The YCSA Staff Professional Growth Fund provides financial assistance for activities related to career advancement or job effectiveness through professional development opportunities.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must be a full time or part-time regular employee
- Must have passed their one year YC anniversary date
- Must be in good standing with the college
QUALIFYING EVENTS:
Travel to and/or participation in professional conferences, workshops, expositions, seminars and training; activities related to participation as a member in professional organizations; tuition; expenses related to certification and licensing including course materials, travel, and fees.
If traveling, a Yavapai College travel form will be required once you've been awarded funding.
DEADLINES AND REQUIREMENTS
No requests will be considered after Monday, May 1, 2025.
Applications for the fiscal year 2024-2025 must be submitted thirty (30) days in advance of travel.
- Funding for approved requests is disbursed on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funds exist.
- A staff member may be granted up to a maximum of $750 in a lump sum once per fiscal year subject to budget allocation.
- The amount of funding per request is at the discretion of the YCSA Professional Growth Fund Committee.
- Funds are not transferable to other persons, departments, or divisions and must be used for the requested event during the fiscal year of application.
- Travel planning and payment of expenses will be made through the applicant's purchasing liaison and charged to the YCSA Professional Growth account, if approved.
- Reimbursement for approved expenses will be paid through YC Accounts Payable. A receipt showing how the expense was originally paid is required.
- Proof of tuition payment and passing grade are required for tuition reimbursement.
F.A.Q. Frequently asked questions
1. What if my supervisor declines? It would be best if you discussed the matter with your supervisor. Look at the application together to address any concerns and re-apply.
2. What if I don’t want my supervisor to be aware of my application? This fund is designed to enhance departmental and Yavapai College functions. Therefore, your supervisor is part of the process to determine how your department or the college will benefit from your participation. This conversation can be part of your annual performance goals and check-ins.
3. Will I be denied if I don’t seek other funding sources before applying for these funds? Not necessarily. However, there is an expectation that you will know what other funding sources are available to you, as this is a “last-dollar” fund. Meaning, if your department is willing to pay any portion of your expenses related to this professional development activity, that should be stated on your application. Also, applying to other sources strengthens your application by showing the effort you’ve put into pursuing this opportunity.
4. Is there a FOAP for The YSCA Staff Professional Growth Fund? Yes. For applications that are approved for funding by the YCSA Professional Growth Committee, expenses paid by your purchasing liaison for your travel or training will be charged back to this FOAP by Accounts Payable. Accounts Payable will know to do this because your approval letter is submitted along with your Request for Travel.
5. What is the maximum amount approved for funding? The maximum amount staff may be funded is $750 once per year.
6. If my application is approved, will I get $750? No. The amount of funding per request is at the discretion of the YCSA Professional Growth Committee. Your approval letter will state the funding you received. Your department’s purchasing liaison makes all approved arrangements, and then Accounts Payable will charge those expenses to this fund.
7. If approved for less than $750, can an additional request(s) be submitted until the $750 per year has been exhausted? No. For the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year, once you have received one funding approval, no further requests will be considered for this cycle. This will allow more individuals to benefit from limited funds.
8. Is there a minimum request? No.
9. May I apply more than once per year? Yes, if your previous request was not approved by either your supervisor or the YCSA Professional Growth Committee, you may re-apply.
10. Am I competing against other applicants? No. Your application will be considered based on completeness, your supervisor’s approval, connection to YC values, available staff development funds, your prior professional development funding, and your stated purpose for the professional growth activity.
11. My application was approved. Now what? You and your departments purchasing liaison can start making arrangements for your professional development. Your approval letter serves as documentation for purchases related to your approved funding and must be submitted to Accounts Payable along with your Request for Travel, your Purchasing Liaison's TDR, or your request for tuition reimbursement (proof of payment required.)
12. Do I need to involve my purchasing liaison if I use these funds for tuition? Yes, but let's define tuition:
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If you are actively pursuing a degree, i.e., a bachelor’s, you will need to submit to your liaison: proof of the payment which was made by you to your institution, an unofficial transcript showing a passing grade, and your award letter. They will submit a check request to the AP Department to have you awarded your funds.
- If you are enrolled in a class, training, or conference, contact your Purchasing Liaison to pay for the class for you. They will need a copy of your award letter for their records. If you have paid for the class already, they will need a receipt of payment showing how it was paid and your award letter. They will submit these items to the AP Department, via a check request, to have you awarded your funds.