UGO Student Experience Grants

Apply now for Term 2 funding!

Submit an online application by January 28, 2024 for Term 2 funding. Applications are now closed.

We're committed to ensuring you make the most of your student experience. Funding is available to support you to engage experiential learning opportunities and create new student-led initiatives.

Grants are available to partially offset expenses for a variety of experiential learning opportunities, including but not limited to:

  • Participating in a volunteer or service learning program
  • Competing in a case competition
  • Attending a conference
  • Organizing a new event, program or service that benefits other BCom students

Who is eligible to apply?

  • Students currently registered in the BCom program or BUCS program (Combined Major in Business and Computer Science)
  • Students in good academic standing

Application Process

Submit an online application by the stated deadlines. All applicants will be notified no later than October 16, 2023 for Term 1 funding and by February 12, 2024 for Term 2 funding. Successful applicants will be required to submit a photo of the experience/event and a letter of impact outlining the skills they developed through the funded experience, along with an overview of the experience/event.

If granted funding, individual applicants are not permitted to apply for funding again for a minimum of 2 academic years. For example, if funding is granted in the 2023-2024 academic year, the same student will not be considered for funding until 2025-2026. 

Academic concession will not be provided for any student who misses coursework or exams due to any of the funded experiences.

Eligible Experiences and Funding Guidelines

All applications are assessed on an individual basis. However, to give you a better idea of the types of experiences we have funded in the past and the funding guidelines we use when reviewing applications, please see the list below.

Participate in a volunteer or service learning program
Compete in a case competition
Attend a conference
Organize a new event, program or service that benefits other BCom students

Note:

  • Major transportation refers to the transportation it takes to get to the destination (flights, train etc) and is determined based on the cost of a reasonable economy itinerary. We do not cover expenses for local transportation such uber, taxis, buses or subways.
  • Accommodation refers to the cost of reasonable economy hotel rooms or air bnbs, for the duration of the event plus 1 night.
  • We do not cover the expenses for food, souvenirs, hotel incidentals or personal activities.

Past Recipients

Unsure about what kinds of experiences to pursue? Here's how a past recipient used their grant to develop their professional skills and enhance their learning.

  • Sang Le
  • Bineet Agarwal
  • Sam Chen
  • Maggie Tomlinson
  • Mariia Radaeva
  • Yuting Dai & Ciro Wei

Sang Le

Sang Le received funds to attend Groceryshop 2022 Conference in Las Vegas Nevada

BCom student, Sang Le

UGO Student Experience Grant recipient, Sang Le

How did the experience impact you?

As the co-founder of Peko, an “imperfect” grocery delivery startup, I often make key decisions that can drive the direction of my company. However, there is so much to learn as I wear a lot of hats - handling anything from marketing, and operations, to fundraising. As a result, being able to meet industry experts all over North America, coming from firms such as Instacart, Pinterest, Imperfect Foods, PepsiCo, and more has been extremely helpful. Not only did it teach me about emerging trends in the grocery industry, but I also better understand the struggles and growing pains.

Moreover, the conference also allowed me to build my network with top executives (often VP and above), and foster strategic partnerships. For example, I got to connect with the CEO of a reusable packaging company to help further our mission to reduce waste.

I am extremely thankful for this opportunity and thank the UGO for offering me this grant.

Bineet Agarwal

BCom student, Bineet Agarwal

UGO Student Experience Grant recipient, Bineet Agarwal

Bineet Agarwal used Student Experience Grant funding to attend ICSC New York Conference in New York.

How did the experience impact you?

ICSC New York has always been at the top of my list of networking events to attend. I've always heard great things about the ICSC networking events and have always wanted to attend.

Attending the event gave me insight into how the industry looks and operates from the inside. Being able to witness live deals and acquisitions taught me a lot and I took this opportunity to continue to build my network of real estate industry professionals. Not only did I learn about industry trends which I plan to share on my return to Vancouver, but it also gave me the confidence and experience I needed to talk to prospective employers.

Sam Chen

BCom student, Sam Chen

UGO Student Experience Grant recipient, Sam Chen

Sam Chen secured Student Experience Grand funding to attend the Asia Pacific Economic Conference 2022 in Bangkok Thailand

How did the experience impact you?

Attending the 2022 Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) in Bangkok, Thailand was a profound experience that exposed me to diverse perspectives and inspired me to think differently.

