The Professional Work Experience Access Grant (PWEAG) Pilot will provide supplemental funding to students participating in approved PWEs where employer compensation falls below defined thresholds. This may include unpaid opportunities through the established waiver for pay process.
Key Principles
- All supported experiences must continue to meet existing PWE eligibility requirements, including employer-provided compensation with limited exceptions
- Funding is supplemental to employer pay, not a replacement
- The grant is intended to support students, not subsidize employers
Target PWE Pay by Location for AY 2026 – 2027
- North Carolina: up to $5,000 for a full-time PWE
- Out-of-State (U.S.): up to $6,000 for a full-time PWE
Supplemental Grant Approach
Student awards will be calculated based on:
- Employer-provided compensation
- Geographic cost considerations
- Any additional funding received (institutional or external)
Example:
- Student earns $3,000 from employer (NC-based experience)
- Grant provides $2,000 to reach $5,000 target
Process and Administration
Application:
- Students will apply through a structured application process requiring:
- Initial meeting with the Director of Career Alumni and Employer Engagement before finalizing the opportunity
- Description of the opportunity (must meet PWE standards)
- Location of experience
- Employer memo confirming:
- Graduate-level work
- Defined learning outcomes
- Supervision plan
- Application link can be found here.
- Applications are considered complete when students have submitted the following:
- Grant Application
- PWE without pay memo submitted via Canvas
- Applications are considered complete when students have submitted the following:
Award Decision Process:
- Grant decisions and award amounts will be determined by the Director of Career, Alumni & Employer Engagement, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs, and MPA Program Director.
- The Access Grant Team will determine grant awards based on the following criteria:
- Completed Application: Applications must be fully completed to be considered.
- Organization Type: Priority will be given to local governments and nonprofit organizations.
- Ability to Provide Substantive Work Experience: Organizations must demonstrate their ability to provide graduate-level, substantive work experiences that align with PWE goals.
- Availability of Grant Funds: Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Applications are reviewed as they are received and once all required materials have been submitted.
- Organizational Capacity: Ability for the organization to hire the student and distribute funds.
Process of Awarding the Grant:
- The host organization will hire the student through their standard processes and serve as the employer of record for the grant recipient.
- The School of Government Business Office, in collaboration with the MPA Program, will prepare a Service Agreement with the host organization and disburse grant funds to the host site.