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The Dare to Excel Grant Program is designed to support student programming and experiential learning opportunities. For more information on this grant opportunity click on the links below or contact Keith Allyn Motley at k.motley@northeastern.edu.

Student Programming Grant

Are you a student that needs funding for your program? If so, the John D. O’Bryant African American Institute invites you to apply for a Student Programming Grant! The purpose of this grant is to support students in their efforts towards making the Northeastern’s community thrive, through innovative programming. These grants are intended for students or student groups (both graduate and undergraduate) who need financial resources to help their initiative.

Eligibility

The John D. O’Bryant African American Institute will fund a wide range of events, including performances, mixers, panels, lectures, film screenings, and group conference attendance, to name a few. Appropriate expenses include (but are not limited to) speaker/ performer fees, marketing materials, group travel, awards, food, and other supplies needed for the event. The JDOAAI will fund projects up to $1,000. The committee will determine the amount awarded to a project (full or partial funding), which will be based on several factors, including the scope and overall impact of the project, as well as the volume of requests. Please keep in mind resources are limited; we want to ensure there is enough funding for all applicants. Funding priorities include, but are not limited to:

  • Programming related to cultures and traditions in the African Diaspora.
  • Programming addressing social and economic inequalities in communities of color, especially black/ African American communities, both domestic and international.
  • Requests from students formally enrolled in JDOAAI leadership programs including, Ujima Global Leaders, Legacy Mentoring & Leadership Program, Martin Luther King Graduate Fellowship, and the Foundation Year Transition & Leadership Program.

Applications are rolling. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 30 days before the date of the event. However, please keep in mind applications will be reviewed on the first of each month. You will receive notification of your funding within seven days.

The Student Programming Grant is by no means guaranteed; please do not base your event on the receipt of this grant.  You are encouraged to continue to seek alternative financial support from other departments or organizations across Northeastern.

** Student Organizations Requesting Excel Grants must have a signed “Black Student Organization Commitment Letter” on file

For further questions regarding the application, the application process, or the eligibility of your event, please contact Keith Allyn Motley at k.motley@neu.edu.

Applications Currently Closed

Experiential Learning Grant

These grants are intended for students (both graduate and undergraduate) who need financial resources for a variety of activities including:

  • Independent Professional Conference Travel
  • Global Co-Ops
  • Alternative Spring Breaks
  • Dialogue of Civilizations
  • Study Abroad
  • Supplemental Research Needs

Experiential Learning Grants will be funded up to $1,000. Appropriate expenses include, but not limited to, travel expenses and conference registration.

Eligibility

  • Be in good standing with the university (no probations or financial holds).
  • Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • Be a member of one of JDOAAI’s Leadership Programs including:
    • Ujima Global Leaders
    • Legacy Mentoring and Leadership
    • Foundation Year Transition and Leadership
    • The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Graduate Fellowship
    • Be accepted into your program at the time of the funding request.
    • Priority is given to students leaders who are involved on campus and/or with a student organization.
    • Priority is given to students who have demonstrated financial need.

Requirements & Expectations

All students who receive the Experiential Learning Grantmust work with a JDOAAI staff to produce a written reflection of their experience. This will be highlighted on the JDOAAI website. Additionally, students who receive a grant for Study Abroad or Dialogues are also expected to serve as bloggers for the Global Experience Office’s Student Voice Blog.

Be mindful that the Experiential Learning Grantis by no means guaranteed. Please do not base your participation on the receipt of this grant.  You are encouraged to continue to seek alternative financial support from other departments across Northeastern.

Applications are rolling. Applications must be submitted a minimum of 30 days prior to the date of the event. However, please keep in mind applications will be reviewed on the first of each month. You will receive notification of your funding upon approval.

Recipients of the Dare to Excel Grant will be required to add their program to the Self-Authored Integrated Learning (S.A.I.L) https://sail.northeastern.edu

If you have questions about the expectations and requirements for the Experiential Learning Grant, please contact Keith Motley at k.motley@neu.edu.

Applications Currently Closed

Funded Students and Projects

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Experiential Learning Grant

Oceane Kenfack Tonfack, Khoury’25

AfroTech

“Attending AfroTech was truly a one of one opportunity. AfroTech is a dynamic and empowering experience for a vibrant and inclusive community focused on technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The event provides a platform for networking, learning, and celebrating the achievements of Black individuals in the tech industry.”

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Experiential Learning Grant

Jerimiah Kouka, COS’24

NU Dialogue of Civilizations to Ghana

“Beyond the classroom, I engaged in diverse activities, from teaching children about dental hygiene and visiting historic slave castles to invigorating hikes and shadowing healthcare professionals across specialties. The experience expanded my academic horizons and immersed me in Ghana’s vibrant culture and healthcare practices, creating lasting memories and valuable insights.”

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Experiential Learning Grant

Jamira Collins, COS’25

NU Dialogue of Civilizations to Nepal

“For the Summer One session of 2023, I participated in a Dialogue in Nepal. I took two courses, The Yoga Tradition in Nepal: Philosophy, Methods, and Practice and Mindfulness: Theory and Practice. During my month’s duration in Nepal, I learned about the history and origin of Yoga and Meditation while practicing both mindfulness tools daily. Submersed in nature and beautiful sights, it was the perfect way to practice mindfulness. We toured three different cities in Nepal: Kathmandu, Chitwan, and Pokhara to view how Hinduism and Buddhism are an integral part of the country. I tried many different cultural foods including Momos, Panpuri, and Newari Cuisines. I even had a taste of water buffalo! (It was surprisingly good).”

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