Student Opportunity Fund - Student Application

Exterior of Feliciano building

The Ellyn A. McColgan Student Opportunity Fund provides up to $1,500 for Feliciano School of Business undergraduates to participate in immersive, experiential learning opportunities that build business leadership skills – particularly for students with demonstrated financial need.

Eligible expenses include:

– Course fees for faculty-led study abroad programs via the Global Programs office. **Applications for any Spring 2026 faculty-led study abroad programs are now closed.
– Travel expenses for international or domestic experiential learning.
– Registration fees, lodging, and related expenses for contests, case competitions or challenges, or conference travel.
– Expenses tied to unpaid internships e.g. meals, transportation, and housing.

Questions about eligibility? Email

Student Eligibility:

– Students may apply for a one-time grant of up to $1,500.
– Enrolled undergraduate with a major in the Feliciano School of Business.
– Cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher and in good academic standing.
– Financial need as confirmed by the Office of Financial Aid. Current FAFSA is required.

Further guidance

Student Application Process

All funding requests must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date funds are needed. Awards are granted on application merit and impact, financial need and fund availability.

To apply individually, students must:

  • Review all requirements and guidelines.
  • Secured verbal support from a member of faculty or staff (to be confirmed in the application process).
  • Complete the application form below and upload an itemized budget.
  • Agree to submit a post activity report.

Individual student application form

Student Clubs applications

The Selection Committee meets monthly to review applications and applicants will be notified soon after. All funding requests must be submitted at least 30 days prior to the date funds are needed to allow time for review.

Funds are dispersed via:
1) Course-related costs (e.g., study abroad) will be applied directly to course fees.
2) Direct purchases via university-approved vendors (e.g., bus hire, catering).
3) Reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses (e.g., travel, food). Receipts are required and must follow university guidelines.

If an application is approved, further instructions regarding payment and fund disbursement will follow.

Further details

Recipients must submit a post-activity report (within 30 days) which may include:

● Written or video testimonial describing the activity and how it advances your career
● Photo diary
● Participation in recruitment events
● Creative formats encouraged
● Donor thank you letters are recommended

Post-experience reporting helps the Feliciano School of Business measure impact, share success stories and encourage additional applicants.

I need financial support for an activity that is not listed above. May I still apply?
– Email with an outline. We will let you know if the experience is eligible for funding.

May I apply for more than $1,500?
– Support for individual students is capped at $1,500.

Which study abroad programs are covered by this funding?

– Currently the funding is only elgible for faculty-led programs through the FSB Global Programs Office for Spring 2026.

May I apply for funding for an experience I have completed?
– No. All funding must be submitted and approved in advance, retroactive funding is not available.

I’m a graduate student, may I apply?
– At this time, the fund is only open to undergraduates. We hope to expand the fund in future years.

My experience is in less than a month, can I still get funding?
– We strongly recommend submitting your proposal at least 30 days before your experience. If your timeline is shorter please email to let us know your application is time-sensitive.

What happens if the actual costs differ from my proposal?
– If the cost is lower than estimated: You will only be reimbursed for the actual cost.
– If the case that the cost is higher than estimated: Email to determine whether the additional expense can be approved; reimbursements are generally limited to the approved amount.

Can I claim sales tax?
– Montclair State University is tax-exempt. Sales tax cannot be reimbursed.

Further guidance

– A post-activity report or digital summary is required within 30 days (see above).
– Funds must be used only for approved expenses related to the experiential learning opportunity. Any unauthorized expenses are the responsibility of the awardee.
– If the awardee is unable to complete the approved experience, the funds must be returned within 30 days.
– Financial reporting and receipt submission must be completed within 30 days of the incurred expense.
– Unspent funds must be returned within 30 days of the experience’s conclusion.