Financial Support for Professional Development
How Do I Ask My Employer to Fund My Training?
We understand that investing in your professional development can come with a significant cost, but there are many options available for funding your career development. Most of our learners receive funding via their employer. While it may not always be advertised, on average companies allocate between $1,000 and $2,500 per employee annually for training (Main) (CareerPoint). Here's how to proactively take advantage of your potential benefit:
1. Understand the Benefits
- Research Company & Department Goals: Understand how your training aligns with your company's objectives and strategic goals.
- Highlight Your Development: Emphasize how the training will enhance your skills, improve your performance, and benefit the company overall.
2. Prepare Your Proposal
- Detailed Proposal: Include the training program, costs, and expected benefits.
- Benefits to Company: Show how your new skills will improve your performance and the company's success.
- For your convenience, we have created several training request templates in the dropdown below.
3. Request a Meeting
- Formal Request: Ask for a meeting to discuss your proposal.
- Professional Presentation: Present your case confidently.
- Address Concerns: Be ready to answer any questions.
4. Follow Up
- Summary Email: Send a follow-up email summarizing the meeting and next steps.
- Upon Approval: Register for your desired training course(s) via the website or contact the TLCenter for further assistance.
-
Contact Methods
Email: tlcenter@wustl.edu
Phone: 314.935.4444
Office Visit: Danforth Campus - Washington University Lopata Hall, 5th Floor, St. Louis, MO 63130
Additional Funding Options
Research Available Grants
Grants can be a great way to fund your education or training, particularly if you're looking for financial assistance that doesn't need to be repaid. Government agencies, non-profits, and private foundations all offer grants to support a wide range of training and education programs. However, finding and applying for grants can be a complex process. In this section, we'll provide you with guidance on how to identify and research grant opportunities, determine your eligibility, and submit a successful application.
A grant is a financial award given to individuals or organizations to support a specific project or program. Unlike loans, grants do not need to be repaid. They are often provided by government agencies, foundations, and other organizations that have an interest in supporting specific causes or initiatives.
If you're interested in pursuing training or education and want to find available grants to support your goals, here's how to get started:
-
Identify your training or education needs: Before you start researching grants, it's important to have a clear idea of what kind of training or education you want to pursue.
-
Research grant opportunities: Once you've identified your needs, you can start looking for grants that support your area of interest. Government agencies, non-profits, and private foundations are all potential sources of grants. Visit their websites and review their grant opportunities, application requirements, deadlines, and award amounts.
-
Determine eligibility: After reviewing grant opportunities, determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for any of them. Eligibility requirements may vary widely depending on the grant, so make sure to read the guidelines carefully.
-
Submit your application: If you find a grant opportunity that you're eligible for and interested in, submit your application before the deadline. Make sure to follow all application requirements and include all necessary information.
-
Fulfill obligations: If you're awarded a grant, make sure to follow all the requirements outlined in the grant agreement, including any reporting or monitoring obligations.
Remember to approach the grant application process with patience and persistence. It may take some time to find the right opportunity, but with effort and dedication, you can increase your chances of receiving funding for your training or education.
If you're looking for grants to fund a project or program, there are several resources you can use to find opportunities:
Grants.gov: This is the central portal for finding and applying for federal grants. You can search for grants by keyword, category, or agency, and sign up for email alerts to be notified of new opportunities.
State and Local Government Websites: Many state and local governments offer grants for projects that benefit their communities. Check the websites of your state and local government agencies to see if there are any opportunities that match your needs.
Professional Associations and Organizations: Many professional associations and organizations offer grants to their members or to support projects related to their fields. Check with any associations or organizations you belong to, or those relevant to your project or program, to see if they offer any grants.
Remember to read the eligibility requirements and application guidelines carefully for each grant opportunity you consider. Good luck with your search!
Explore Scholarships
Scholarships can be an excellent way to fund your education or training. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be paid back, making them a desirable option for many people. However, finding scholarships that match your specific education or training needs can be a challenging task. In this section, we will provide some resources and tips on how to research available scholarships and determine if you are eligible to apply.
A scholarship is a financial award given to students to help pay for their education. Scholarships do not need to be repaid, and they can come from a variety of sources, including colleges and universities, private organizations and government agencies.
If you're interested in pursuing training or education and want to find available scholarships to support your goals, here's how to get started:
Identify your training or education needs: Before you start researching scholarships, it's important to have a clear idea of what kind of training or education you want to pursue.
Research scholarship opportunities: Once you've identified your needs, you can start looking for scholarships that support your area of interest. Government agencies, non-profits, and private foundations are all potential sources of scholarships. Visit their websites and review their scholarship opportunities, application requirements, deadlines, and award amounts.
Determine eligibility: After reviewing scholarship opportunities, determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for any of them. Eligibility requirements may vary widely depending on the scholarship, so make sure to read the guidelines carefully.
Submit your application: If you find a scholarship opportunity that you're eligible for and interested in, submit your application before the deadline. Make sure to follow all application requirements and include all necessary information.
