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Family Grant Program for PhD Students

Family Grant Program for PhD Students

In February 2011, Provost Vincent Price and Vice Provost for Education Andrew Binns announced the creation of a Family Grant Program for PhD Students, which will provide need-based grants to Penn PhD students with children. "We want to send a strong message by establishing this program," said Provost Price. "You do not have to choose between having a family and pursuing an academic career. By helping students with children continue in the academic pipeline, we support the outstanding scholars at Penn who will become the academic leaders of the future."

The program will provide annual grants, up to $2,500, to PhD students who meet certain income eligibility criteria. Grants must be used for such expenses related to your family, such as dependent health insurance, childcare costs, formula, clothing, etc. The grants are administered by the Family Resource Center and the Office of Student Registration and Financial Services.

To be notified about the Family Grant application process, and other benefits and events for students with children, sign up for the Family Center listserv. Send an email to listserv@lists.upenn.edu with the command SUBscribe DEPENDENTS.

Application Process

The Family Grant program was designed to assist PhD students with children to continue in the academic pipeline. The program provides need-based grants to selected students. Grants are to be used for such expenses as dependent health insurance and childcare costs.

Please read the information below carefully. If you still have questions, contact Anita Mastroieni, director of the Family Resource Center.

Before you apply, you should know:

• Family grants are not guaranteed. Grants are disbursed as funding allows, with priority given to the students who demonstrate the most financial need.
• Grants are awarded in the range of $500-$2,500.
• Married and/or partnered PhD students should submit one application.
• Grants are awarded annually, and you must reapply each year.

Eligibility Requirements: In order to apply for this grant, you MUST:

• Be currently registered in a Penn PhD program and in good academic standing during both fall 2011 and spring 2012 semesters. Students graduating in December 2011 are not eligible. Students on leave during either semester are not eligible.
• Have been enrolled in your PhD program not more than seven years. Students in year eight or beyond are not eligible.
• Have a dependent child or children under the age of 12 and/or disabled.
• Have an annual household income of $45,000 or less.
• Submit the completed application (below) with the requested documentation by 5:00PM on October 14, 2011 to: Confidential Family Grant Program, Graduate Student Center, 3615 Locust Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6221. Incomplete forms, forms submitted without documentation, and forms submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

If you are approved to receive a Family Grant, you should know:

• Funds will be processed through your student account. You will receive a direct deposit (if you do not have direct deposit, the funds will be applied to your TotalPay Card). If you have an outstanding balance, the grant will be applied to your bill.
• You will be notified if you received the grant in late November. Half the funds will be disbursed in December 2011 and half in the beginning of the spring 2012 semester.
• Grants are taxable. You are responsible for reporting the grant income and paying applicable taxes. Depending on your tax status, taxes may be withheld prior to the grant disbursement.
• If you are receiving federal loans, this grant could reduce your loan amount. You are responsible for contacting Student Financial Services for a budget re-evaluation if you receive the grant.
• If you do not remain in good academic standing during the spring 2012 semester, some or all of the grant funds may be rescinded.
• If you have falsified information or supporting documentation on the grant application form, the grant funds will be rescinded, and you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Questions? Contact Anita Mastroieni, director of the Family Resource Center.

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