Funding Student Academic Projects

The Berry Center is an interdisciplinary academic program at Cornell focused on promoting economics, business, and public policy.  The program has funds available to support student independent study projects under 390 course descriptions. The Berry Center is also committed to funding student participation in conferences or meetings that are of an academic or professional nature.  Students may make presentations, participate in panels, or simply attend sessions.

General Guidelines 

Independent study project guidelines: 

  • All independent study projects must be for academic credit.
  • The independent study project must be substantially related to economics, business, or public policy.
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  • Priority will be given to students undertaking unpaid independent study experiences.
  • Funding recipients will be asked to submit digital photos of their participation in the independent study project, as well as a summary report to the Berry Center at the conclusion of the project, reflecting upon the experience.
  • Selection will be based on the following criteria:
    • Potential for success in the independent study.
    • Impact on your academic experience at Cornell.
    • Relevance to economics, business, or public policy.


Academic conference participation guidelines:

  • The conference must be substantially related to economics, business, or public policy.
  • The conference must be supported by a faculty sponsor.
  • Students traveling to attend academic conferences or professional meetings may be accompanied by their faculty sponsors, but this is not required.
  • It is expected that the conference will result from or lead to academic credit, but that is not a requirement.
  • Conferences are typically expected to be undertaken by individual students, however projects involving a collaborative effort by a group of students will also be considered.
  • Funding recipients will be asked to submit digital photos of their participation in the conference, as well as a report to the Berry Center at the conclusion of the conference, summarizing outcomes and itemizing expenses.


Funding Guidelines

Independent study project guidelines: 

  • Funds can be used to assist in covering travel, housing, or additional resource costs needed to support the independent study experience.
  • One half of the funds will be disbursed approximately one week prior to the block of the project. The other half will be disbursed upon receipt of the summary report and photos.
  • Funding is provided depending on the location of the experience.
    • Daily driving distance (approximately 60 miles) of Cornell College: $200 
    • Midwest (contiguous states): $500
    • East and West Coasts and Southern US: $1,000
    • International: $1,500

Conference support guidelines:

  • Funds can be used to defray the costs of travel, lodging, food, materials, and services. They cannot be used to pay stipends to either the student or faculty advisor.
  • The monetary support is intended for student use, and will not be available to faculty sponsors.
  • One half of the funds will be disbursed approximately one week prior to the block of the conference. The other half will be disbursed upon receipt of the summary report, photos, and completed expense report.


Application Guidelines 

To apply, submit the following to Monica Lyons, Box 2421 or 216 College Hall at least 21 days prior to the start of the independent study or conference registration deadline. Late materials will disqualify your application:

  1.  
    1.  
      • Completed application found here.
      • Completed recommendation from your faculty sponsor found here.
      • A copy of the approved independent study proposal form from the Registrar’s office (if applicable).
      • A copy of your academic transcript from the Registrar's office.
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    If you have additional questions about the Berry Center funding independent study projects or academic conference participation, please contact Berry Center Associate Director, Jamie Waldron.