Fulfill obligations: If you're awarded a scholarship, make sure to follow all the requirements outlined in the scholarship agreement, including any reporting or monitoring obligations.
Remember to approach the scholarship application process with patience and persistence. It may take some time to find the right opportunity, but with effort and dedication, you can increase your chances of receiving funding for your training or education.
If you're looking for scholarships to help pay for your non-credit education or training, there are several resources you can use to find opportunities:
College and University Websites: Many colleges and universities offer scholarships to students, including those who are pursuing non-credit programs or courses. Check with the schools you're interested in to see if they offer any scholarship opportunities.
Private Organizations: There are many private organizations that offer scholarships to students, including those who are pursuing non-credit education or training. Some examples include professional associations, community organizations, and corporations. Check with any organizations you're affiliated with, or those related to your field of study or training, to see if they offer any scholarship opportunities.
Scholarship Search Engines: There are many scholarship search engines available online that can help you find opportunities based on your field of study, interests, or other criteria. Some examples include Fastweb, Scholarships.com, and Cappex.
Government Agencies: Some government agencies, such as the Department of Labor, offer scholarships to help individuals gain the skills and training they need to enter the workforce. Check with government agencies related to your field of study or training to see if they offer any scholarship opportunities.
Remember to read the eligibility requirements and application guidelines carefully for each scholarship opportunity you consider. Also, keep in mind that scholarships may have different requirements and restrictions than grants, so make sure to research each opportunity carefully. Good luck with your search!
Government Funding Programs
Government funding programs can provide a valuable source of financial support for your training or education. These programs are often designed to assist individuals in need of financial assistance to pursue their career goals. The federal government, state governments, and local agencies offer a variety of funding programs, including grants, scholarships, and loans, to help individuals meet their educational and career goals. It's important to understand the different types of programs available and their eligibility requirements to determine which ones may be a good fit for you.
If you're looking for funding for a business or other organization, government funding programs may be an option to consider. Here's how to get started:
Identify your funding needs: Before you start researching government funding programs, it's important to have a clear idea of what kind of funding you need and for what purpose. This can help you narrow down your search and find the programs that are most relevant to your needs.
Research government funding programs: There are many different government funding programs available, at both the federal and state levels. These programs may provide grants, loans, or other forms of assistance. Visit government websites, such as Grants.gov and the Small Business Administration (SBA), to learn more about the programs that are available.
Check eligibility requirements: After reviewing the available programs, determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for any of them. These requirements may vary widely depending on the program, so make sure to read the guidelines carefully.
Apply for funding: Once you've identified a program that you're eligible for and interested in, submit your application before the deadline. Be sure to follow all application requirements and include all necessary information.
Fulfill obligations: If you're awarded funding, make sure to follow all the requirements outlined in the agreement, including any reporting or monitoring obligations.
Remember that the application process for government funding programs can be lengthy and competitive. It's important to approach the process with patience and persistence, and to be prepared to put in the necessary time and effort to increase your chances of success.
If you're looking for funding for a business or other organization, government funding programs may be an option to consider. Here's how to get started:
Identify your funding needs: Before you start researching government funding programs, it's important to have a clear idea of what kind of funding you need and for what purpose. This can help you narrow down your search and find the programs that are most relevant to your needs.
Research government funding programs: There are many different government funding programs available, at both the federal and state levels. These programs may provide grants, loans, or other forms of assistance. Visit government websites, such as Grants.gov and the Small Business Administration (SBA), to learn more about the programs that are available.
Check eligibility requirements: After reviewing the available programs, determine if you meet the eligibility requirements for any of them. These requirements may vary widely depending on the program, so make sure to read the guidelines carefully.
Apply for funding: Once you've identified a program that you're eligible for and interested in, submit your application before the deadline. Be sure to follow all application requirements and include all necessary information.
Fulfill obligations: If you're awarded funding, make sure to follow all the requirements outlined in the agreement, including any reporting or monitoring obligations.
Remember that the application process for government funding programs can be lengthy and competitive. It's important to approach the process with patience and persistence, and to be prepared to put in the necessary time and effort to increase your chances of success.
-
USA.gov: This website provides information on federal government funding opportunities, including grants and loans, for individuals and businesses. It also offers resources on how to apply for these programs.
-
Grants.gov: This is the official government website for finding and applying for federal grants. It offers a searchable database of grant opportunities and provides resources for applicants.
-
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance: This online database provides a comprehensive list of all federal assistance programs, including grants, loans, and other types of funding.
-
Small Business Administration: The SBA offers a variety of funding programs for small businesses, including loans, grants, and other financing options.
-
Department of Education: The Department of Education offers a range of funding programs for education and training, including grants and loans for students and financial assistance for schools.
-
National Science Foundation: The NSF provides funding for research and education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
-
National Endowment for the Humanities: The NEH provides funding for humanities organizations and individual scholars.
Let us help you achieve your career goals.
Our team of experts is dedicated to providing ongoing guidance and support to help you achieve success long after the training program ends. Contact us via email at tlcenter.wustl.edu, over the phone 314-935-4444 or fill out the form below to learn how we can help you take your career to the next level.