Description

The SOT recognizes that supplemental training experiences facilitate the successful entry of graduate students into a professional position in toxicology. The Supplemental Training for Education Program (STEP) provides funding up to $1,000 to cover costs associated with additional training related to toxicology that addresses the student’s identified skill gap. Closing the skill gap will enhance the student’s career opportunities. Applicants will identify professional development workshops, short courses, or events that would help with this unmet need (see SOT website for suggestions and previously funded experiences). This supplemental training must be outside the available resources of the applicant’s graduate training and research program and be related to career goals. STEP funding should not be requested to refine a dissertation project-related technique, to attend a professional society or scientific conference, or to supplement an internship. The toxicology skill gap desired to be fulfilled via STEP may be related to the student’s field of study, but it must be a training opportunity or activity that cannot be met by their graduate program and is not primarily intended to contribute to the completion of the student's thesis project. 

Administered by the Education and Experiential Opportunities Committee, three awards of up to $1,000 per recipient may be given at each deadline. Deadlines are April 15 and September 15.

Eligibility Criteria

The applicant must

1. Be enrolled in a PhD program in toxicology or related field at the time of application and have a) completed at least four semesters or six quarters in the program and b) successfully passed the comprehensive examination (or equivalent) to reach PhD candidacy.
2. Be a SOT graduate student member at the time of application (or have an application pending) and a SOT student or postdoctoral member at the time of the experience. Note that members may retain student member status for twelve months after completing their PhD.
3. Designate an activity that begins no sooner than six weeks following the application deadline.

NOTE: Students may apply for all awards for which they are eligible. However, they will only receive funding from one SOT source for a specific activity.

Award Criteria

Awardees will be selected based on:

• Alignment of the proposed activity with STEP goals.
• Scope and relevance of the proposed professional activity to career goals in the field of toxicology.
• Value of the proposed experience to support the student’s career goals. 
• Applicant academic achievement in both coursework and research pursuits.
• Strength of recommendation from their graduate mentor. 
• Demonstrated financial support to complete the activity if costs exceed $1,000.

Application Requirements

1. Applicant will submit the online application including;
   • Written statement that briefly summarizes their research projects, career goals, how the STEP activity adds value to their career pursuits, and why this training is not available as part of their current program.
   • Budget, budget justification, support available, and any additional funds required.
   • Evidence of commitment of institutional, personal, or other funds to cover costs exceeding $1,000. If the experience is expected to occur after completion of the PhD, address whether the funds to cover excess costs would still be available.
   • A CV not to exceed five pages.
   • An uploaded copy of graduate transcripts (unofficial).
   • A letter of support from the host/organizer of the supplemental training experience describing the availability and details (e.g., content, duration, cost, etc.) of the training. This letter is not needed if the experience is organized by an established organization and detailed information is available online describing the experience (i.e., a formal course/program that has open admission/enrollment or an experience that has a dedicated webpage describing the training experience).
2. The applicant’s PhD advisor will receive an email with a link to complete a support form in SOT Apply indicating:
   • Approval of the applicant’s participation in the defined professional development activity. 
   • The date the applicant passed the comprehensive/qualifying exam and anticipated defense date. 
   • The relevance and value of the activity to the applicant’s career goals. 
   • Why the proposed activity is beyond the scope of the training needed to complete their graduate research project. 
   • Why this activity cannot be met by the trainee’s graduate program.
   • The availability of funds (e.g., institutional commitment) proposed to cover costs in excess of $1,000, if applicable. 
3. Award recipients will complete the experience no later than a year after the deadline for which the application was submitted.
4. Award recipients will be reimbursed after the activity has taken place. To receive reimbursement, a completed reimbursement form in compliance with the SOT Reimbursement Policy and receipts confirming payment will be sent to SOT within two weeks of completion of the funded activity.
5. Award recipients will provide feedback on their use of the award and the value of the experience towards their career development to SOT in the form of a blog. These reports are submitted through SOT Apply.

Questions? Contact SOT Headquarters.