From the Nominator

More than 110,000 alumni from all of Tufts University's schools, degree programs, and class years have access to the Tufts Alumni Professional Development Fund, one of the signature programs offered through Alumni Career Services in the Office of Alumni Engagement. The fund is generously sponsored by the Tufts University Alumni Association and, since 2018, has distributed $63,000, a small pot of gold considering the number of grants distributed. Alumni apply for funding to help defray the cost of a wide range of activities, including professional organization memberships; attendance, travel, and lodging for conferences and trainings; certifications and licenses; graduate school applications; language courses; and unique activities like art installation and film festival planning. While many of our grants have gone to people involved in social impact work, the funding supports careers across all sectors. Recipients and their activities span the globe. Over the past six years, the fund has supported 75 alumni, from class years between 1978 and 2022, and a range of career stages, including launching first careers, pivoting careers, undertaking graduate education, upskilling, and realizing near retirement and encore career goals. Grants range from $150 to $2,000. An important feature of this program is the dedicated group of alumni volunteers who read applications and select recipients, and the group includes former recipients. While the application asks about need, this award is really about celebrating the career achievements and ambitions of Tufts' alumni. We have only come across a few other universities with similar funds.

From the Judges

This was overall very well executed. The impact is wonderful to see, and it will inspire alumni to give back when they can. This would be a great model for other universities to consider.