As a part of the Voices of the Future (VOF) program, I interacted with other delegates from member economies and learned more about their respective domestic affairs, institutions, and culture. Most notably, I collaborated with delegates from Australia, Mexico, and Thailand to propose policy initiatives for accessible health care reform and pitched it to a panel of experts.

The highlight of the experience was meeting Prime Minister Trudeau to briefly share what we learned and ask him a few questions on domestic policy initiatives (and take a few photos)!

Maggie Tomlinson

Maggie received funding to host the first ever Indigenous Business Conference, in partnership with the AMS Indigenous Business Association. 

Photo of Maggie Tomlinson

UGO Student Experience Grant recipient, Maggie Tomlinson

How did this experience impact you?

The UGO Student Experience Grant provided an invaluable opportunity not only for me but also for over 30 BCom students to actively participate in a day dedicated to economic reconciliation. This funding marked a significant milestone for our club, serving as the initial support we received for the conference and igniting hope that our vision of hosting such an event could be possible. We had the chance to connect, learn, and meet Indigenous panel speakers, Indigenous high school students, and firm representatives. There were 3 rounds of panelist speaker focusing on Indigenous perspectives on economic reconciliation and highlighting the impactful work of these individuals. The Indigenous Business Association anticipates organizing more successful conferences, with the aim of engaging a broader audience of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students interested in gaining insights into Indigenous business practices.

Mariia Radaeva

Photo of Mariia Radaeva

UGO Student Experience Grant recipient, Mariia Radaeva

Mariia received funding to host a new event, the Innovation Fair, in partnership with Innovation OnBoard.

How did the experience impact you?

The experience of organizing the Innovation Fair has profoundly impacted my personal and professional development. It sharpened my leadership skills, teaching me the nuances of event management, teamwork, and effective communication. On a personal level, it was a journey of growth, filled with learning opportunities from mentors and peers alike, which ignited a deep-seated passion for innovation within me. Professionally, this experience has enriched my resume and provided a compelling narrative for job interviews, showcasing my ability to lead, innovate, and inspire. The skills and confidence gained have opened new doors and have been pivotal in shaping my career path.

Yuting Dai & Ciro Wei

Photo of Yuting Dai & Ciro Wei

UGO Student Experience Grant recipients, Yuting Dai & Ciro Wei

Yuting and Ciro both received funding to participate in the AIESEC Canada National Congress 2024.

How did the experience impact you?

Yuting: it was my first time being in the capital of Canada, and I got to meet some of the most inspiring young leaders from across the country (TMU, U of Calgary, U of T, etc.). We shared our personal stories, our AIESEC journeys, our new ideas for this organization and eventually why we stay and connect with the AIESEC values — cross-cultural understanding and leadership. It gives me chills everyday meeting people who are similarly passionate about creating a real impact on people and the world, and seeing how our passion is translated into actions and operations numbers

Ciro: The National Congress was a transformative event where I had the privilege of not only participating but also being recognized with the prestigious National Contribution Award in AIESEC in Canada, sponsored by RBC Future Launch. This acknowledgment of my year-long dedication and growth within AIESEC was immensely gratifying, reinforcing my commitment to furthering my impact while leveraging AIESEC's partnership with RBC Future Launch. Professionally, the conference provided a platform for me to hone essential skills such as pitching, public speaking, and leadership. Through various sessions and activities, I had the opportunity to practice and refine these skills, equipping me with valuable tools for my future endeavors.

Other available sources of funding

You may also be eligible for one or more of the following sources of funding at UBC. Consider applying for the grants that are most applicable to your individual or group need:

CUS Competition and Conference Fund (CCF)
The UBC & AMS Global Fund
AMS Fund
Walter Gage Memorial Fund
CCEL Grants for Community Projects
UBC Community Engagement Funding
UBC Sauder EDI Action Fund

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Are entrepreneurial pursuits eligible for funding?
Am I able to fund my Go Global/Exchange experience?
I’m attending a Case Competition/Conference that is outside of the lower mainland. How many nights am I able to request funding for?
I’m attending a Case Competition/Conference. What elements of my experience are eligible to be included in my budget request?
I’m applying for the grant for a team activity, but my teammate paid for everything.
I am applying for the grant for a team activity. Does this mean that my entire team is ineligible to apply for further grant funding for the next three academic years?
If the committee decides to fund my application, however I do not accept, would I still have to wait three academic years before applying again?
As an applicant for a Student Led Initiative, what should I be cognizant of in my application?
How will I receive funding from the UGO Grant?

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