The High Impact Experience grant program supports students in accessing applied learning opportunities beyond the classroom. The grant program aims to reduce financial barriers that may hinder a student from participating in a high impact experience.
High Impact Experiences:
Civic Engagement
Work-Related Learning/Internships
Faculty/Student Research
Study Away
Entrepreneurship
Leadership
Funding requests must align with Muskingum University’s six categories of high-impact experiential learning (see HIE definition chart):
- Civic Engagement – Community projects, service programs, or leadership in civic life.
- Work-Related Learning – Internships, practica, or on-campus employment with significant skill application.
- Entrepreneurship/Innovation – Starting an organization, developing solutions, or creative projects.
- Faculty-Student Research – Departmental or independent research under faculty guidance.
- Study Away – Study abroad, faculty-led tours, or national exchange opportunities.
- Leadership – Significant campus leadership roles, leadership academies, or team captaincies.
To be eligible, an experience must:
- Be of sufficient duration and intensity to provide meaningful growth.
- Include structured reflection on personal development, skill application, and impact.
- Require students to publicly share outcomes with peers, faculty, or staff.
Capstone requirements embedded in degree programs are not generally eligible for HIEG funding, including:
- Student teaching
- Clinical rotations
- Internships required for the major
- Senior seminar or other culminating courses
While these are valuable, they are degree requirements rather than optional, supplemental opportunities. Exceptions may be considered if a capstone includes unique, extended, or cross-disciplinary elements, such as:
- Student teaching abroad
- Internships outside a student’s normal living area requiring additional financial support
- Expanded projects that go beyond the standard scope of the requirement
Additionally, HIEG funds are not typically intended to replace lost wages from missed employment or to serve as compensation for unpaid internships. However, the committee may consider exceptions in special circumstances or when the proposed experience represents an exceptional opportunity for the student.
To be eligible for the grant, students must:
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 and be in good social standing with the university
- Have completed at least one full-time semester at Muskingum
- Be enrolled for the semester they are requesting funding
Each student may apply for up to three High Impact Experience grants throughout their time at Muskingum. These grants are awarded based on financial need, experience costs, and the potential positive impact on the student’s personal and professional growth. Total program funding is capped at a maximum of $2,500 per student.
| Application Deadlines |
|---|
| Application Deadline December 12th, 2025 Funding for February, March, April Experiences |
| Disbursement starts late January |
| Application Deadline February 6th, 2026 |
| Funding for March, April and May Experiences |
| Disbursement starts late February |
| Application Deadline April 3rd, 2026 |
| Funding for May, June, July, August and September |
| Disbursement starts late April |
| Application Deadline August 14th, 2026 |
| Funding for late September and October Experiences |
| Disbursement starts early September Application Deadline October 2nd, 2026 Funding for November, December and January Experiences Disbursement starts late October Application Deadline December 4th, 2026 Funding for February and March Experiences Disbursement starts late January |
Applications submitted after a deadline automatically roll into the next cycle.
Students should apply for the High Impact Experience Grant based on when their funds are due, not just when their experience begins. Because funding cannot be released immediately after a review cycle, it’s important to plan ahead.
As a general guideline, students should apply at least 30 days before they need the funds.
This allows time for:
- Committee review
- Funding decisions
- The 1–2 week processing period for funds to be applied to the student’s account
- Any required follow-up steps the student must complete
Bottom Line for Students
Be mindful of when you need your funds and choose the application cycle that allows enough time for review and processing. Applying early protects you from delays.
Estimated Timing Overview
- Application deadline → Committee review: ~1–2 weeks
- Committee review → Funds posted: ~1–2 weeks
- Total time from deadline to funds available: ~2–4 weeks, depending on student responsiveness
STEP 1: When do you need your funds?
Choose the earliest date that funds must be available.
This might be:
- A program deposit date
- A study abroad payment deadline
- When you need to purchase flights
- When you need to pay for housing/travel for an internship
- When your research costs begin
Write down your “Funds Needed By” date.
STEP 2: Count backwards at least 30 days.
You must submit your application no later than 30 days before the date you need your funds — and earlier is safer.
Example
- Funds needed: March 9
- Apply no later than: February 7
- Recommended cycle: February 1 deadline
- Risk: This is tight — earlier submission is better.
STEP 3: Match your “apply by” date to the appropriate cycle.
Application Cycles
- August
- October
- December
- February
- April
Choose the cycle that comes before your 30-day cutoff.
STEP 4: If in doubt, choose the earlier cycle.
Applying earlier:
- Guarantees review in time
- Gives you more room if payment deadlines shift
- Ensures you receive funding before travel or expenses begin
- Reduces stress
- Review Process: Applications are reviewed by the High Impact Experience Committee. Decisions are made based on the criteria for financial need, funding impact, and personal/professional benefits.
- Decision Notification: You’ll be notified via email about whether your application was approved or denied.
Next Steps for Approved Students:
- Schedule a High Impact Experience appointment with the Impact Center. You will receive an email with instructions to make your appointment.
- Attend the appointment to review stipend procedures.
- Sign an Agreement to Participate with the Impact Center which will outline roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
- Funding Disbursement: Approved funding will be disbursed shortly after your appointment, either by direct deposit (3-7 days) or by check (7+ days after the appointment).
For full details on the High Impact Experiences Grant, please review our policy in the About Us section.
Support the High Impact Experience Grant
Join us in making a difference. This grant is made possible through the support of alumni and friends who believe in the power of experiential learning. You can help create these opportunities by making a gift to support the High Impact Experiences Grant program. Together, we can ensure that every student, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to experiences that will define their Muskingum journey and beyond.
To donate click on the link below:
- Indicate your gift amount in the box.
- In the designation box select “other”
- In the text box, type “Impact Center”