Professional Development Funds now available for UMEA members.

Application Guidelines

Application

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Score Sheet

UMEA Professional Development Award

Purpose

UMEA Professional Development awards assist association members in continuing their professional development in support of the University of Missouri Extension mission.

Eligibility
Individual applicants must be:

1. Currently employed with University of Missouri Extension or Lincoln University Extension.
2. Have two years of consecutive employment with the University of Missouri Extension or Lincoln University.
3. Currently a member of U.M.E.A. Additionally the applicant must have been a UMEA member during the two years immediately preceding application.

Criteria
Proposals should be complete and clear, and must exhibit:

1.    benefit to the individual, organization and clientele

2.    individual initiative and creativity

3.    relationship to the applicant’s professional development.

4.    method for evaluating experience.

Priority will be given to first-time applicants.

Amount
Up to $500 per award will be granted.  Funds should offset expenses not covered through other sources. Applicants must submit a budget identifying anticipated expenditures and other sources of financial support, including personal contributions. Awards will not exceed actual expenses.

The number of awards granted will depend on the availability of funds in the UMEA Professional Development Fund.  As reflected in the University of Missouri endowment guidelines, the total annual award distributions should not exceed 5% of the organization’s endowment. The number of awards given during the year will be determined by the UMEA Board during its budget development process.  

Application and Selection Process
After completing the application, individuals must mail the application to the UMEA Treasurer. The applications will be reviewed by the Professional Improvements and Staff Benefits Committee. The committee will make recommendations for action on award applications.

Applications will be reviewed twice a year.  To be considered the award applications must be received by February 1; August 1. Individuals selected to receive grant awards will be notified by March 1; and September 1.

Award recipients will be required to write a short, one page summary of the professional development experience. The report should be sent to the chair of the Professional Improvements Committee. The summary may be used in the UMEA newsletter, website, or other media outlets to promote the organization.