringing the World Together: June 22 – 25, 2025, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
  • Call for Abstracts closed; registration open