The MIT Student Assistance Fund

The MIT Student Assistance Fund is intended to provide financial assistance for all Joint Program students towards certain incidental expenses such as travel and equipment purchases which is not available for one reason or other through the student's principal advisor.

Who is Eligible

The Fund is for the use of all Joint Program students, no matter what discipline, no matter what department they are enrolled in.

What the Fund can be used for

The following categories are allowable:
Laboratory equipment UNDER $500
Computer equipment UNDER $500
Field Instrumentation UNDER $500
Travel to Scientific Workshops and Meetings

What the Fund Cannot be use for

Student stipends
Tuition Assistance
Major equipment purchases or leases (i.e. NO PURCHASES OVER $500)

How to Submit a Proposal

Funds can be accessed by a short written proposal from the student stating clearly the type of assistance, why it is needed, what it will be used to pay for, and a proposed budget. A letter from the principal advisor must accompany and support this request. No action will be taken without both the request and the letter of support.

In case of travel to workshops and meetings, students needing to present a talk or a poster would be given preference over those wishing to attend for experience alone, and we would expect that the advisor would cover 50% of the total costs of attending the event.

A typical request would be in the range of $1,000 - $2,000.

Where to Send a Proposal

Please send your written proposals to Paola Rizzoli via email at rizzoli@mit.edu.

If you have any further questions regarding this Fund, please contact Paola Rizzoli at 617-253-2451 or at her email address.