Colburn Student Opportunity Fund

Colburn Student Opportunity Fund is sponsored by University of Florida, Bob Graham Center for Public Service. The Colburn Student Opportunity Fund offers need-based support to undergraduate students at the University of Florida who have secured experiential learning opportunities in civic engagement, public leadership, public policy, and public service outside of Alachua County.

Colburn Student Opportunity Fund - Bob Graham Center for Public Service Colburn Student Opportunity Fund The Colburn Student Opportunity Fund provides need-based support to undergraduate students who have secured experiential learning opportunities. This opportunity is closed.

The Colburn Student Opportunity Fund provides need-based support to undergraduate students who have secured experiential learning opportunities in civic engagement, public leadership, public policy, and public service beyond the confines of the Alachua County community.

Eligible expenses may include, but are not limited to: Awarded amounts may range from $750 – $1,500 depending on the funds available and the financial need of a Colburn applicant. Applicants from any undergraduate major and college at the University of Florida may apply. Pell-eligible students are encouraged to apply.

Preference will be given to students with demonstrated financial need and those who have not yet had the chance to engage in experiential learning. Each application will be evaluated using a rubric to ensure fairness and consistency.

Enrolled, full-time degree-seeking undergraduate at UF Identified experiential learning opportunity outside of Alachua County related to civic engagement, public leadership, public policy, and public service. Students will be required to upload proof of their application or acceptance for the experiential learning opportunity.

This may include a conference registration receipt, offer letter, application receipt, etc. Note that while you may apply for funding before being selected for the opportunity, proof of acceptance is required before any funds can be disbursed. Please see below for application dates and timelines. Please read this page completely before beginning your application.

For your convenience, you may access a copy of the application at the following link: Application PDF Apply by visiting the following link: Colburn Opportunity Fund Application Application Dates and Timelines Application windows for the 2026-27 academic year are as follows.

Applications submitted outside of the funding windows will be considered during the next cycle, so be sure to plan accordingly depending on the dates of your learning opportunity.

October 26 – November 15, 2026 (funding decision by December 4, 2026) January 25-February 21, 2027 (funding decision by March 5, 2027) March 31 -April 18, 2027 (funding decision by April 30, 2027) Recipients will be required to sign a contract stating the funds will be used for the specific experience they applied for.

Recipients will also be required to provide an impact statement within two weeks of completion of their experiential learning opportunity. A beloved professor of history and Provost Emeritus at the University of Florida, Dr. David R. Colburn served as the director of the Bob Graham Center for Public Service from 2012 to 2019.

Throughout his time serving the Center, Dr. Colburn built academic and civic programs, leadership initiatives, and dozens of research opportunities for undergraduates. His emphasis on the importance of experiential learning for students led to the creation of the Colburn Student Opportunity Fund. Please email Professor Rebecca Burton with any questions regarding the Colburn Student Opportunity Fund.

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