Professional Development: Learn with ACE

Are you looking for an opportunity to learn and progress in the field? Apply for an ACE professional development grant. Awards of up to $1,500 go to support specific personal improvement projects. The grants give you the opportunity to explore new concepts or use technology in innovative ways, engage in interdisciplinary team projects, expand on previous service to ACE, or work with your colleagues at other institutions. 

The program is funded through an endowment established by ACE members who recognized the need to support members who had few resources to support their learning and continued professional growth. The first grants were presented in 2000. Since then, the program has supported the work of many members. In return, recipients report their findings to other members through webinars and presentations during ACE meetings, reports on the website and in the ACE Journal of Applied Communication.

Review "Steps to Apply," and submit a one- to two-page proposal using the application form (Word document).

Steps to apply:

1.	Learn about professional development grants. Grants can be used to explore new concepts or technologies, solve everyday problems, work on team projects, or build on previous service to ACE. We are looking for projects with the following attributes:  broad application so other members benefit from the professional development experience; outcomes valuable to the applicant and profession; develop new knowledge and information in our discipline; apply concepts or technology in innovative ways; demonstrate teamwork, particularly across disciplinary lines; and reflect previous service to ACE. Here are examples of past projects.
2.	Check eligibility. You must have been a member of ACE for at least three years and be current on your dues. The leader on team applications must have been a member for at least three years. Your project must be completed within the coming year.
3.	Submit a proposal. Summarize your project in one or two pages.  Title, proposed timeline, and anticipated outcomes. Explain how the project will promote your professional development plan and how it will benefit ACE members and the profession. Describe your activities in ACE and in the profession. A written report is required. Beyond this, how do you plan to share your findings? Would you share results via webinars or ACE meetings, or in the Journal of Applied Communications? Attach a letter of support from your supervisor.

 
Submit your application and email to ACE at debr@celticchicago.com.