Professional Development Scholarships
The University Staff Association invites UHCL professional and support staff to apply for Professional Development Scholarships. These scholarships are dedicated to supporting staff growth by funding opportunities that enhance skills, expand knowledge, and strengthen career advancement. Through this initiative, USA is committed to investing in the continued development and success of UHCL employees.
Application Opens: April 20, 2026
Application Deadline: May 4, 2026
Eligibility
The USA Scholarship Committee is seeking applications from qualified members. Financial need is not a factor in selecting a recipient; however, preference will be given to active USA members. Incomplete or illegible applications will not be accepted.
This scholarship is intended for future training or conferences within the next six months.
This scholarship opportunity is open to all USA members who meet the following criteria:
- Must be a full-time benefits eligible employee of UHCL at the time scholarships are awarded and during the enrollment period.
- Must have completed HR probationary period at the time of the award.
- Minimum satisfactory performance rating on the most recent annual evaluation.
- No documented disciplinary actions within the past 12 months prior to application.
- Must submit a complete application packet.
Scholarship Criteria
- Training or conference must align with employee's current role at UHCL.
- Training or conference must be approved by supervisor prior to application.
- Training or Conference must occur within 6 months of application's opening date.
- Funds cannot be applied toward professional membership fees.
- Reimbursement is capped at $500 and it can be issued to individual or UHCL department.
Application and Essays will be ranked based on the following criteria:
- Benefit of the training/conference to employee and UHCL
- Involvement in USA activities
- Objective for taking training/conference
- Correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
Required Documentation
- Completed USA Professional Development Scholarship Application
- Completed essays via the application
- Confirmation of training or conference enrollment
- Copy of payment for training or conference documentation
For additional information regarding this scholarship, please contact Luis Polanco De Leon, our Scholarship Committee Chair, via phone at ext. 3072 or email at polancodeleo@uhcl.edu