The Career Kickstarter fund supports the financial needs of students associated with conducting a job search. The fund can cover transportation, lodging, or clothing for interviews. Each student applying for Career Kickstarter funding will submit a budget describing what is being requested. Funding amounts vary based on need and requested budgetary items. The Career Kickstarter fund was envisioned and funded by a generous donation from JMU alumna Christine Cruzvergara. 

Who is eligible?

• Current degree-seeking JMU students.
• Students must be in their senior year, or graduate students enrolled in at least 9 credit hours. (First-year, sophomore, and junior students are encouraged to apply for our Unpaid Internship Scholarship for funding support instead.)
• All majors and programs of study.

Who is not eligible?

• Students taking courses at JMU who are not enrolled in a degree program or who are just here for the semester.
• Previous winners of the Career Kickstarter fund through the University Career Center are not eligible.

• Check the eligibility requirements listed above before completing your application.
• The application must be complete and submitted by the deadline: Friday, April 14, 2023 at 11:59 pm. The application can be found on the Madison Scholarship Hub and includes questions about your job search goals and budget for the items you request. 
• Applications will not be reviewed until after the deadline. Incomplete or incorrect applications will be disqualified, and they will not be returned to you for revision. Remember, you are responsible for ensuring the application is complete, correct, and on time. 

• Although multiple students will be awarded funding, the application is selective, and applicants are not guaranteed funds on the basis of applying.
• Our selection committee consists of University Career Center staff members.
• Multiple criteria, including financial need, quality and thoughtfulness of application answers, and explanation of budget request, are considered.

Funds are distributed by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships. Funds will be applied toward any outstanding bills, including your tuition first, and you can select online how you will receive the remainder. The disbursement process begins once you are notified that you have been selected as a Career Kickstarter recipient.

Recipients will be asked to either schedule a career advising appointment with a UCC staff member or attend a group workshop about their job search.

If you have any questions about the Career Kickstarter funds or application, contact Alyssa Hawley at adamsar@jmu.edu.