The John Parke Young Initiative on the Global Political Economy funds student research, unpaid internships, and conference travel related to world affairs or the global economy. All current Occidental students, in any major, may apply.
Young Student Grants come in two types: Academic Year Grants for domestic conference travel, workshops and unpaid internships, and Winter and Summer Grants for research or unpaid internships during the breaks.
Academic Year Grants (up to $1,500)
- Funds: Unpaid internships, travel to conferences, workshops, or colloquia within the United States during the academic year. International travel is not eligible.
- Deadline: Rolling. Apply at least 4 weeks before the event starts.
Winter and Summer Grants (up to $4,500)
- Funds: Independent field research, including data collection for Senior Comps, or unpaid internships during winter or summer break.
- Deadlines: October 15, 2026 for Winter 2026–27. March 15, 2027 for Summer 2027.
- Internships: You may apply before you have an acceptance letter, but funds are released only once we receive it.
Before You Apply
- Topic: Every project must address an international topic related to world affairs or the global economy, even when the travel is domestic.
- Quality: Applications are reviewed competitively by the Young Student Grant Committee. Well-designed proposals are prioritized; topic fit alone is not enough.
- Departmental funds: If your department offers grants (Politics, Economics), you must apply there first. Students in departments without funding are especially encouraged to apply.
- Destination: We do not fund projects in countries or cities under a U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory of Level 3 or higher. before applying.
- Recommendation: The online application automatically sends a recommendation form to your faculty advisor.
- Info session: Attend a Young Grant Information Session or watch (PW: U7xDl?T&).
If You Are Funded
- Human subjects: Research involving human subjects must be approved by the College’s Human Subjects Research Review Committee before it begins. To receive funds, submit your documentation requesting approval to the Young Student Grant Committee. See the HSRRC-IRB page. Note review process could require significant time so plan accordingly.
- Travel clearance: Funding is contingent on completing the International Programs Office Mandatory Online Clearance Process for Independent Research.
- Report and showcase: When your award ends, submit a written report covering your activities, results, relevance to the Young Initiative’s mission, and budget, and present at the annual Young Student Grant Showcase. Details are in your award letter.