UGO Student Experience Grants
Apply now for Term 1 funding!
Submit an online application by October 1st, 2023 for Term 1 funding.
We're committed to ensuring that 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 current BCom students in good academic standing 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
Application Process
Submit the 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 letter of impact outlining the skills they developed through the funded experience.
If granted funding, individual applicants and student-led initiatives are not permitted to apply for funding again for a minimum of three academic years. For example, if funding is granted in the 2023-2024 year, an application for the same student or initiative will not be considered again until the 2026-2027 academic year.
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.
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
- Yogmaya Singh & Bhavika Mahtani
- Clara Chu
Sang Le
Sang Le received funds to attend Groceryshop 2022 Conference in Las Vegas Nevada
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
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
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)!
Yogmaya Singh & Bhavika Mahtani
UGO Student Experience Grant recipients, Yogmaya Singh (left) and Bhavika Mahtani (right)
Yogmaya Singh & Bhavika Mahtani used Student Experience Grant funding to launch a new initiative called the Creative Industries Network.
How did this experience impact you?
The Student Experience Grant provided us with a unique experience at Sauder. It opened a lot of doors for us that were initially inaccessible, and allowed us to explore our passions alongside our careers. We discovered the Grant when we were searching for resources to help jump start our initiative of the Creative Industries Network. We both were passionate about a career in the creative industries and due to the lack of existing opportunities, we felt responsible for bridging that gap. After approaching the Undergraduate Office with our idea, we were received with open arms and were provided with overwhelming support. With the funding and guidance from the Grant, we were able to host our very own launch event that not only cultivated our community but built our confidence in leading such an initiative. Since then, we’ve transformed the Creative Industries Network from an event to a CUS affiliated club!
Clara Chu
UGO Student Experience Grant recipient, Clara Chu
Clara received funds to attend the Grace Hopper Conference for women in tech.
How did the experience impact you?
It was eye-opening to see new technology disrupting the world. I had the opportunity to attend the recruitment fair and it's crazy to realize how in demand tech-related positions are – especially when considering the level of diversity in the workforce. In addition, I had the opportunity to meet influential leaders such as Jack Dorsey, co-founder of Square and Twitter.
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: