The Experiential Learning Award provides money for UC Davis undergraduate students participating in unpaid experiential learning opportunities (internships, undergraduate research, many forms of community service, etc.). If you're participating in one of these experiences and are in need of financial support, this opportunity is for you!
If you are not sure whether your experience meets the definition of experiential learning, we encourage you to apply or contact Career Center assistant director Ken Barnes at [email protected].
Types of Opportunities
Funding for this program will be approximately $4,500, comes from a variety of sources, and provides financial support for those engaged in the following types of positions:
- Experiential learning that support your career development
- Community service
- Public service experiences that serve the Chi/Lax community
- Undergraduate research
Application Questions
Tips for Submitting a Strong ELA Application
Preference will be given to the strongest applicants. Please use the questions below to develop your responses before working on and submitting your application:
- Name as it appears in UC Davis records
- UC Davis Email Address
- Student ID #
- Phone
- Transfer Student
- Year in School
- Major
- Experiential Learning Opportunity Site:
- Domestic or International
- Type of Experiential Learning Opportunity
- Expected Weekly Hours
- Expected Total Hours
- Duties
- Start Date
- End Date
- Supervisor Name
- Supervisor Email
- Supervisor Phone
- Prior ELA Recipient?
- How will these funds contribute to the completion of an unpaid experiential learning opportunity?
- Please discuss any financial difficulty in obtaining your experiential learning opportunity.
- What difference will receiving these funds make to you?
- Beyond your own career development, what impact do you hope to make by engaging in this experiential learning opportunity?
- If you do not receive this award, will you still be able to participate in your planned unpaid experiential learning opportunity?
- Have you accepted an offer to participate in an internship or other form of experiential learning for summer 2026 (this can be the continuation of an existing experience)?
- Cabias Fund: This fund provides support for student internships and other career exploration activities with preference for supporting career exploration in the public policy sector with a focus on working with the Hispanic/Latinx community. If you would like to be considered, fill out this section and discuss your role.
- Community Service Fund: This fund is for any type of public service in the non-profits sector. It cannot be used for for-profit companies and organizations. This includes K-12 education and colleges and universities. If you would like to be considered, fill out this section and discuss your role.
- Is there anything else you would like the selection committee to know about you or would like us to take into consideration?
Other Information
ELA funding cannot be used for summer session fees, and requires students to participate in a weekly professional development seminar during both summer sessions (Fridays, 12:10 PM - 1:00 PM PST on Zoom). The seminar is intended to offer support and help recipients make the most of their experiences. Topics will include professional communication in the workplace, building a professional network, and other topics designed to clarify career goals and set ELA recipients up for success. Transcript Notation will also be required.
This program is open to all UC Davis undergraduate students returning in the fall of 2026 for instruction.
Immigration status is not a factor to receive an Experiential Learning Award. All are encouraged to apply regardless of status.
Deadline and Application
Deadline to submit application: Monday, April 6, 2026.
If you have questions, contact Ken Barnes at [email protected]