As part of the Patrick Leahy Honors College’s efforts to increase students’ early engagement with co-curricular activities focused around our 5 Pillars (leadership, service, wellbeing, community, and research), we are excited to offer grants to support PLHC first years and sophomores to pursue these interests (referred to below as “experiences” or “projects” interchangeably).

These awards are designed to:

• Spark exploration and connection by providing resources to try innovative projects and experiences;
• Deepen student learning by participating in opportunities that are linked to the Pillars;
• Reinforce PLHC goals and learning outcomes and focus on complementing the learning that occurs both inside and outside the classroom.

During the 2026 academic year, the PLHC will award a maximum of $40,000 for student projects that meet specific criteria, as defined below. Grant awards will range generally from $500 to $5000 and are meant to supplement but will not necessarily cover all the expenses related to these opportunities.

Defining Co-Curricular Learning:

For the purposes of this grant, co-curricular learning is defined as learning that occurs outside of the traditional classroom. This learning can take place in a variety of ways, including, but not limited to: 

• Involvement in student organizations and leadership positions; engagement with civic, community service, and service-learning opportunities; participation in community athletics programs; attendance at lectures and workshops;
• Participation in internships, alternative breaks, and study abroad; involvement in cultural and social enrichment events;
• Other experiences and experiences at UVM, in Vermont, or anywhere else (nationally or internationally).

In many instances, this learning is also closely connected to the curricular learning objectives of an academic course, major, minor, or concentration. In all instances, co-curricular learning supports at least one of the Patrick Leahy Honors College Pillars.

Selection Criteria:

Project proposals will be reviewed and selected for funding according to the following criteria:

1. The project, program or experience must clearly demonstrate alignment with one or more of the Pillars of PLHC;
2. The project must demonstrate a clear benefit to the student’s development and provide opportunity or co-curricular learning that occurs outside of the traditional classroom;
3. The experience must be completed within an established timeline. All funding must be spent on or before August 7, 2026;
4. The budget should be planned as a cost-effective use of grant funds and other College resources; if using other funding in support of the project/experience, they must be listed along with their source(s), either secured or in process of application.
5. Priority will be given to new experiences/projects that focus on the growth, development, and exploration of the student. 

Selection criteria have been streamlined purposely to expedite the application process and allow for creativity and innovation. Reviewers understand that this may require additional outreach with applicants during and after the grant-making process to ensure compliance with UVM policies and procedures.

Application Timeline:

• Applications due: 12:00pm (noon) on March 30th, 2026

• Awards announced: April 14th, 2026 

• Funds available: May 18th - August 7th, 2026

Application Procedure:

The application procedure has been purposely streamlined to provide the reviewers with the essential information to make an informed and responsible decision and allow the applicant to propose a project/experience in a timely fashion. Applicants are responsible for completing and submitting the application by 12:00pm on March, 30th 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline (even by a minute) will be considered only after all other applications are reviewed for completeness, appropriate fit for this award, and granted. If money remains, then late applications will be considered in the order they were received.

Apply for a 2026 PLHC Catalyst Award Here!

Additional Instructions and Information:

As with any award/grant application process, there is a variety of information to consider before, during, and after application. Below are a few items to aid in the process:

• Funding is only available for co-curricular projects proposed by PLHC 1st year and sophomores (students who have taken and successfully completed HCOL1000 and HCOL1500 are considered 1st years; successfully completing two HCOL 2000-level courses equals a Sophomore).
  • In some instances, Sophomores may be applying to use this award to pay for a summer study abroad opportunity that will be their second HCOL2000-level requirement. 
  • Students accepted for sophomore admission (beginning PLHC in Fall 2026) may apply.
• Students may apply for this funding in conjunction with other campus awards, but those awards must be listed in the application;
• Applications from non-PLHC affiliated students will not be considered.
• Technical assistance and advising sessions will be announced via email (and held by appointment). 

For more information, please contact Ann Kroll Lerner (akrollle@uvm.edu), Associate Dean for Students, Patrick Leahy Honors College; you may also contact your PLHC Advisor, or use drop-in times to ask questions.

Please Note:

Grant recipients are required to acknowledge the PLHC Catalyst Award as a funding source (in any presentation, publication, or interview) and complete a final progress report at the completion of the co-curricular project.

Grant funds cannot be used to pay for existing programs or projects that normally would receive funding through the regular budget allocation process at the university. In situations where full funding may not be available for a project or experience, the reviewers may recommend partial funding after consultation with the applicant.