Student Access and Support Grants
All students deserve the full Middlebury experience. In that spirit, students are invited to apply for Student Access and Support (SAS) grants, formerly known as opportunity grants. SAS grants are funded by the Seizing Opportunities, Student Support, and Dean’s Emergency funds, as well as funding from Middlebury’s Student Government Association. Please email ehammond@middlebury.edu with any questions.
Important Updates
2/21/25 UPDATE: SAS grant applications have grown exponentially this year! Due to the finite funding and the large number of requests, our office is carefully reviewing each application in order to support the most students. We can only support supplemental travel assistance once an academic year, for as long as we have funding, and are prioritizing funding students who are applying for this assistance for the first time. If you were already supported with travel assistance in fall 2024, you will not be funded in spring 2025.
2/4/25 UPDATE: Due to an overwhelming number of grant applications, our response time is slower than usual. If you applied for a SAS grant during holiday break and J-term, we will get back to you as soon as possible, in the order received. Thank you for your patience.
12/17/24 UPDATE: The office will be closed from Friday, December 19 at 12noon through Monday, January 6 at 9am. Have a wonderful break!
11/22/24 UPDATE: The last day to apply for a SAS grant to be submitted for review and processing for the Fall 2024 semester is Monday, December 2, 2024. Applications received on December 3 or later will be reviewed in the order received and will be processed during J-term.
10/25/24 UPDATE: Please note that that due to a high volume of requests and limited funding, laptop requests are paused for the semester. Please directly email Elaine Orozco Hammond if you are in immediate need for a laptop.
How to Apply
To apply for a SAS grant, go to the CARE Management form and select “Student Access and Support Grant request” from the student report drop down list. Follow the directions for the “Student Access and Support Grant request” and upload any receipts under the “Document Uploads” section at the bottom.
What can SAS grants be used for?
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Student Access and Support grants (formerly opportunity grants) can assist students with many essential and extracurricular expenses associated with life at Middlebury, including:
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winter or professional clothing
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attending conferences related to career interest
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technology assistance (laptops and cellphones, but not Ipads)
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supplemental break assistance (depends on funding) - Due a large number of travel requests, we are prioritizing reimbursing students who have not yet received travel funding for the 2024-2025 academic year. If you have already received travel funding for fall 2024, we may not be able to fund you for spring 2025.
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recreational excursions
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medical needs
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wage relief for “all in” winter term course
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OPT filing fee reimbursement (for students who receive need-based grant aid from the College)
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- These grants may NOT be used for tuition, room and board. Students should contact Student Financial Services with any questions regarding their financial aid awards, including study abroad expenses (including flights).
FAQ
- Reimbursement - If you have paid in advance, you will need to attach itemized receipts to your application.
- Timing - Please expect funding, if granted, within 12-15 business days, but it might be slower during times of high volume. Please fill out applications in a timely way. Please email Elaine Orozco Hammond with questions.
- Confidentiality - All information provided will be kept in strict confidence.