Mount St. Joseph University Launches Career Center Professional Development Fund to Empower Students

CINCINNATI -This fund provides financial support for students' professional needs, such as purchasing appropriate attire, covering transportation costs, and obtaining necessary licenses or certifications.

The Career Center Professional Development Fund aims to "level the playing field" for all MSJ students, particularly those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. With this fund, students can confidently pursue co-ops, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities without the worry of financial constraints holding them back.

"The Professional Development Fund is a game-changer for our students," said Director of the Mount's Career Center, Amanda Meeker. "We recognized that financial hurdles often prevent students from fully engaging in career-building opportunities. This fund directly addresses those barriers and helps ensure that every student can succeed regardless of their financial situation."

Students seeking support can easily apply online by submitting a simple budget and explanation of how they plan to use the funds. The application also features an optional faculty endorsement field to strengthen their request. Unlike many other aid programs, no formal recommendation letters are required, making the process accessible and streamlined for all students.

The fund can be used for a variety of professional expenses, including:

• Purchasing new, fitting professional attire to build a work wardrobe.
• Covering transportation costs to and from internships or co-ops.
• Supplementing income for unpaid or underpaid work experiences.
• Covering childcare expenses while attending work-related activities.
• Paying for professional licenses or certifications required for certain careers.

The fund's initial success is supported by donations from alumni, board members, employees, and even students. A dedicated donation page is available online, making it easy for anyone interested to contribute and make a difference in students' lives.

The fund has already supported two students at the Mount, including senior Jennifer L., a Management & Leadership major, who recently applied for the fund and was chosen by the Career Center. Jennifer said, "I am very excited to have been considered and chosen to receive funds from the Career Center Professional Development fund. It is such a blessing to me."

"These funds will be used to help me get the professional attire I need to stand out in the workforce. The attire will also allow me to put my best foot forward at my upcoming interviews and truly give me the confidence in knowing that I am dressing for the position I want," added Jennifer.

The Career Center Professional Development Fund is now fully operational and open to all students. The Mount will continue to promote the fund through weekly newsletters to students, faculty, and staff, encouraging faculty and staff to identify eligible students who could benefit from this resource.

"We are incredibly grateful to our Mount Community for their support," said Meeker. "Their contributions are vital to the success of this initiative, and we're excited to see how it will continue to grow."

For more information about the Career Center Professional Development Fund or to make a donation, please visit our CEEC Professional Development Fund page here.

About the Mount

As a Catholic institution rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity,Mount St. Joseph Universityexcels at serving the common good. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students at the Mount are inspired to think beyond the classroom and redraw the bounds of what's possible for their futures. This is accomplished through individualized educational experiences, a safe, secure campus environment, and an all-in commitment from faculty and staff to inspire students to reach their highest potential. The Mount fosters life-long learners who serve, care, and contribute to the world beyond their front doors.

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