Developmental Grant Application

The Department of Rec Sports’ Developmental Grant Program is designed to support and promote continuing education and professional development by providing funding for our student staff/part-time staff/volunteers to participate in educational opportunities that will be of benefit to the Department and its members.

Application & Interview Dates

Fall 2023

      • Oct. 27: Applications Due
      • Nov. 7 – 10: Interviews

Spring 2024

      • Feb. 23: Applications Due
      • March 4 – 5: Interviews

Summer 2024

      • June 7: Applications Due
      • June 12: Supervisors Form Due
      • June 13-14: Interviews

Common Questions


Part-time employees or Sport Club volunteers who:

      • Have worked one full semester with Rec Sports
      • Have a positive work history, are not under disciplinary probation, nor have been suspended
        or terminated by any area in the Department.

No individual is eligible to receive a grant more than once per academic year. Non-student employees
are limited to being funded twice, with at least two years between the awards.

Applicants can apply for funding for any type of developmental opportunities that would ultimately be
of benefit to Rec Sports and its members. Previously funded activities included:

      • Local, regional, state and nation conferences, workshops and seminars dealing with recreational
        sports, sport management, fitness, outdoor recreation, officiating, aquatics and current issues
        relevant to the campus community. This includes but is not limited to diversity, risk
        management, people with disabilities, etc.
      • Training/certification programs which enable the grant recipient to provide a service, educate,
        train, and/or certify Rec members or other Rec staff.
      • Assistance funding a professional speaker, coach, trainer, etc. to speak to groups/organizations
        either virtually or in-person.

Requests can be for either upcoming or past development opportunities, but the activity must occur within the current fiscal year to be approved for funding. Texas A&M University’s fiscal year runs September 1 – August 31. If awarded funding, the department will be able to either directly pay for the development opportunity requested for funding based on the amount awarded, or reimburse the grant applicant for the amount awarded.

The application process involves an electronic application found on the Rec Sports website (see below) and an interview/presentation made to the Developmental Grant Committee, both complete by the applicant. The applicant’s supervisor will also be asked to complete an evaluation form to give the committee feedback. The application deadline and interview dates for each application period will be posted at the beginning of the fall semester each school year.

The electronic application can be found on this web page, below. Applicants will also be asked to upload 1) a current résumé that includes Rec Sports work history, and 2) a screenshot, registration form, or other documentation that provides information about the event for which they are requesting funding. All applications should be submitted before midnight on the application deadline for the given application period. Late applications will not be reviewed. Completed applications will be forwarded to the applicant’s supervisor for confirmation of eligibility.

The interview/presentation is held in-person with the Developmental Grant Committee. Interviews are scheduled on specific dates chosen by the committee for each semester’s application group. If potential applicants are unavailable on the interview dates, they may apply during the next application period. After the submission deadline, applicants will be contacted via email to sign up for an interview time. Emails will be sent to the email address on the application, and interview slots are filled on a first-come basis. A computer and projector will be available for use during the interview. Professional attire is expected for interviews. Applicants should prepare a computer presentation lasting approximately 10 minutes and be prepared to answer questions from the committee. Suggestions for things to include in the presentation: Details on what exactly the funding request is for; an explanation on how the activity will benefit both Rec Sports and the applicant; details about what will be learned or what skills will be gained; Breakdown of what the funds will cover. Please include a timeline of the expected requirements for your development opportunity (i.e. when will you purchase materials, register for course, complete certification, etc.)

There are no minimum or maximum amounts on funding requests, but requests may be fully, partially, or not funded based on the committee’s recommendations each application period. It is typical for applicants to pay at least a nominal amount towards the total costs of their developmental opportunity. Funding will adhere strictly to Texas A&M University rules and regulations and may only be used for the specific date(s), activity, and purposes listed on the application. Changes must receive written approval from the committee chair.

Note: The Rec Sports Developmental Grant cannot be used to cover tuition or student fees for academic courses.