Creating an ASHE Endowed Fund

The endowment campaign for ASHE represents an unparalleled opportunity to advance excellence in higher education research, practice, and policy. By investing in ASHE’s future, donors will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of higher education and making a lasting impact on our members students, scholars, and our field of study. Together, we can build a brighter and more equitable future for higher education and the individuals it serves.

Join us on this transformative journey as we lay the foundation for a stronger, more dynamic, and more influential Association for the Study of Higher Education. With your support, we can make a significant difference in the lives of countless graduate students and early-to-mid-career scholars and practitioners scholars and foster a thriving higher education landscape for generations to come.

ASHE community members and supporters interested in creating an endowment fund with a gift of at least $5,000 can support ASHE members in a variety of ways. Some examples of potential endowments include creating a Graduate Student and Post-Doc Travel Scholarship, Dissertation Research Grant, Research Seed Fund Grant, Mentoring and Professional Development Grants. We also recognize that donors may have an interest in funding other opportunities beyond those listed and we welcome conversations about how your donation can make an impact on the field.

Graduate Student and Postdoc Travel Scholarships

ASHE recognizes the importance of nurturing emerging scholars and leaders in the field. That’s why we proudly offer the Graduate Student and Postdoc Travel Scholarship, a program designed to support promising graduate students in their pursuit of knowledge and professional growth. 

The Graduate Student Travel Scholarship to ASHE Annual Conference is an initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to outstanding graduate students eager to attend the ASHE Annual Conference. This grant is a testament to our commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and excellence in higher education research and practice. 

The grant covers essential expenses such as conference registration, travel, accommodation, and meals, easing the financial burden for recipients. Attendees gain access to cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and networking opportunities with leading experts in higher education; engage with a diverse community of scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, fostering a rich learning environment; showcase their research, gaining valuable feedback and exposure; and forge lasting connections with mentors and peers, enhancing your professional network and opening doors to collaborative opportunities.  

Those interested in supporting graduate student professional development can create an endowed grant. Endowed gifts require at least a $10,000 donation (over and up to 5 years), with an initial expected annual award of $400. With an endowed gift, the donor can set general requirements for the travel grant, within legal parameters and ASHE policy. Donors of an endowed travel grant can choose to name the grant.

Travel Scholarships to ASHE Conference provide financial assistance to outstanding graduate students and postdocs to attend the ASHE Annual Conference. This scholarship is a testament to our commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and excellence in higher education research and practice. 

Dissertation Research Grants

Embarking on the journey of dissertation research marks a pivotal moment in any scholar’s academic career. ASHE is committed to supporting and nurturing this critical phase through our new Dissertation Research Grants program. This initiative is designed to provide vital financial assistance to outstanding scholars and scholar-practitioners pursuing innovative research in the field of higher education. 

The ASHE Dissertation Research Grants program is a cornerstone initiative dedicated to fueling groundbreaking research projects that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in higher education. This grant is a testament to ASHE’s commitment to fostering scholarly excellence within the field. 

By supporting the Dissertation Research Grants program, you directly contribute to the development of future leaders and scholars in higher education. Your generosity empowers researchers to pursue innovative and impactful research that shapes the landscape of higher education. 

Members interested in leaving a legacy with the Association can create an endowed grant. Endowed Grants require at least a $10,000 gift (over and up to 5 years), with an initial expected annual award of $400. With an endowed Grant, the donor can set general requirements for the grant. Donors can set criteria for the dissertation grant to support the study of particular topics. 

Research Grant

 In the dynamic landscape of higher education, pioneering research plays a pivotal role in driving progress and innovation. The Research Seed Fund Grant is a cornerstone initiative dedicated to fueling groundbreaking research endeavors within the ASHE community. The Research Seed Fund Grant is a catalyst for transformative research projects in the realm of higher education. This grant is designed to provide critical funding and support to early-career scholars and researchers poised to explore new horizons, push boundaries, and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field. 

The grant offers vital funding for research projects, covering expenses such as data collection, equipment, travel, and stipends for research assistants; encourages scholars to delve into uncharted territories, fostering creativity and innovation in the pursuit of new knowledge; facilitates the development of essential research skills, methodologies, and collaborations necessary for the success of the project; and seed-funded research often lays the groundwork for larger, more comprehensive studies with the potential for high-impact publications. 

Members interested in leaving a legacy with the Association can create an endowed grant. Endowed Grants require at least a $10,000 gift (over and up to 5 years), with an initial expected annual award of $400. With an endowed Grant, the donor can set general requirements for the scholarship. An endowed gift of $10,000 will allow you to create a named Research Seed Fund that will be awarded annually. Donors can set criteria for the seed grant to support the study of particular topics.

Mentoring and Professional Development Programs

In the complex and dynamic landscape of higher education, mentorship and professional development play pivotal roles in shaping the careers and aspirations of emerging scholars and beyond. ASHE is dedicated to fostering a culture of mentorship through our comprehensive mentoring and professional development programs. These initiatives are designed to connect experienced mentors and senior scholars with eager mentees, creating a supportive ecosystem that nurtures growth, learning, and success that are needed to navigate academic and policy careers. 

ASHE offers over a dozen annual mentoring and professional development programs. These workshops, seminars, and programs are built to provided structured interactions, personalized guidance, and meaningful collaborations in order for participants to gain valuable insights, develop critical skills, and navigate their professional journeys. 

By supporting ASHE’s Mentoring and Professional Programs, you contribute to the development of a diverse, dynamic, and empowered community of scholars and professionals in higher education. Your commitment to mentorship has a lasting impact on the individuals and the field as a whole. 

For a full list of current mentoring and professional development programs please see: www.ashe.ws/events 

Members interested in leaving a legacy with the Association can create an endowed grant. Endowed Grants require at least a $10,000 gift (over and up to 5 years), with an initial expected annual award of $400. With an endowed Grant, the donor can set general requirements for the scholarship. An endowed gift of $10,000 will provide crucial support to these programs.